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Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Lynchburg assistance programs.
Grants, loans, and case management is offered to low income and struggling families. Find how to get financial help for paying bills. There is free food from churches or charities in the Lynchburg and central VA region, rental assistance or funds to pay utility bills from non-profits or the government Social Services Department, free medical care from clinics, and other support.
Other assistance can include free back to school supplies or backpacks for students or even computers. There may be Thanksgiving meals or Christmas dinners or toys, or even furniture banks for items. The goal of these agencies in Bedford or Amherst County, whether it is a church, charity, or government office, is to help the family gain stability over the long term.
Lynchburg Community Action Group, Inc. offers services for residents of the entire region and surrounding counties. The services in highest demand are listed below.
- The Emergency Assistance Program may be able to offer cash grants and/or financial assistance to families as well as individuals who are faced with imminent eviction from their homes or apartments, or who are faced with a disconnection of their utilities. There are conditions that need to be met, including income requirements. The agency will provide only one-time per year cash assistance or voucher payments to be used for the payment of services such as electricity, water, gas bills, wood, or cooling bills.
- Emergency rental assistance is offered to tenants who have an eviction notice from their landlord or apartment manager.
- Utility bill assistance includes money for paying electric and water bills. Support is only provided if someone has a cut off or disconnection notice. Proof of income is required too.
- The non-profit partners with other non-profits across Appomattox and Amherst counties, as well as other regions. Together they administer various assistance programs including programs for paying rent and mortgages, with a goal of preventing evictions and foreclosures, as well as utility disconnections.
- Medications may be offered for free or low cost by the Meds Project. Qualified residents can receive vouchers to buy needed prescription medications, drugs or other health care supplies. Many local pharmacies participate with the program, and the medications can help with heart condition, cancer management, hypertension, blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Food, clothing, and household items are offered from a food pantry as well as free clothing closet. Many local grocery stores and food banks donate items, which are then distributed to needy residents. Some of what can be obtained includes staples such as paper towels, soap, toilet paper, basic toiletries and cleaning supplies.
- Free food items distributed include boxed and canned items, fresh fruits and vegetables and meats. Area churches in Amherst County and other areas, as well as organizations and individuals also donate. They provide in-kind donations for clothing closets and household furniture, small appliance, linens, and more.
- The Center for Employment Training can offer students and people looking for jobs with Job Search Readiness Training. Staff will help you access grooming, proper clothing, set of computers, communication skills, etiquette, and allow you to practice your interview techniques.
- Another similar option is the Employment Services Program. This is for underemployed, people who do not have a job, or even for those who desire a career change or new skills. The services and programs are free, and the goal is to help people find a job and increase their income. There are some entry level as well as jobs that can be worked from home as part of Employment Services.
- Housing Counseling is offered by the Lynchburg Community Action Group. They are a free HUD approved agency. A number of services are administered. Receive access to affordable housing. People facing homelessness, either from eviction or foreclosure, can use the services they offer. Call the group for more on mortgage assistance.
- Weatherization Assistance Program is paid for by the federal government and offers numerous energy conservation measures. This can include, but is not limited to, HVAC replacement and repairs. Services also focus on addressing health and safety measures to low-income homeowners in the entire central Virginia area, including Lynchburg, Campbell County and the city of Bedford.
- Indoor Plumbing repairs and rehabilitation can help upgrade the systems of low-income and working poor homeowners. It is a Lynchburg County Action Agency resource for those who are without indoor plumbing or are in need of upgrading of their pipes.
- Additional interest free loans or grants can be used for other home repairs in the region, including Bedford, Amherst, and Lynchburg. The Community Action Group focuses on the disabled, elderly, and vulnerable. Even find free home repairs for senior citizens.
- The Hand-Up Lodge is located in central Virginia. It is a place for homeless families and individuals, including men, women, and children, to go to for shelter and short term housing. The Emergency Shelter provides a place for individuals and families to sleep, eat and stay, while they look into solutions to their housing crisis.
- The Emergency Transportation Services Program provides transportation services to low-income clients or TANF-eligible families. Programs can help with basic car maintenance, vehicle repairs, referrals, and advice. Click here for more information on grants to pay for car repairs.
- Free income tax preparation in provided by a partnership between Central Virginia Asset Building Coalition as well as the Lynchburg Community Action Group. The service is for people who are eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Their staff and well trained volunteers will offer low-income individuals and family’s access to the Federal EITC and other state and federal income tax services.
- Head Start Program offers preschool educational services to children from low- to moderate- income families who are under 5 years old. Health and dental care, social services, and school preparation are all offered as part of Head Start.
All of the resources above are provided by The Lynchburg Community Action Group, Inc. is located at 926 Commerce Street, Lynchburg Virginia. 24504, phone (434)-846-2778. Click more details on Community Action Agency in Lychburg.
Ascension Episcopal Church offers help as a last resort. Applicants need to have contacted Social services in their county and at least two other non-profit agencies. If you have no other options and are faced with an emergency, get clothing, food, or very small amounts of financial assistance from this church. Dinners are served too. Call (434)946-5498.
Social services – Almost every town and county in Virginia has an office. Find the local state of Virginia Social Service centers below. The government and public programs can assist with utility and cooling bill assistance. Other resources offer free food, rent help, medicine, heating oil and gas, SNAP food stamps and other basic needs.
The local Virginia Social Services office, including in Lynchburg, offers other support too. Cooling bill assistance, including free window fans, may be offered during the hot summer months too. Or learn about Medicaid, Medicare for the elderly, and healthcare resources. There are also homeless prevention and rehousing programs in Virginia. All applicants are screened and an application process is in place.
- Amherst County Social Services, 224 Second Street, Amherst, VA 24521, (434)946-9330
Appomattox County address is 124 N. Court St., Appomattox, Virginia 24522, phone number (434)352-7125
- Bedford County Social Services, 119 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523, dial (540)586-7750
- Campbell County public aid applications are at 69 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, Virginia 24588, call (434)592-9585
- City of Lynchburg Social Services is at 99 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504. Call (434) 455-5850
Helping Hands Ministry is offered by Monelison Ministerial Association. It includes a food pantry and homeless prevention services. Stop by, or call, Madison Heights Baptist Church at 329 Main St. Main number is (434)846-5914.
Interfaith Outreach Association - Provides assistance to low income people faced with utility cut-off or eviction. Also, applicants are guided toward a path of self sufficiency, including employment and training. Phone (434)846-6098.
The Salvation Army Center of Hope in Lynchburg is based at 2215 Park Avenue. Call (434)846-3182. The non-profit charity provides emergency services for a very short term period, and any help depends on available funding. Extended services may be offered to homeless women and their families.
Some of the resources offered here include housing, free meals, food, and counseling. The family services program, which is also offered by the Salvation Army, includes emergency rent and utility assistance, groceries, clothing, and prescription medicine in extreme circumstances. Special services to the needy at Christmas includes holiday meals, coats, and gifts. There are also annual giveaways with free back to school supplies. The Salvation Army of Virginia Disaster Service assist those caught in natural disaster circumstances or fires, and they can receive clothing, food, shelter and other services. Call 434-846-3182.
Appomattox Ministerial Association only covers residents in the county. Call (434)352-8847 for information on financial assistance.
Bedford Christian Ministries administers services to qualified people at most once every six months. Apply for financial assistance for rent (if you have an eviction notice) or energy bills, if you have a disconnection. Location is 217 W Washington Street, Bedford, Virginia 24523, phone number is (540)586-2633.
Lake Christian Ministries, Inc. – Support is offered in the lake area of Bedford and Franklin counties. They provide food, gently used or new clothing, household items and crisis financial aid to residents. 13157 Old Moneta Rd., Moneta, Virginia 24121. Main phone number (540)297-3214
Financial help for rent, shelters, and housing programs are available across the City of Lynchburg as well as all counties. There are government ESG grants, funds to pay back rent or deposits, loans, eviction help and many other resources. All are focused on homeless prevention or rehousing. More on Lynchburg area rent assistance programs.
Piedmont Community Impact Organization partners with Interfaith Outreach, Campbell County Department of Social Services, as well as the Salvation Army of Lynchburg. There are also section 8 housing choice vouchers and resources from the Lynchburg Community Impact to offer emergency rent and utility assistance. Phone number is (434)283-7531.
Free food pantries
First Baptist Church of Monroe is located at 139 Frances Ave. Only has emergency food. All people need to be referred by their local social service agency, or come here for groceries until they officially get food stamps from the state. All aid is one time only. (434)929-3764
Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 401 N Main St., Amherst, VA 24521. Main number (434)946-7624
New Prospect Baptist Church Food Bank – Offers clothing (when available) in addition to food and groceries. 2209 Buffalo Springs Turnpike, Monroe, VA 24574, main number (434)922-7169
Solid Rock Baptist Church – This is the 2nd largest food pantry in Central Virginia, and supports families in Campbell and Bedford County. A soup kitchen is on site too. Food is distributed for free. 110 Church Street, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572, main number is (434)528-0325.
Court Street Baptist Church – Dial (434)847-8209
Churches For Urban Ministry is there for emergency situations. Primary number is (434)846-6098
Lynchburg Area Food Bank works with churches and charities. This center distributes food to pantries and feeding programs throughout the area. The Lynchburg Area Food Bank serves the Counties in the central part of the state including Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell. It also covers the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford. 501 12th St Ste B. (434)845-4099
Smyrna Seventh Day Adventist Church - 911 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504. (434)845-3623
First Assembly Of God Church – Call the pantry at (434)845-0200.
Change Me Ministries and Fellowship – Dial (434)528-4502 for hours and details on food distribution, including perishable items and government commodities.
Fairview Christian Church – Will offer food, formula and groceries up to 6 times per year. Address is 2701 Campbell Ave., Lynchburg, Virginia 24501, phone number (434)845-6031
Hills Church Of Christ Food Pantry is in Lynchburg and can be called at (434)237-3666
Missionary Food Bank Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. Phone (434)352-2440. Or stop by 2330 Rock Spring Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522.
Team Food Pantry – Call (434)239-2102
Candlelight Outreach Church – Services include Christmas Angle tree program, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Also, volunteers deliver meals to shut-ins/disabled/elderly. Address: 243 Jackson Lane, Concord, VA 24538. Telephone (434)993-3677
Bedford Christian Ministries – Telephone number is (540)586-2633
Hyland Heights Baptist Church is operated from 11452 Wards Rd. and is in Rustburg Virginia. Phone number is (434)821-6906
There are many other places that fight hunger and try to feed the less fortunate. Or learn about low income USDA programs such as SNAP food stamps or free lunches or breakfasts for students. Find more free food pantries in Virginia.
Central Virginia health centers
Free Clinic of Central VA – Call for details, but they may provide two free evening medical clinic sessions per week. Other resources administered include specialty medical care and clinics on an appointment basis. Very low cost prescriptions are also available through these healthcare providers for only a minimal $2 fee.
Also look into MedsHelp, which assists individuals with no dental or health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. These patients can receive their maintenance medications from national or local Pharmacy Patient Assistance Programs. Dental exams, hygiene, cleanings, restoration (fillings) and extractions are offered too. Basic eye care is administered. Clinic is at 1016 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA, 24504. Call (434)847-5868 for intake.
As noted, there are a few clinics in the region (including Amherst and Appomattox) that offer free or low cost dental care. But low income patients can also turn to local schools or colleges. As they often have students (who are supervised) that can give some basic dental care as well. Find more details on dental schools near you that take patients.
The Bedford Christian Free Clinic is also available for disadvantaged, poor, and underprivileged, serving the un-insured and very low income as a Christian ministry in health care. No Medicaid, Medicare or disability is provided here. 104 Center St. Bedford City, Virginia 24523. Phone (540)586-3711
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