It’s hard to feel optimistic about the economy when one report states that it’s on its way up, some say it’s still in a recession and others say there has been no change. Regardless of what the “experts” say, many are still struggling to find and maintain affordable housing and at the same time being able to provide food and other household supplies for their family. Tri-CAP offers housing assistance programs and there are many other programs within the community that offer housing and food assistance as well as other household items.
Tri-CAP offers a program called Renting 101, which provides classroom training and individual counseling where the participant will learn about the rental process. This program is extremely beneficial, because it allows the participants to obtain their credit report and learn how to read it, understand lease agreements and learn about their rights as tenants. The knowledge gained is empowering and can aid in the search for affordable housing as well as teaching how to repair any negative rental history.
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) and the Emergency Food and Shelter Programs work with people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. Persons living in shelters are also eligible to apply for this program. The programs’ purpose is to stabilize the customers’ home situation, by offering assistance with damage deposits or first month’s rent, as well as budget counseling and mortgage assistance. The programs in 2009 alone served over 500 households. The guidelines and eligibility requirements for these programs are posted on Tri-CAP’s housing page, and an application can be obtained by printing one from the website or by calling Tri-CAP’s main office.
There are also other programs within the community that can aid people struggling with affordable living. Angel Food is a “non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States.” The Angel Food program provides high quality food products, from the nation’s top food suppliers, at an affordable rate. The cost of one box of Angel Food costs $30 but would be worth about $65 at a regular grocery store. One box of food, on average, can feed a family of four for a week, or an adult person for about a month. There are absolutely no income restrictions when ordering Angel Food, no forms to fill out, and no limit on how many boxes one wishes to order. “There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.” The program is perfect for those on a budget and looking to save wherever they can. While Angel Food helps out with food costs, the Program Harvest Outreach can help with household items and food. The program is offered every third Thursday of the month and participants would be able to received one pick-up per family of surplus food and household items.
Whether the economy is up or down, the need for affordable housing aid will always be there. With Tri-CAP’s programs and the programs within the community, relief is available. The programs offered at Tri-CAP and in the surrounding area are excellent resources that will aid customers in saving their homes, finding a new home and keeping their living affordable.
Resource Links:
Harvest Outreach – http://www.rivercenterinc.com/pages.asp?pageid=76465
Angel Food – https://www.angelfoodministries.com/
