Where can you go as a single mom to find the right help when you need it? If you live in Indianapolis, Louisville or Fort Wayne, cash, food and free grant money is still available through government and state programs if you qualify. If you live in Huntinburg, Linton, Hillsboro, Bass Lake, Plymouth, Rushville, Morrefield, Madison or any other small town area, you may still get some help. Below are the programs and some additional ideas that might help.
CASH – The Indiana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may be a program that can give you supportive assistance when you really need it. If you have tried this already and you don’t qualify, consider moving to a larger city where the availability of jobs is greater. You may also consider asking a close family member or friend to give you a loan temporarily, if you have every intention of paying it back. You may be able to get a quick cash loan with a car title but the interest will be very high.
FOOD – The Indiana food stamp program is still available to those who qualify. http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2691.htm. If you live in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke and LaPorte Counties, you may be able to get food from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. www.feedindiana.org. Or call 2-1-1. If you live in and around Muncie, you may get assistance from the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana.
GRANTS – The federal grant program helps many that would not normally be able to afford college. Fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for starters.www.fafsa.ed.gov.
UTILITY BILLS – The Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may help you pay to heat your home in the winter. You can fill out an application to see if you qualify. http://www.in.gov/ihcda/files/CAPS.pdf.
MEDICAL – Indiana Hoosier Healthwise is a health insurance program for Indiana children, pregnant women and low income families. To qualify you must not be covered by other health insurance. http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2998.htm