WTCS
has access to some funds to assist survivors in obtaining
safe housing and utility services. We also offer assistance
in applying for Crime Victims Compensation claims.
RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE:
CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION
RENT
AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE
WTCS offers two different funds to help with housing and utilities.
An advocate can help you determine which one will meet your
needs. These funds are offered as they are available. If we
do not have funds available, we may be able to refer you to
another resource.
ESC
FUNDS (EMERGENCY SERVICE COUNCIL)
Home Organization: Ballard Center
Summary:
ESC funds are specifically for deposits and payments on rent
and/or utilities (not including phone). Every person is allowed
$200 per year. If someone has already used their money that
year, they must wait to apply until one year from the date
they last received funds. ESC funds take anywhere from 1-4
weeks to process after the application is submitted and approved.
Restrictions/Eligibility:
Must be resident of Douglas County. If application is for
rent or deposit on rental unit, address must be in Douglas
County.
Applicants must have made payment (any amount) on past-due
utility bill within the past 3 months. Account must be currently
in use.
Applicant must have explored all other funding options, and
must have plan to come up with remaining amount, if any.
Must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
ESC will only pay past due rent when an eviction notice has
been issued.
Maximum
amount:
$200 per year
Please provide documentation of the expense. This could be
a statement from your landlord stating how much rent/deposit
is due, or a statement from the utility company stating how
much is due on your bill. A rental agreement is acceptable.
Your application cannot be submitted until you turn in documentation.
Please make sure the following information is provided
on the documentation:
-
The amount of money needed and the date it is needed by.
-
The name of the business (to whom the check should be made)
-
The mailing address to which the check should be sent and
a phone number.
-
The account number or address of the rental unit, if applicable.
***Please be aware that ESC Funds take anywhere
from 1 week to 1 month to process. Even if you have an urgent
situation, (like an eviction/utility shut-off), there is a
possibility you may not receive the funds in time. If you
need someone to call the company to whom the money is owed
and notify them that you have applied for assistance, please
let us know ASAP. However, there is no guarantee that this
will solve the situation. ***
Please
understand that WTCS is not the agency that approves the application
or cuts the checks. We will not know the status of the application.
If a payment has not been made within 4 weeks of submitting
the application, please let us know, and we will try to follow
up.
A
check will be mailed to the utility/landlord upon approval.
If
your circumstances change, let us know so we can cancel your
application. This way, you will be eligible to apply again
this year if and when you need to.
ESG FUNDS (EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT)
Emergency Shelter Grant funds are available to women who are
currently at the shelter. Women are eligible for up to $500
while the funds last. This money can be used for deposit on
a rental unit or deposit on utility services.
CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION
Advocates are available to assist with filing for crime victims
compensation claims. These claims must be filed with in two
years of a specific crime, such as domestic battery. You must
have made a police report in order to be eligible. Crime Victims
Compensation can cover lost wages, counseling, transportation
costs, relocation costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
If
you would like to discuss any of these emergency funds, please
call 843-3333.
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