Lakes And Pines Community Action Council Inc

Community services has a variety of programsemergency housing assistanceprovided case management and/or financial assistance to individuals or families who experienced a temporary housing crisis that could have rendered them homeless. Funds helped by assisting with mortgages, rent, deposits, transportation costs, and emergency shelter costs, but also intensive case management to prevent future housing emergencies (budget counseling, resource referrals, or a permanent housing plan). Emergency shelter vouchers were provided to those who were experiencing homelessness, along with assessments to be placed on coordinated entry for access to housing programs in the region. Homeless youth programsprovided case management and/or financial assistance to at-risk and homeless youth (24 years old and younger). Funds helped by assisting with rent, deposits, transportation costs, and intensive case management to achieve self-sufficiency (budget counseling, goal setting, resource referrals).volunteer income tax assistanceprovided free income tax preparation for low-income individuals and families to ensure income tax forms were filed with all the tax credits they were eligible for. Individuals and families were able to use the tax refunds to repair their vehicles, homes, and credit, which also helped to stimulate the local economy. This program also provided an additional opportunity for staff to educate the public on financial literacy topics.food shelf supportstaff members regularly donated to area food shelves (bi-weekly collections are held). Garden seeds were also distributed to area food shelves in the spring to encourage individuals and families to start growing their own food.supplemental nutritional assistance program (snap) outreachprovided outreach, education, and application assistance to area individuals and families who are eligible. This is formerly known as food support or food stamps.social security advocacy servicesprovided outreach, education, and application assistance to area individuals with long-term health issues that prohibit them from working, who are also unhoused or unstably housed and are enrolled in state public assistance.healthcare access/mnsureprovided outreach, education, and application assistance to area individuals and families to obtain affordable healthcare coverage, either through public programs or private insurance companies through the health care exchange called mnsure.bridges rental assistanceprovided rental assistance to households with mental illness while they wait for income-based housing or section 8 housing programs.

Weatherizationthe goal is to reduce air filtration and lower energy costs with insulation, weather stripping,caulking, and installation of energy-efficient mechanical systems (hvac). By weatherizing homes and saving energy, families experience a higher quality of life.energy assistanceaided through payment of fuel/utility bills and repair or replacement of heating systems to correct emergency problems. This program made fuel bills more affordable for low-income families

Housing rehabilitationfunds were administered from the minnesota housing finance agency for the rehabilitation loan program. These grant funds were used to repair homes to meet section 8 housing quality standards. Grant funds were loaned, at zero interest, to owner-occupied property for a loan term of 15 years. At that time, if the property is still owned by the original borrower, the loan will be forgiven. Funds were administered from the department of employment and economic development for sturgeon lake, twin lakes township, and sandstone at a 10-year, interest-free, forgivable loan.