Wyoming has grant programs in place for any felons who need help while experiencing financial difficulty. The programs in place will help felons be able to meet their basic needs, while trying to become self sufficient. The grant programs that will help felons in Wyoming include those that will help pay utility bills, pay rent, provide food, and more. Both long and short term grant programs can be found throughout the state, and are made possible through federal, state, and local governments.
Felons who receive grants will not have to worry about paying any of the funds back. Unlike loans, grants do not become debt. Felons who receive the grants can take comfort in having their basic needs met, without worrying about going into debt to try and pay the funds back. It’s a good idea to apply for every program that you meet the requirements for, because there is no limit to the number of programs you can receive assistance from at one time.
Grants for Felons in Wyoming
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be known as food stamps. Felons who need help obtaining food may qualify for a monthly grant through SNAP that can be used to purchase food items. Upon being approved for SNAP, you will receive an electronic debit card where the funds will be added each month. The debit card can be used as your payment source at the grocery store or farmers market to pay for food. This program will also provide people with emergency food assistance, as well as free cooking and nutrition classes. To get more information or apply, click here.
POWER Work Program – Felons who qualify for this program will receive cash assistance. The cash can be used to pay for bills and overall living expenses. Through case management, felons will receive the grant, as well as assistance that will help them become self sufficient. The program will help felons find a job, improve job skills, etc. To receive this cash grant, felons will need to participate in the work program. To get more information or apply, click here.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – This program will provide felons with free weatherization services. Those services will help to make your home more energy efficient, which will lower your monthly utility bills. To get more information, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is federally funded and aims to help felons with their utility bills. Felons who have a low income may be able to get a grant to pay for their utility bill. Applications for grants are taken from November through May. The size of the grant is determined by how many people are in the household. To apply for an energy grant, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Felons who need help with their housing needs may qualify for assistance through the federally funded program called HUD. The programs they provide will help felons pay rent, purchase a home, avoid foreclosure, and receive weatherization services. They also own several housing units, called Section 8, where felons can live for a low monthly fee. To qualify for assistance, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information about HUD in Wyoming, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program will help felons pay for their healthcare. If approved, felons will be able to receive free healthcare, including dental work, doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, substance abuse, and more. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for Medicaid in Wyoming, click here.
Lifeline – Felons can receive help paying for their monthly phone bill if they qualify for the Lifeline program. In Wyoming, the program will give felons who qualify a $9.25 discount off of their monthly phone bill. To qualify, you have to have a low income. If you are receiving other grants, such as from SNAP, you may immediately qualify for the Lifeline program. To get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization has locations throughout Wyoming. They provide helpful programs to help people in the community, including felons. The programs they offer will help with providing hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, counseling services, and more. They do not have a difficult qualification process in order to receive the help. To learn more about their community programs, click here.
In addition to the above grants for felons in Wyoming, it’s a good idea to contact your local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of them offer community programs, helping people with hot meals, boxes of food, transportation vouchers, clothing, counseling services, and more. Plus, these programs do not usually have strict policies regarding who can receive the help.