Assistance programs from Monticello Area Community Action Agency.
The Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) is a Central Virginia nonprofit that has worked since the mid-1960s to reduce poverty and improve financial stability for local families. MACAA’s current services include emergency financial help, food, affordable shopping options, early childhood education, and transitional housing among other programs.
A focus is on people from the City of Charlottesville as well as the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa Virginia. They can turn to the Monticello Area Community Action Agency for assistance with details listed below.
Emergency help with bills or food from MACAA
One of MACAA’s most requested services is Emergency Assistance for struggling households facing a short-term crisis. This program serves residents of Charlottesville VA, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties. When qualified and resources allow, there may be financial help with utility bills such as electric, water/sewer, and gas. Households should review the limits before applying, as rarely (if ever) will the emergency help be for rent or other housing costs.
- The agency focuses on people experiencing a temporary crisis beyond their control and that assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis after documentation is complete. Applications are submitted through the agency’s 24/7 client kiosk, with staff from the community action agency available to help people who do not have reliable internet access. MACAA has moved heavily toward this digital intake. Since funding is first-come, first-served, the kiosk is the fastest way to get a timestamped application in. Program details are at https://www.macaa.org/emergencyassistance and contact information is at [email protected].
MACAA operates the Fluvanna Food Pantry in Fork Union. The pantry allows qualified households to pick up groceries once per month at no cost, as inventory allow. MACAA also requires guests to complete an intake form before the first visit and then annually. The pantry’s posted hours vary, but generally include Monday afternoons, Wednesday and Friday late mornings into early afternoon, Thursday afternoons, and a distribution on the third Saturday of each month.
For people facing homelessness or that are currently unhoused, MACAA’s Hope House Family Navigation program provides transitional housing. This is a temporary place to stay. The program is also paired with coaching, information on job programs and skill-building. The community action agency will offer clients the following such as Credit counseling and Financial Education workshops. Or other topics may be debt reduction and job search assistance.
- MACAA tries to ensure that participating families receive housing in Charlottesville/Albemarle with program services, while paying a nominal monthly fee (basically minimal rent) for the transitional housing. The agency eligibility expectations include, but are not limited too, being homeless or imminently homeless. The program can also help a parent with dependent children in custody, living in MACAA’s service area for at least six months, working at least part time or being enrolled in a qualified post-secondary program, and meeting other program requirements.
MACAA also runs the Fluvanna Thrift Store, located alongside the food pantry at the Carysbrook Complex in Fork Union. The thrift store sells mostly gently used low-cost clothing and household items. In addition to selling items, donations are accepted by appointment only and at staff discretion, with donors asked not to leave items outside the building.
- The inventory, and use of the thrift store, is an option for families or local residents (regardless of income) who need affordable essentials - as the price of goods is reduced. The store may also be used for community members looking to support MACAA’s anti-poverty work through shopping or donating.
Programs focused on youth and kids
MACAA also supports school-age children through the Nelson After School program, offered in partnership with Nelson County Public Schools. The program operates at Rockfish River Elementary and Tye River Elementary for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, Monday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Among services that may be provided include homework help, activities, outdoor play, and snacks. There is generally a minimal fee involved.
For teens preparing for life after high school, MACAA hosts Project Discovery. This is a free college and career readiness program for students in grades 9 through 12. The program is intended for students who will be the first in their family to attend college and those from low- and medium-income households in the area. In addition, activities for participating students and families are free. The program’s overview is at https://www.macaa.org/projectdiscovery, It also often operates directly within the local high schools (Charlottesville High, Albemarle High, etc.).
Contact information
For anyone trying to reach MACAA directly, the agencies main phone number is (434) 295-3171. The address is 1025 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22901 as well as 8878 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, VA. Contacting them is the fastest way to confirm eligibility rules, current funding availability, and hours that may change seasonally.
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