Tuscaloosa County assistance programs.

Resources and organizations to turn to for aid

Thousands of people across the area and Tuscaloosa are struggling in today’s weak economy. The good news is that are several different charities, organizations, and other agencies that they can turn to for aid. Some of these places include the Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. and also Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services. Find information on the programs and services they offer below.

Assistance from Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services

Many struggling people are referred to this agency. For those who are referred to TES by a county social worker, the agency tries to provide them help any way they can, including assistance for paying a utility bill, food aid, and even free clothing. Last year, the agency had new space heaters to give, and they will distribute them as they have unit. And the demand across the area for help is tremendous.

Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa County is located at 1705 15th St.. They provide resources and help for utility bills through Project SHARE. In addition, they also distribute food, clothing, heating bill grants, and other items to people with referrals. Also contact them at 205-758-5535. The utility aid program is sponsored and funded by both Alabama Power and Alagasco.

 

 

 

Help with bills and rent

Another place to turn to is the Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Some of the programs they offer are below. Contact them at (205) 752-5429 to learn more. They also have an office at 601 17th Street , Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Food Vouchers - This is provided to help families stretch their food dollars and ensure they eat nutritious meals. The CSP community action agency has partnered with several local charities, agencies, non-profit agencies, and churches to provide families with their food needs.

Mortgage, rent and eviction prevention resources - Mortgage, rent, and housing counseling services are offered to struggling families. Some of the programs offered include include pre- and post-purchase counseling, rental counseling and grants, mortgage default and foreclosure prevention, and even home improvement and rehabilitation and counseling to the homeless. Community Service Programs of West Alabama bring different resources and services to the needy. They utilize budget and debt management programs, provide help with credit card debt, energy conservation, weatherization, and home maintenance information in the housing counseling process.

They will help people with mortgage problems, and those who are facing a foreclosure. In the case of default and delinquencies on a loan or housing payment, CSP will first works with the clients of the agency to identify the source(s) of the problem and they will then helps the client search for resources within their means to correct the financial deficiency and get back on track When necessary, clients who are part of the agencies’s programs are counseled about avoiding potential eviction proceedings and/or stopping foreclosure and saving their home. CSP utilizes internal resources, programs offered by banks and lenders, credit card hardship programs, services for housing clients, and more to help people. They can also decide to refers clients to other community resources so that the family can make their rent or mortgage payments.

Help with heating and utility bills - CSP also offers several different assistance programs to assist individuals and families with paying for their high energy bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Project SHARE, Alabama Business Charitable (ABC) Trust Fund, and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) all have programs that will assist people with home energy and heating bills.

Weatherization program - This is a free program to local families. The program provides energy conservation and saving measures to houses at no cost to the homeowners. These measures that are provided for free may included sidewall, attic, and floor insulation, compact fluorescent light bulbs, air sealing around doors and windows, minor roof repair, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and even carbon monoxide detectors.