Giving HOPE financial assistance programs.
Denton County families facing eviction, or the homeless, can get help from Giving HOPE. The non-profit will also try to provide assistance to other residents that are facing poverty or living on a very low income. The assistance is wide ranging and includes everything from emergency financial aid to case management and employment advice.
One service, known as the 30-90 Day Assistance Program, addresses rent and housing needs in Denton County. Giving HOPE will offer limited amounts of financial assistance to people who are homeless, and this may be a grant to pay for a security deposit. Other emergency money may be available to pay for a partial back rent expense in order to prevent an impending eviction.
The funds are for those that meet income limits and are facing a one-time crisis, such as loss of employment, unexpected auto repair, or some form of medical emergency. Other conditions in place is that participants must follow program guidelines as set forth in the grant stipulations, including attending follow-up appointments, developing and following a budget, as well as adhering to family service plans. In addition, it is a requirement that the Denton County family has the desire and ability to establish or regain their self-sufficiency.
The length of time spent in the 30-90 Program is dependent upon on each client’s willingness to adhere to guidelines, how long it takes them to gain self-sufficiency and participate in activities. All household members become eligible for additional assistance twelve months after completing the program, with recommendation from the director and the Giving HOPE program manager.
Funded with a federal grant and with support from the stat of Texas, the Giving HOPE Emergency Food and Shelter Program provides short-term financial assistance to Denton County residents who are struggling. The aid is to help them with making rent payments due to a documentable emergency leading to financial hardship.
As with almost any funds ever paid out by any charity, clients must show that they will be able to begin to work toward the goal of achieving stability after receiving rental assistance from Giving Hope. Program benefits are limited to a single month’s rent payment, or the homeless may receive help for the deposit due for a new, low income home. Additional support services include help with developing a budget and creating a future financial plan of action for gaining the ability to resume paying rent.
Transitional Housing provides both a place to stay to work towards stability and then eventual rent and utility bill assistance. Clients also benefit from long-term intervention, intensive case management, training in basic financial and decision-making skills, and guidance in setting goals and developing a plan to achieve them.
The goal of this program is once again on helping the client maintain permanent housing and get their financial condition back into place. In cooperation with local community housing partners, HOPE, Inc. provides rent payments, access to affordable apartments, and a utility allowance for several families.
Clients are responsible for paying security deposits for their transitional housing, plus 30 percent of their adjusted gross income as their portion of rent and utility payments. Assistance is dependent on the availability of funding, and whether space is available in the program.
To be eligible for the Giving HOPE Transition Housing Program, applicants must meet the following criteria. They need to have minor children in the household, fit the HUD definition of being homeless, both willing and able to work, and also motivated and able to do what it takes to build the skills needed for self-sufficiency.
Self-sufficiency from Hope will help people deal with significant barriers to obtaining stable housing, such as having poor or no work history, needing a GED or job skills training, a past eviction or credit issues barring eligibility for renting an apartment, and/or temporary health issues.
Financial planning as well as education are the basis for HOPE's services. The non-profits Housing Counseling Solution guides low income qualified clients through the process of exploring options in regard to housing, delinquent rent and other financial issues. A key out take is the client developing a plan to take action.
To avoid failure due to getting into unaffordable housing, Housing Counseling teaches good financial management skills, especially in cases involving controlling and abusive relationships. The skills and advice the agency can provide can make all the difference in a family’s long-term success or failure. This service is open to anyone in need of help, and is not limited to those receiving financial assistance. However, anyone receiving financial assistance is required to participate in Housing Counseling.
Phone number and location
For more information on the agency or its programs, Giving HOPE is located at 306 N Loop 288, Denton, TX 76209, and can be reached at (940) 382-0609.
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