Columbus, GA Financial Assistance
A Guide to Financial Assistance in Columbus, Georgia
Whether you are an individual or a family facing financial challenges, you don't have to feel like there are no options left. Columbus, Georgia, offers numerous financial assistance programs to help those in need. This guide will provide information on government financial assistance options, eligibility criteria, application processes, government subsidies, non-profit agencies, and strategic ways to get out of financial need.
Government Financial Assistance Options
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is a federal program aimed at helping low-income families achieve self-sufficiency. The program offers cash assistance to cater to essential needs such as food, housing, and childcare among others. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) administers this program at the state level.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, helps low-income families and individuals to buy nutritious food. The program is run by the U.S Department of Agriculture and administered locally by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids
These programs provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. PeachCare for Kids is specifically designed for children under the age of 19 in households with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance.
Eligibility Criteria
For most of these government assistance programs, eligibility is often based on income, family size, assets, and the federal poverty level. Eligibility requirements may change based on the funding level of each program and the specific rules set by the state of Georgia. Therefore, it's always best to check the specific program's website or office for the latest eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
Applications for these programs can usually be filled out online through the Georgia Gateway website which is the state's integrated system for public assistance. Alternatively, one can also visit the local DFCS office to apply in person. The processing time differs from one program to another.
Government Subsidies
The government also offers subsidies such as energy-assistance programs and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps families with energy costs.
Non-Profit Agencies
Muscogee County Community Action Network
This organization offers a variety of programs such as housing and utility assistance and provides referrals to other assistance resources.
Columbus Homeless Resource Network
They offer housing assistance and resources to homeless individuals and families.
Strategies to Get Out of Financial Need
Consider seeking employment or additional employment to increase income. Attend skill acquisition programs provided by agencies like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers to enhance employability. Develop a budget and stick to it, perhaps with the help of free budgeting workshops offered by local community centers or banks.
Always remember, there's no shame in needing help. Reach out to these organizations and make use of these resources to improve your financial situation.
Search for Financial Assistance in Georgia
Latest additions in Georgia
American Cancer Society, Columbus Unit
Financial assistance limited to $150 per fiscal year for combined categories of transportation and medications.
Assistance is available while in treatment.
Reimbursement for treatment visits only.
Special assistance is limited to a total of $75 per patient; $40 for a wig & $35 for breast prostheses/or ostomy supplies, certain items are free of charge through loan closet.
Special assistance includes housing and lodging while awaiting treatment out of town
College scholarship available for 2 year or 4 year college for individuals diagnosed with cancer before age 19 and are under age 25
Web based cancer support on www.cancer.org.
Living will assistance and support on website.
Man to Man support group for men with prostate cancer
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4690140,-84.9894130
- Phone
- (706) 324-4573
- Location
- Columbus, GA
American Red Cross, West Central Georgia
* Local &
national disaster assistance; floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and single
family fires* Communication to service members regarding family
emergencies such as critical illness or death of immediate family
members, birth of a child * Health and safety classes* CPR and first aid
training* Water safety training* Offers AIDS awareness* Offers
baby-sitting training* Offers clothing for persons in a disaster
situation* Offers food for persons in a disaster situation* Household
goods are provided* Community disaster education training is offered
(individual, family and corporate disaster preparedness planning)*
Swimming instruction are offered* Provides whole blood and pheresis
donor services; directed and autologous blood services .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.5021000,-84.9584010
- Phone
- (706) 323-5614
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Chattahoochee Federal Credit Union
* Financial
services to the community* Small personal loans to low-income members*
Regular and certificate savings accounts and direct deposits* Financial
counseling for members .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4908450,-84.9681230
- Phone
- (706) 321-0500
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry, Inc.
Rent assistance available the first week of the month only or until funds run out.
Transportation assistance with gas money, car repairs, screened bus tickets, student bus passes.
Assists with Brown Bag of Columbus
Angel food purchases
Work clothes
Medical referrals
Resources for Valley Interfaith Promise, One Columbus, BRIDGE* Scholarships and other student needs
Re-location assistance
Help with other unusual needs
Other services offered
Community Integration
Thrift Shop Referrals
Support Services
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4675860,-84.9615130
- Phone
- (706) 327-2836
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Columbus Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
* Low income
houses that are built and sold without interest or profit, on a 20-year
mortgage to qualified persons .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4686200,-84.9914100
- Phone
- (706) 653-6003
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Columbus Housing Initiative, Inc.
* Eliminates
substandard housing and revitalizes declining neighborhoods through
education and construction of housing* Home buyer education and
counseling program* Home buyer payment assistance program* First time
home buyer down payment program* Home bu .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4666963,-84.9929136
- Phone
- (706) 324-4663
- Location
- Columbus, GA
DFACS--Muscogee Co.
Child protective
services
Foster care for children
Adoptive resources
IMPACT
training for foster/adopting parents
Applications for TANF, food
stamps, adult medically needy, Qualified Medicaid beneficiary
program
Georgia Cancer State Aid Program-funds diagnosis and
treatment for medically needy cancer patients.
Applicants must be
uninsured, under insured and not eligible for full coverage Medicaid;
must meet medical eligibility requirements and financial guidelines. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4834782,-84.9789084
- Phone
- (706) 649-7311
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 56
* Helps with
veteran's claims* Small amount of financial assistance to the needy
when funds are available .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4343280,-84.9510290
- Phone
- (706) 687-0296
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 56-ALABAMA
* Help
with veteran's claims* Small amount of financial assistance to needy
when funds are available .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4343280,-84.9510290
- Phone
- (706) 687-0296
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Edgewood Senior Center
* Recreational activities to
enhance quality of life for adults 50 and older* Transportation is
provided for special events* Income tax assistance is available from
February through April 16 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4879090,-84.9140870
- Phone
- (706) 561-8459
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Enrichment Services Program, Inc.
Commodity food
distribution Emergency or crisis financial assistance Head Start
Weatherization Case Management & Referral for substance abuse & mental
health .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4767500,-84.9807080
- Phone
- (706) 649-1600
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Fountain City Care and Rehabilitation
* Skilled rehab
nursing home, short and long term .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.5357280,-84.9064500
- Phone
- (706) 561-1371
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Georgia Partnership for Caring Foundation, Inc. - COLUMBUS
* Assist with needs of pregnant women below federal poverty
level.
Must not be elgible for other healthcare.* A group of volunteer
provider who donate their services or products to assist persons who are
uninsured low-income living in Georgia that is currently lack access to
health care services* Provides outside resource information and limited
funding that may help with certain diagnostic and laboratory testing
that is not currently donated to the program* Offers one free visit to a
primary care physician within the GPCF network* Offers 100-day supply of
any donated medication or 90-day supply of all insulin products
manufactured by Novo NordiskAdditional Assistance:* Dental Care*
Assistance with locating patient assistance programs for diagnostic
testing or surgery* Assistance with locating other health care agencies
who provide services not available thru GPCF* Education about other
indigent drug programs .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.5085234,-84.9622760
- Phone
- (706) 649-1272
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Goodwill Industries of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc.
Vocational evaluation Work evaluation Work adjustment Supported
employment with natural supports Skills training - Janitorial,
hospitality, clerical, direct care provider, retail, warehouse .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.5282140,-84.9645110
- Phone
- (706) 324-4366
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
* Foster
pro-business atmosphere* Multi-committee available to volunteers*
Topics: .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4690710,-84.9843750
- Phone
- (706) 327-1566
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Health Dept.--Muscogee Co.
Immunizations Lab services
hypertension (Stroke and Heart Attack Prevention Program Clinic Women's
Health Services STDs Infection screening and treatment limited Child
Health services General Health Services include: Hearing and vision
screening .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4834782,-84.9789084
- Phone
- (706) 321-6300
- Location
- Columbus, GA
House of Mercy
* A shelter with 57 beds for men and 39
for women and children (you must stay at the shelter for 30 days and not
be employed)* Lunch at soup kitchen after attendance at church service
(11:30AM, Mon-Sat; 1:30PM, Sun)* Clothing bank* A 10% discount on
greyhound bus ticket for family death, emergency or medical purposes
(must have money before discount can be obtained)* We offer assistance
in obtaining medical an dental care* Help with community clothing and
furniture giveaways three times a week* Holiday meals* Christmas food
baskets* Christmas toys .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4756000,-84.9884780
- Phone
- (706) 322-6463
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
*
Emergency housing assistance for individuals and families affected by
and infected with HIV/AIDS* Helps to pay delinquent rent* Assistance
with first months rent plus deposit* Assistance with mortgage payment
that is past due or on time* Financial assistance utilities * Case
management* Referrals to support services .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4849493,-84.9902126
- Phone
- (706) 571-0132
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Miracles in the City Foundation
* Providing support
for victims and their families during times of crisis through financial
support and prayer ( Example: someone in a car accident that needs
someone to help with food preparations) .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4711930,-84.9308140
- Phone
- (706) 562-8070
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Miracles in the City Foundation
* Providing support
for victims and their families during times of crisis through financial
support and prayer ( Example: someone in a car accident that needs
someone to help with food preparations) .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4711930,-84.9308140
- Phone
- (706) 562-8070
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Mission Columbus Central
* Medical Clinic for Families
with no insurance, Low to no income, must not qualify for Medicaid or
Medicare or have private insurance, Separate intake number*Dental
assistance for not insured persons only, must provide wage inquiry, will
be screened and then sent to Medical Center > then to Columbus Tech for
services.*Eye Exams 1st Friday of the month (subject to change) for not
insured persons only, by appt.
only, Must call first.
Screening for eyes
Mon-Thurs.
8-5 and Fridays 8-12.* Food pantry* Clothing bank assistance
once every three months* Rent assistance (the last $25 or $30)
(appointments made on Monday only from 8:30AM-10AM)* Utility assistance
(the last $25 or $30) (appointments made on Monday only from
8:30AM-10AM)* Prescription drug assistance for heart, insulin, and blood
pressure only* Bus fare or gas money .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4566180,-84.9360440
- Phone
- (706) 507-4672
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Ralston, The
* Federally assisted housing for the
elderly, handicapped, or disabled* Group transportation for shopping and
resident outings* Beauty/barber shop and coin laundry on premises*
Central dining room serving two meals a day* Utilities provided;
telephone not .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4687021,-84.9900382
- Phone
- (706) 322-7331
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Right From the Start Medicaid Project
* Takes
applications for Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) and PeachCare for
Kids for children up to age 19* Takes RSM applications for pregnant
women* Will take applications for Emergency Medical Assistance* Educates
the public about these programs and makes referrals to other resources*
Participates in outreach events throughout the area* Takes applications
for Georgia Partnership In Caring* There are donated medical visits and
medication donations for people who do not have insurance or resources .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4985110,-84.9601110
- Phone
- (706) 649-1271
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Salvation Army, The
* 34 bed shelter for men* Soup
kitchen* Bread daily * Home Sweet Home program: financial assistance for
delinquent rent, mortgage and utilities residents of Phenix City,
Alabama (must reside in the city limits) and Muscogee County, Georgia*
Food Pantry (walk-in)* Limited prescription medications (Chattahoochee
and Muscogee Counties, GA)* Limited medical equipment* Clothing (by
appointment)* Furniture provided in disaster situations (disaster report
needed)* Offers baby items, diapers and baby food* Summer camp for
children* Special camp for HIV/AIDS children* Thrift stores in Columbus
and Phenix City* Distributes food boxes at Thanksgiving (apply during
the month of October)* Distributes food boxes at Christmas and toys
(apply during the month of November) .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4794900,-84.9898530
- Phone
- (706) 327-0275
- Location
- Columbus, GA
St. Anne's Outreach
Food pantry, three day supply of food-once a year only without referral from DFACS
Seven day supply of food-once every three months with DFACS referral (walk-ins for food pantry only)
Utility assistance (not deposit) when available
the last $30 on the past due amount(appointment NEEDED)
financial assistance once every 2 years
Prescription assistance on a one time basis
Blankets given in the winter to anyone in need if available
Fans given in the summer to children with illness or people 62 years and older
Ensure for cancer and AIDS patients (must be referred by Sister Judy at Health Department or any other community care organization or medical doctor)
Pampers for babies and the elderly
Assist with Thanksgiving
Assist with Christmas
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4814610,-84.9363270
- Phone
- (706) 568-1592
- Location
- Columbus, GA
- Phone
- 706 4427326
- Location
- Columbus , GA
Urban League of Greater Columbus, Inc.
* The Urban
League is a multi-racial professional community service agency committed
to assuring equality of opportunity for all citizens of the greater
Columbus area* Provides community economic development* Employment
education and training* Employment Job referral and placement services
are also offered* Housing and family development and consumer education
program offers comprehensive counseling and referral services *
Community awareness* Free Tax help (By appointment only)* Summer youth
academy* Cultural arts* Summer jobs program * Rental assistance* Utility
assistance .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4612060,-84.9915030
- Phone
- (706) 323-3687
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Valley Rescue Mission
80 bed emergency shelter for
adults from age 18.
Hotline info and referral, substance abuse
counseling, prenatal care, emergency assistance, employment/education,
transitional housing, religious services.
Clothing, furniture, food,
prescriptions, bus tick .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4911930,-84.9907290
- Phone
- (706) 322-8267
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Victim Witness Office of the Chattahoochee Circuit
*
Helps victims of violent crimes with no time limitations* Offers
assistance throughout the criminal process* Provides information about
the status of court cases, notice of court proceedings and changes*
Companion to attend court with victim and provides emotional support*
Provides referrals to other agencies* Employer intervention to explain
time missed due to court appearances* Assistance if victim is
intimidated, harassed or afraid* Will arrange for payment of medical and
counseling bills for victims of violent crime .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4686200,-84.9914100
- Phone
- (706) 653-4426
- Location
- West Wing, GA
Wynnton Neighborhood Network
* Food pantry for
Muscoogee cty.
only (must have referral from agency medical center or
any other nonprofit , DFCS, New Horizons and it must be on letter head
of agency)* Thanksgiving baskets* Christmas baskets* Serves both Al
(Russell Cty) and Georgia $3 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.2078965,-83.1880725
- Phone
- (706) 327-0838
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Community Reinvestment - COLUMBUS MUSCOGEE COUNTY
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:De Kalb County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.4686200,-84.9914100
- Phone
- (706) 653-4113
- Location
- Columbus, GA
Salvation Army - Muscogee County Service Unit
For more information, about Financial assistance and other services provided by this office, contact them directly to the number provided.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
32.5381510,-84.9032910
- Phone
- (706) 327-0275
- Location
- Columbus, GA