Helpline of Wayne County Indiana assistance programs.
Resources from the Helpline of Wayne County can help individuals or families that are trying to exit poverty. The non-profit service provides referrals only, and is a leading organization to contact for information on federal government as well as state benefit programs, such as LIHEAP or weatherization. They also provide details on self-sufficiency type resources to the needy, with a focus on employment and education.
The non-profit Helpline call center service supports residents in the counties of Fayette, Wayne, and Union. While they can’t help everyone due to limited resources and restrictions in place, if the agency can’t assist they may provide referrals to other local charities, or maybe even a faith based organization.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is available in the service area. It provides support to the elderly that meet income limits, very low-income families, and the disabled. It can offer limited financial assistance for their rent. There is also case management services for clients in accessing safe, decent and sanitary housing. A key goal is on placing choices in the hands of each individual participant, rather than having an organization such as a public housing authority choose for them.
There are some restriction in place, including around the condition of the dwelling or apartment selected. It needs to meet HUD and Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority requirements. Inspections may be required, and the rent charged to the tenant by the landlord needs to be reasonable. The Helpline of Wayne County may be able to answer some questions, but the referral service will be most effective here.
For families from Wayne and nearby counties that are approved for a voucher, the federal government and Section 8 pays a housing or rent subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant. Note the family still pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount of the government subsidy, so they will still have costs due.
The Section 8 Program in Wayne and Union County is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are also several state agencies or local county municipalities like IHCDA that act as program administrators in areas of the state of Indiana where there is no Public Housing Authority.
There are also community organizations that process and approve applications and interact with program participants. In the Helpline service area, all of Union County and that part of Wayne County that is located just outside the Richmond City limits are served by IHCDA.
As many households know, the high costs of heating a home during the cold Indiana winter can often pose a hardship for low-income residents. The Helpline of Wayne County will refer households to an Energy Assistance Program. This will assist families, the elderly and individuals who meet program income guidelines with paying a portion of their utility bills. There may be aid offered for natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, and/or regular electricity.
The idea that each household in the region should be responsible for paying a portion of their energy expenditures is central to EAP programming. Really, at the end of the day, each participant should pay as much as the situation allows throughout the year, so EAP will only partially assist.
Eligibility for any grants from Helpline of Wayne County partners may extend to households paying for heating sources as a portion of monthly rent. The federal government benefit amounts are determined according many factors, such as income, the number of people in the home, age, and more. In addition to all of that, the energy assistance program also considers the type of dwelling and type of heating fuel used.
Grants from EAP does not require a past due heating bill or disconnect notice as proof of eligibility. Also note that this type of financial assistance cannot be used for paying deposits or reconnection fees. Applicants experiencing crisis situations, such as extremely low supply of bulk fuel, a shut off, impending disconnection, or another crisis can visit the local community action office. There are sites in Fayette, Wayne, and Union County as well.
While funding levels will vary, EAP program dates are set to run from the first week of November through the end of May. Any cash assistance from the Helpline affiliated partners is limited, so the ending date could be earlier than the last day of May.
During the hot summer months, say from June 1 through September 30, the Summer Cool Program from the state of Indiana provides assistance as well. Families may receive it in the form of electric utility credits and/or free air conditioners.
Weatherization has provided for the addition of energy conservation and efficiency measures. This is another federal program that is focused on the homes or even apartments of low-income families in Wayne and other counties. It is for those who would otherwise not have the resources to obtain such alterations.
The funding for this originates with the federal government Senate and House Energy and Water Appropriations committees. All money from non-profits associated with the Helpline is used to provide the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry.
Head Start is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services. This is available as a comprehensive preschool program for children under the age of 6. It is offered at no cost to income-eligible (100 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines) families.
The goal is to provide developmentally appropriate curricula to promote the development of young children in order to fully prepare them to enter school, whether preschool or kindergarten. This is accomplished through Helpline of Wayne County agencies as well as teachers working with local educational partners. Everything offered will follow a developmentally appropriate curriculum, tailored to that student. It can also address health care needs, such as medical and developmental screenings and assist with healthy meals and snacks.
EHS - Early Head Start helps younger children and pregnant women. What is offered is a free, individualized child development and family service program. This is available as either a center or home-based option. The comprehensive services offered enhance children's physical, social, emotional, language, and intellectual development.
Information may also be provided from the Helpline on state of Indiana benefits. There are many grant based resources available, but they are short term, temporary in nature. A combination of state and federal funds from programs such as TANF or SSI disability (as well as many others) can help pay for basic needs. Everything from food to housing or transportation or just some examples of services provided, and referrals can be given to these resources in Wayne County. Or residents can learn about other public assistance programs in Indiana.
Other human services may be offered by the Helpline. This can be for unemployed or low income families. Some are for parents of Head Start qualified children as well. The non-profit can arrange for Job Skills Training (for those who have earned a GED or a High School diploma). There may also be vouchers for Medication and Prescription Assistance for people with life-threatening conditions. Or looking into applying for government benefits, such as food stamps or SSDI disability.
The Location of Helpline of Wayne County is at Richmond, IN 47375. For referrals or more information dial (317) 926-4357.
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