Newton County assistance programs.

Organizations to turn to for help

For people who are struggling in this economic environment, there is some good news. The Newton Fund of The Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta distributes annually tens of thousands of dollars in grants to the The Center for Community Preservation and Planning, which is located in downtown Covington. The money in turn flows to local non-profit organizations. The organizations and charities that people who need help can go to include:

• Willing Helpers Food Pantry — This food pantry helps up to 300 people per week. They provide free or discounted meals and food to low income families. The pantry is open several days a week and several hours per day. The grant will be used to ensure food aid flows to those who need it, and funds will also be used pay utility and other operational expenses of the Pantry to ensure it stays open. Contact them at (678) 342-3434.

• Salvation Army — The Salvation Army provides a wide variety of funds and grants to those who need short term help or who are facing a hardship. The local branch of the organization has a clothing closet, thrift store, furniture bank and food pantry and they can even provide grants and other assistance for mortgage payments, heating bills, utility payments. In addition, apply for free prescriptions and health care for people without medical insurance. Find a listing of Georgia medical centers that they may partner with.

The number and types of the assistance programs offered are very extensive, as the Salvation Army helps over 50,000 people per year locally, the Service Center Director said. The grant that is being provided will be used toward funding its mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention, rent and utility bills assistance program as well as to help supply the food pantry with more meals for low income. Click here to find additional ways to get mortgage help.

Stop by the Salvation Army at 5193 Washington Street Southwest, Covington, Georgia. Or feel free to call them at (770) 786-2107.

 

 

 

• FaithWorks — The organization (phone # 770) 784-1884) provides assistance to low to moderate income residents in Covington. People can apply for grants that can be used for rent and utility bill payments. These assistance programs are also being expanded as a result of the additional funding.

• Washington Street Community Center — This local community center has numerous programs for students and youth. They offer local residents various resources, including about a dozen different assistance and educational programs, one of which is a popular after-school tutorial program. These student and education programs are receiving both grants and will be expanded.. Executive Director Jackson said the grant money will be used to pay operational costs and purchase teaching aids and materials to improve the enrichment programs. Call them at (770) 786-4002.

 

Porterdale CARE — Community Assistance Relief Effort

The city has allowed the creation of an organization that provides help, Community Assistance Relief Effort, or CARE. The group was created from an idea of offering utility bills, rent, and other assistance to city residents who are in need. The group has joined with Friends of Porterdale, since it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations would then be tax deductible.

Water department hardship forms have been updated to include a box people can check if they would like to apply for Porterdale CARE funds. The organization will then then contact the applicant to see what their specific need is and what type of bill they need assistance with. They will gather personal information so assistance is not duplicated in the same household. To apply or learn more call (678) 859-2496.