Social Services Directory

Vehicles for Change, Maryland and Virginia

2008-11-24T19:26:00.002-06:00

Vehicles for Change Inc, (VFC) the mission is to assist less fortunate families who are ready, willing, and able to advance themselves, become financially secure and help others. VFC will assist these families by selling them a reliable automobile at a minimal price and assist in identifying resources to pay for insurance, title, tags and taxes.

Dollars to Dreams, New Jersey

2008-11-24T19:23:00.002-06:00

Dollars to Dreams
Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Your path to economic freedom.

How It Works
Attend an IDA Orientation.
Sign a savings plan agreement.
Open your IDA personal saving account.
Deposit at least $10 per month.
Attend financial literacy classes.
Receive match dollars.

Use your savings, plus the match money to go to school, start a business, purchase a home or a vehicle, or to rent your first apartment.

1800-Charity Cars

2008-11-24T19:16:00.002-06:00

Charity Cars provides donated vehicles free of charge to struggling families willing to work and become self-sufficient, tax-paying members of the community

Applications closed until Jan, 2009

Oportunity Cars: Car's for low income individuals

2008-11-24T19:12:00.002-06:00

Are you looking for a car for a low income family? Opportunity Cars is a network of more than 150 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping low-wage workers acquire reliable used vehicles (including cars, trucks, and vans) to support their ability to find and retain quality employment.

Opportunity Cars programs are located in urban and rural areas in 33 states, and over 10,000 families in 2005 gained access to private automobiles through a Cars for low income families program, transforming their lives and giving them a previously unimaginable level of economic security, safety, and freedom.

There are three primary types of car ownership programs. Some programs acquire used vehicles and distribute them to low income families; some make loans (many with special terms and or discounted rated) available to help individuals with credit challenges purchase a vehicle, and others help individuals save for a vehicle through matched savings programs.

To find out if there are one or more programs in your area to help you with cars for low income families, go to our “Find a Program” section and enter your zip code. Contact each program directly to learn if you are eligible for program participation.

Caring Cars: Car Donations - Alabama

2008-11-24T18:59:00.003-06:00

Family Services Center's Caring Cars program provides cars to lower income families for job transportation. This program is for families who cannot afford to buy a serviceable car or cannot qualify for a traditional car loan. Each family receiving a car will be charged a small down payment and small monthly payments at 0% interest to cover program costs. All cars will be priced at significantly below market value. Approval is based on need (low income & no access to any vehicle), credit history, and application receipt date. Preference will be given to applicants with an active case (regular caseworker meetings) with a local human services agency (referral letter required).

Eligibility Requirements

Please call 551-1610 if you would like to apply for a car. Please do not apply if you do not meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

1. Do not have a car in your household that runs

2. At least 19 years old

3. Currently employed and have been working full-time (average at least 30 hours/week) for last 6 months (months may be reduced by written outside caseworker request)

4. Have child living with you at home, aged 17 or younger

5. Unable to qualify for traditional auto loan anywhere else

6. Permanent legal resident of Huntsville or Madison County

7. Valid Drivers License

8. Willing to participate in local RideShare program (RideShare is a computerized service operated by the City of Huntsville for working commuters. The service links commuters with potential carpooling companions.)

9. Able to purchase state required minimum automobile liability insurance

10. NO DUIs or vehicle-related felony convictions in the past three years
(also applies to your spouse, if he/she is living in your house)

11. Annual gross household income under 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

Salvation Army

2008-11-24T18:17:00.003-06:00

The Salvation Army is known for helping distribute Christmas gifts and food during the holidays.

Just visit their main webpage and search for you nearest office. They have contact info where you could email or call and ask what assistance is available for your area. Contact them as soon as you can to ensure a better chance of help.

Christmas toys and food baskets: San Bernardino, California

2008-11-24T18:10:00.002-06:00

Christmas Assistance Programs in San Berardino and surrounding areas.

Our Lady Of Hope 6885 Del Rosa Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404 909-884-6375 Administration 909-884-8976 FAX
Christmas Baskets
Distributes Christmas baskets to families with Low-income
Area served: All Areas

Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
349 North E Street San Bernardino CA 92401 909-864-4650
Toy Giveaway Previously had a one day toy give away in 2007. Required pre-registration, call for more information
Area Served: City of San Bernardino Only

Chino Neighborhood House
13130 6th Street Chino, CA 91708 909-628-5608
Christmas Toys & Baskets
Program distributes toys and Christmas baskets to low-income families on Dec. 25th from 9 am to 1 pm
Areas served: Chino Only

Catholic Charities of San Bernardino/Riverside
1800 Western Ave. Suite 107 San Bernardino CA 92411 909-880-3625 Service/Intake 909-880-9847 FAX
Christmas Toys Distributes Toys to low income or homeless families.
Areas Served: All Areas
Eligibility: Must bring Identification, Proof of address, Proof of income, Social security cards for every household
member

Aletheian Christian Foundation 12801 Oaks Ave.Chino, CA 91710 909-627-3635 Service/Intake and administration
909-590-1285
Christmas Food Baskets provides groceries (baskets) for a holiday meal to eligible individuals. Must register in
advance. Areas Served: All Areas

Community Action Partnership
696 South Tippecanoe Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92408 909-723-1500 Administration 800-635-4618 Toll-Free
909-723-1560 Service
Christmas Celebration Annual Christmas party for approximately 600 homeless and low-income children
Services Provided: Presents, Food, entertainment and a visit from Santa
Areas Served: San Bernardino County Residents

Santa Claus, Inc. 1330 East D Street P.O. Box 362 Ontario, CA 91762 909-984-6627
Provides toys and clothing for Chaffey School District children. Area Served: Chaffey School District Only

Mary’s Mercy Center Mailing: P.O. Box 7563 San Bernardino, California 92411 909-889-2558 909-386-7704 FAX
Annual Christmas Eve Party
Always Held on December 24th. Program gives over a 1,000 children a picture with Santa, a new wrapped gift and a
bag of candy and the opportunity to participate in a drawing for larger gifts. Each adult receives a wrapped shoe
box filled with toiletries, etc. Areas Served: All Areas

Thanksgiving Salvation Army – Ontario 1412 South Euclid Ave. Ontario, CA 91762 909-986-6748 Service/Intake and
Administration 909-986-9979 FAX
Provides a hot Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day (10:30-2:00) in a congregate setting for low-income families.
Call for details or program changes. Areas Served: All Areas

Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
1614 North D Street San Bernardino, CA 909-881-3382 Administration 909-881-3385 FAX
Thanksgiving Meal Provides low-moderate-income families with a meal at Thanksgiving time. Applications must be
received in advance, late application will not be accepted. Areas Served: All Areas

Our Lady Of Hope 6885 Del Rosa Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404 909-884-6375 Administration 909-884-8976 FAX
Thanksgiving Baskets Provides Thanksgiving baskets for low-income families. Areas Served: All Areas

Aletheian Christian Foundation 12801 Oaks Ave. Chino, CA 91710 909-627-3635 Service/Intake and Administration
909-590-1285
Thanksgiving Baskets Program distributes boxes of food for a holiday meal including a ham or a turkey to low income
families who register in advance to pick one up. Registration begins November 1st until the baskets run out.
Eligibility: must provide Proof of income, Proof of residency, Picture ID, Areas Served: All Areas

Iowa Public Assistance Program

2008-11-24T18:04:00.001-06:00

Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. (MICA), is a private, non-profit organization serving children and families in central Iowa. Its roots stretching from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the MICA of today is the product of over thirty years of innovation and creative response to the ever-evolving needs of families.

Christmas Holiday Baskets: Wisconsin

2008-11-24T17:58:00.002-06:00

Last year, the Holiday Basket Project gave 1,233 low-income families in the area some much-needed season's greetings.

"The whole idea is to just provide a nice Christmas for struggling families, and this year we're thinking there may be more, because of the economic situation," a coordinator Karen Aldinger said.
The 2008 Holiday Basket Project provides a holiday meal and gifts at Christmas to low-income and working-poor families. A nonprofit program of Operation Bootstrap, it accepts applications from local families in need and matches each with a sponsor.

People can sponsor a family with a food basket containing items for a holiday meal or a gift certificate from a local grocery store, plus gifts for the children.
It will cost about $75 to fill a basket for a family of four.

There are about 25 food items suggested to put in the basket, such as a 10-pound turkey, stuffing mix, two cans of pie filling and 12 eggs. It also suggests additional items that can't be purchased with food stamps, such as toilet paper, toothpaste and shampoo. Stocking stuffers, such as washable markers, storybooks, mittens and puzzles, also can be included.
Sponsors will deliver the baskets from Dec. 16 to 23.

"It's a wonderful way for the community to get involved in providing a special Christmas for those that aren't well off and less fortunate," Aldinger said. "It makes (sponsors') Christmas special when they can make someone else's Christmas better."

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stevens Point has been making 75 holiday baskets a year for almost 30 years, said Bonnie Lund, project coordinator at the church.
She sends a letter to the congregation every year, and this year she requested $12,000 in donations for supplies. The church also has a mitten tree, where people can donate mittens and other gifts. Everything goes toward the baskets.
Several youths from the congregation do the shopping

for the baskets.
"What I'm most proud of is that we have so many young people involved," Lund said. "It's ... the wonderful commitment that our church has in reaching out to the community."

To get involved or for more information, call Holiday Basket Project at
344-9950.

Christmas Food Baskets: Illinois

2008-11-24T17:54:00.003-06:00

Requests from low-income residents for a holiday food basket are being accepted by the East Peoria Youth Council.

Request form to send in by Dec, 3rd.

The Youth Council is now in its 27th year of conducting its Christmas Food Basket Program. Approximately 300 baskets were distributed in 2007.

Those eligible for a food basket are low-income families. All recipients must reside in the corporate city limit of East Peoria or in the boundaries of East Peoria Community High School District 309. To keep the program fair, Youth Council members check to make sure those rquesting baskets are from East Peoria or Creve Coeur, and that they are not receiving a basket from other area groups.The baskets contain a gift certificate for meat, canned corn and green beans, pork and beans, macaroni and cheese, brownie mix, gelatin, applesauce, spaghetti and sauce, a loaf of bread, apples, potatoes and other vegetables, soup, peanut butter and corn bread mix.

The request deadline is Dec. 3, and requests must be made on the downloadable form at the top of this page. Forms are also available at EastSide Centre, 1 EastSide Drive, and East Peoria City Hall, 100 S. Main St. Recipients will be notified by mail about basket distribution, set for Dec. 19.
For more information, contact Paula Smart at East Peoria City Hall, 698-4715.

Christmas Offering Program:illinois

2008-11-24T17:17:00.003-06:00

The Goal of our annual Christmas Offering is to provide 3 to 4 weeks of nutritious food and Christmas presents to those living under severe poverty conditions in DuPage & Kane County. Full details on their main page.

The Christmas Store, Free Gifts: Oklahoma

2008-11-24T16:58:00.002-06:00

The Christmas Store of Cleveland County is a community project involving hundreds of people who donate their energies and resources to help low-income families help themselves to a better Christmas.

Just before Christmas a store is set up with donated time, money and merchandise. Here, low-income families can shop for food, toys, clothing and other gifts. They choose what their family wants and needs, not what someone else thinks they should have.They can buy the gifts and food with a fixed quota determined by family size. The individuals pay for these gifts by donating their time setting up the Christmas Store.This allows families to plan their own Christmas and to maintain the self-respect of knowing that they contributed toward their Christmas. Without the Christmas Store of Cleveland County, these families would not have food, toys or clothing for Christmas.

Free Christmas toys: Houston, Texas

2008-11-24T16:54:00.004-06:00

I found this post on Craislist for free toys for the Houston area.

http://houston.craigslist.org/zip/932535910.html

CALL US AT 1-866-213-3134 FOR CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE FOR THE HOUSTON AREA

Toys for Tots

2008-11-24T16:40:00.003-06:00

TOYS FOR TOTS

MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

Request Toys

Avoiding Foreclosure Assistance for Massachusetts

2008-11-24T13:39:00.003-06:00

The following links are from the Massachusetts HUD website.

Guide to avoiding foreclosure
Don't lose your home! Here is some guidance on default and foreclosure prevention.
Housing counseling agencies - counseling on buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages
Are you facing foreclosure? - call the Massachusetts Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance Hotline toll-free at (800) 495-2265 for assistance and guidance
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation - foreclosure resources

New England Mortgage Relief Fund - refinancing option for homeowners experiencing difficulty in making mortgage payments
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New England - get help with budgeting, debt management and credit issues
Massachusetts Appleseed - foreclosure intervention services
MassHousing - foreclosure prevention loans
Massachusetts Housing Consumer Education Center - information and referrals can help resolve housing problems
Boston Department of Neighborhood Development - referrals to foreclosure prevention services
Ecumenical Social Action Committee - intervention assistance for eastern Massachusetts residents
Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - assistance for veterans with delinquent mortgage loans
Massachusetts Legal Services - how foreclosures work and steps you can take
Legal assistance

American Red Cross

2008-11-23T21:19:00.002-06:00

The American Red Cross helps prepare communities for emergencies and keep people safe every day thanks to caring people who support our work.

United Way

2008-11-23T21:16:00.003-06:00

United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations......that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement. Local United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.

It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. So we bring together people from all across the community–government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, the labor movement, ordinary citizens–to tackle the issues. Because we all win when a child succeeds in school, when a family becomes financially stable, when people have good health.