Lake County assistance programs.

Utility bill assistance

The City of Leesburg Florida offers programs for those who seek utility bill assistance if they meet certain income or other guidelines. In addition the city, other agencies and groups throughout the area will provide help with paying bills. Cash funds and grants paid to those by CURE - which is Leesburg’s utility bill assistance program - state agencies and other local charity organizations totaled about $160,000 in utility payments to the city since October 2008. Churches also provide help to those in need of aid. Dial 352-314-8733.

As an example of where else to turn to, St. Vincent de Paul in Eustis provides grants. They get some money of the money they distribute from Progress Energy to pass out to those in need of help. Progress' money helps many customers in the county, but other can apply for help from any of the various programs available in the area. Dial (352) 589-2603.

Health care clinics

Receive access to medical, dental, and other health care services on a low cost, or sliding fee scale. Community Health Centers, Inc. (CHC) is the organization that runs the program and local clinics, and these facilities are available to all local community residents, regardless of their income, financial or health insurance status. The CHC clinic organizations offer patients access to a reduced sliding medical fee schedule based on a person's total household income and family size. This facility is a non-profit organization that provides patients with access to preventive dental, medical,  and pharmaceutical services at ten practice locations throughout Central Florida, including and Leesburg and Lake County. Call the center at (352) 435-6699.

 

 

 

Free debt and mortgage assistance

Tens of thousands of Florida homeowners are facing a foreclosure, and/or are struggling with paying credit card and medical debts. CredAbility, a consumer credit counseling agency, offers these individuals with access to several different programs. Dial 800.251.2227.

• Debt Management Plan (DMP) - Speak to a counselor to explore this option, which can help with credit card debts, and well as medical and education expenses. The DMP program will provide you with the ability to start paying down your outstanding debt, waive fees, minimizing your payments, interest rates, deal with credit card companies, and address related fees and more.
• Foreclosure programs - If you are behind on your mortgage, and if you need Mortgage Default or Delinquency Counseling, HUD approved counselors can help you through the foreclosure process.
• Budget and credit programs - Learn how to save and budget money, and improve credit scores.

Crisis and emergency programs in Lake County Florida

Contact Lake County Salvation Army at 352.365.0079. They provide low income, unemployed, and qualified individuals with access to a food pantry, occasional utility and summer cooling bill help, housing assistance, and referrals.

 

 

Lake Community Action Agency, Inc. offers low income and other qualified individuals with access to various services and resources. They run grant programs, refer people to both Florida and federal government programs, and provide information on charities and non-profits. (352) 357-3497.

• Emergency Assistance - This community action agency provides individuals with rent help, mortgage and utility bill assistance, referrals and counseling to those experiencing financial difficulties or a hardship.
   
• Weatherization - This federal government created energy conserving program provides insulation, windows and doors for income eligible households, weather stripping, and repair of crack and seals. Improvements made, which are free, will reduce loss of warm or cold air, increase comfort and protect the health of occupants while lowering utility bill and fuel costs.
   
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - This so called Home Energy Bill Assistance option will assist qualified and eligible households in paying for home energy heating and cooling bills, as well as crisis energy assistance and prevent a disconnection.
   
• Social services and counseling - This program will assist low-income families and the unemployed by working with them to develop a plan of action that is uniquely designed for each family in particular situations and helps them become self-sufficient.

Food assistance programs and centers

Regardless of your income, religion, or background, families in Lake County can turn to local churches, food banks and pantries for meals, clothing, and groceries. Every year thousands of individuals receive some form of assistance from the facilities. Two of the leading centers to call are listed below. Or click here for additional food bank locations.

• Food Pantry Lake Cares - This center is in Mount Dora and can be reached at (352) 383-0100. Several resources are offered here.
• Christian Food Pantry - Phone number is (352) 259-0788. Helps people of all backgrounds.