Whitfield County assistance programs.

Locate various programs that will help with paying bills.

The North Georgia Community Action Agency has several resources that people can use to get assistance in today’s difficult economy. A sampling of the programs are below.

Community Action Community Services Block Grant is grant that can be used to provide a range of services to help people deal with short term financial hardships and crises. Some of the services provided include rent assistance, nutrition, making better use of available income by budgeting, health care, obtaining and maintaining adequate housing, health services, achievement of self-sufficiency, prescription drugs, community affairs, transportation, and more. For example, some of the assistance available through CSBG includes rent, food, prescription medication, utility bills, and transportation. Learn more about prescription drug programs.

Weatherization Services funds are used to help families save energy and improve the living conditions of their homes. This energy saving program was created by the federal government to reduce home cooling and heating expenses by improving energy efficiency and ensuring the health and safety of homeowners. Priority for aid is given to low-income elderly as well as disabled individuals.

Some of the free improvements offered to homeowners include :

• attic insulation
• replacement and installation of more energy efficient appliances.
• caulking
• weather-stripping
• attic and wall insulation
• minor heating repairs

 

 

 

Another option is The Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This was created to provide financial assistance and cash grants to low and middle income families and individuals in order to help them offset the increased costs of home heating during the winter season and also cooling bills during the hot summer.

Of all the aid offered by the North Georgia Community Action Agency, the Energy Assistance program is one of the most highly utilized program. NGCA will provide financial assistance to eligible households to help pay the cost of home energy bills, heating bills, cooling bills, and other energy related services. Benefits provided to each applicant will vary depending on the income level and are based on the rating tool. There are two offerings available, and households may qualify for regular EAP assistance and/or the Energy Crisis (emergency) Intervention Program (ECIP).

People who apply and are accepted can get help with.

• heating oil
• natural gas
• propane
• electricity
• wood, etc.

Contact the North Georgia Community Action Agency at 706-226-7241 for information or to apply for these programs, or to learn what else they can do to help your situation.

 

United Way

The Dalton and Whitfield County United Way provides millions of dollars in emergency assistance every year to local residents. They provide the funds to other non-profit agencies and charities, and people in need of help must apply at these other agencies.

As an example, last year the United Way handled almost 7,500 calls from people who were seeking assistance and referred more than 23,335 individuals to local agencies and charities that might help them. Most of those requests for help were for rent or mortgage assistance, help buying food, or help paying for utility and electric bills.

Contact some of these agencies to apply for assistance. Dalton Organizations of Churches, United for People (DOC-UP), the Salvation Army, Soul Station, the Harbor House, Providence Ministries, Family Promise, DFCS, and St. Vincent De Paul Society.

 

 

Whitfield County Georgia Salvation Army

Salvation Army, which can be reached at 706-278-3966 and is based in Dalton Georgia, offers emergency shelter, rent assistance, Drug/Alcohol abuse rehabilitation, utilities assistance, clothing & free food assistance, and disaster relief services.

Federal government community clinic

The Dalton Community Center can provide the low income and uninsured with access to medical and dental care. The location is a federally qualified health center. The main goal of the clinic is to provide access to health care to people who are uninsured or underinsured, or those who can’t afford to pay for their medical bills.