There are numerous grant programs in the state of Tennessee that felons can turn to if they are having financial difficulties. The programs will help people with obtaining food, paying rent, getting healthcare, and paying utility bills. While most of the grants are funded by the federal government, there are some that are funded by local and state governments. There is both short and long term assistance for felons who need help paying the bills.
Grants, unlike loans, do not ever have to be paid back. They are essentially considered to be gifts. They will help meet your basic needs, while you are trying to become self sufficient. There is no limit to how many grant programs you can receive help from at one time, so be sure to apply for all of them that you meet the requirements for. Check the qualification requirements for each one carefully, because they are all different.
Grants for Felons in Tennessee
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and used to be known as food stamps. The program helps people by giving them a grant that is used to purchase food. If you are approved for SNAP, you will receive an electronic debit card where the funds will be added each month. The card can then be used to purchase food items at the store or farmers market. The amount of your monthly grant will be determined by how many people are in your household. To qualify for SNAP in Tennessee, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides monthly cash grants for those who qualify. The grants can be used to pay for a variety of living expenses, including food, rent, transportation, and paying bills. To qualify for TANF, you have to have at least one minor child you are caring for, meet the income guidelines, and be a legal citizen. You also have to provide your social security number, and all children in the household have to have had their immunizations. The program does also provide emergency cash assistance for those who qualify. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This program helps those with a low income be able to receive medical care. The program will pay for you to receive care at a doctor’s office, hospital, dentist, and more. It will also pay for prescription drugs. This program is funded by the federal government. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and helps people with their housing needs. The program will help those with a low income to pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and be able to purchase a home. They also provide weatherization services, which will reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. They also own housing complexes, called Section 8, that provide people with a place to live for a low monthly rent. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen. To learn more about HUD in Tennessee or apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program helps those who are having trouble paying for their utility bills. The program, which is federally funded, will pay for one heating bill pear year. If you get the grant it will be paid directly to your energy provider on your behalf. Each year that you need the assistance you will need to re-apply. The program has limited funds each year and those who apply first and qualify will receive the grants, until the funds are depleted. To apply for a utility grant you have to have a low income. This program is open to both homeowners and renters. To apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization offers help to people throughout Tennessee. Their programs help those in the community with food, clothing, counseling services and more. They do not have strict requirements regarding who can receive the help. It’s generally open to everyone who needs assistance. To find a location near you and see what programs they offer, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Tennessee, be sure to check with your local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of them offer programs that will help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. The programs provide people with free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, and other services. They do not have strict requirements when it comes to receiving the help. It’s usually open to those who say they need assistance. There are churches and organizations throughout every city, so reach out to yours to inquire about their community outreach programs.
