Find financial help from SOS Resource Center.
Some examples of the services from SOS Resource Center include free clothing and basic needs from a food pantry/thrift store, referrals to local churches and public aid for bills. There is also free Preventive Health Care, information on government grants such as LIHEAP, and emergency rent or housing. There are other financial programs from SOS Resource Center listed below as well, some or all of which may be provided to clients based on the resources available.
When an applicant is found qualified for aid, only small amounts of support will be provided. Then, as time goes on and the client proves the ability to meet goals in place, the SOS Resource Center may offer further assistance to the Waukesha County resident.
Food and nutrition from SOS Resource Center
During the week of Thanksgiving, underprivileged residents are given hot meals and other food, such as Turkeys and the toppings, so that they can celebrate the holiday. Food is distributed according to the size of each client’s family. In some cases, an applicant also receive a gift card for the purchase of a turkey at a local grocery store. Find more details on help with Thanksgiving.
The SOS Resource Center Food and Basic Needs Program helps feed the hungry by offering free groceries, meals, and information on benefits. The resource will also assist people in crisis with basic needs around clothing, hygiene items, and the like. So in addition to providing food, there are blankets for the homeless, warm winter jackets, and backpacks. When applying for help, some of the following may be required.
- U.S. Or International Drivers License.
- Immigration or citizenship ID for all household members including any immigrants in Waukesha County.
- Social security card, copy of lease or mortgage statement, income and more.
The Sussex Area Outreach Services Resource Center pantry will not only provide free food, but staff will help the family check for eligibility for Federal Nutrition programs such as WIC, USDA commodities, SNAP food stamps and school lunches for children among others. They also hold nutrition classes. This assistance is available in English as well as Spanish.
Financial support and workshops for stability
SOS Resource Center also tries to provide monetary support for clients who have received a disconnection notice for utility service or an eviction notice from their landlord. The agency also helps uninsured individuals obtain prescription medication during emergencies. In addition, free financial education classes are offered to clients to address the root cause of their crisis.
In order to receive some form of a grant for their rent or other bills from the agency, applicants must provide proof of residency in Waukesha County (lease or mortgage documents), photo identification, documentation of all bills and expenses for the preceding 30 days, proof of income. Social Security cards for all household members, and a current bank statement. Additional documentation may be required.
Household Furniture as well as car seats for kids may be offered by local thrift stores or clothing type closets. When available, needy clients need to stop in the pick up any household items and furniture they are entitled too. But SOS Resource Center will try to provide the goods at no charge. There can be bedding for new homes, cribs, car seats, small appliances and more.
There are some locations that partner with SOS Resource Center to make this program as effective as possible. In fact, in contrast to other charity organizations in Waukesha County that receive donated goods, the thrift store/clothing center will do its best to give furniture at no cost or free car seats to low income families to clients identified as needy through a number of service organizations. This service is offered without regard to religious affiliation.
Sussex Area Outreach Services (SOS) Resource Center Budget and Credit Counseling covers an array of topics to help low-income as well as working poor families improve their financial situations. Some of these include planning and implementing budgeting techniques as well as Smart Tenant. The workshops held will also help people recognize and avoid predatory lending; reducing existing credit card debt; open savings accounts; and developing strategies for saving.
Many families in Waukesha County need assistance in understanding and improving credit scores. Many studies show that having a higher credit rating eliminates a major barrier to finding employment as well as suitable housing, as many companies and landlords screen for this. Participation by the client in all sessions is required.
Applications for help
The SOS Resource Center and food pantry are open limited hours and days of the week. For more information, the phone number is (262) 246-9860 and location of the center is at N64 W23760 Main St. in the Civic Campus building, Sussex, WI 53089.
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