Tools for Tough Times
The information below is a guide to help find services during these difficult economic times. From financial planning to free tax preparation to negotiating unemployment, United Way of the Midlands offers links to connect you to information that can help you directly or that can be shared with co-workers, neighbors or friends in need.
United Way 2-1-1 | Dial United Way's 2-1-1 community services helpline to speak with a trained information and referral specialist who can identify what local resources are best suited to help your unique needs. This free and confidential service can help you connect you with:
- Healthcare
- Employment assistance
- Financial and legal help
- Counseling and crisis intervention
- Food and shelter
- And much more
Callers outside the 2-1-1 dialing area or with cell phones that do not connect may call 733-5408 or toll free 1-866-892-9211. You can also access the 2-1-1 database on-line.
FREE Tax Preparation | While more and more working families and individuals are struggling financially, income tax season can make the situation even more stressful. There is some good news for thousands in the Midlands who earned less than $42,000 last year. Don't pay for filing, loans or quick refunds. Through a United Way of the Midlands grant, The Cooperative Ministry is offering eight Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Richland and Lexington counties where Midlands residents can have their federal and SC taxes prepared for free. Additionally, United Way of the Midland 's Edisto Council is also promoting three free tax prep sites in Orangeburg County. This fast and free service helps residents avoid predatory income tax preparers and costly, refund anticipation loans. VITA has no fees or hidden expenses. Returns are e-filed so refunds are received in around 10 days or less. Contact 2-1-1 for locations and times.
Financial Education Workshops | The rising costs of housing, healthcare, utilities, and education, coupled with changes in the economy, have left many hardworking individuals struggling to support themselves and their families. Through a Community Impact Grant to The Cooperative Ministry, United Way of the Midlands is supporting an initiative aimed at helping individuals and families receive the educational tools that will allow them to attain and preserve assets, become more financially stable, and achieve long-term economic independence.
FREE financial education workshop series, facilitated by The Cooperative Ministry, covers basic principles of budgeting, saving, and planning for your family's future.
Series 1 Learn about spending habits, budgeting, savings and financial institutions,
Series 2Explore borrowing basics, credit history, types of loans and credit cards and how to make credit decisions
Series 3Determine readiness, benefits and pitfalls of purchasing big ticket items like autos or a home.
Series 1 Learn about spending habits, budgeting, savings and financial institutions,
Series 2Explore borrowing basics, credit history, types of loans and credit cards and how to make credit decisions
Series 3Determine readiness, benefits and pitfalls of purchasing big ticket items like autos or a home.
Contact Brandi Richardson, Financial Development Coordinator at The Cooperative Ministry, 803-799-3853 ext 325 to register.
Employment | To help in your job search, United Way of the Midlands offers listings of job fairs being held in the community. This list will be updated as information arrives.
Free Times Career Fair- MONDAY, APRIL 6th 10am-2pm Hilton Columbia Center 924 Senate Street Columbia
Midlands Job Fair Sponsored by United Way of the Midlands, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Alston Wilkes Society, and state & local government agencies. April 23rd 10am-2pm National Guard Armory 1221 Bluff Road , Columbia SC (Near Williams Brice football stadium)
Steps to Weathering the Financial Storm | Use this checklist to discover the resources to help you through any of the following situations:
- If you've been laid off
- If you're losing your home
- If you have banking issues
- If you need bankruptcy protection
- If you are a retiree
Help staying in your home | If you are having trouble paying for housing there may be help.
Emergency short-term assistance with rent or mortgage payments call 2-1-1 for a listing of agencies with financial resources to help
Landlord-Tenant Mediation Community Mediation Center 803-714-1176 http://www.communitymediationcenter.org/contact.html . The Community Mediation Center provides free or low-cost conflict resolution services to the Midlands community. Their Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program receives funding via United Way of the Midlands.
Foreclosure help --
Family Service Center 803-733-5450 or http://www.fsconline.org/housing/counseling.aspx
Family Services of South Carolina foreclosure hotline--Foreclosure Hotline-- 888-320-0350
Mortgage default workshops -- information http://www.fsisc.org/topic.asp?pid=18 and PDF of April and May workshops
Legal Assistance -- South Carolina Legal Services http://www.sclegal.org/, and South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Resources http://www.scbar.org/public_services/pro_bono_resources/
Credit Information | Receive one free credit report every 12 months. See your credit history Annual Credit Report 1-877-322-8228 https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program | If you are applying for SNAP benefits, your benefit amount will depend upon the number of people in your food stamp "household", your "household's" total monthly income, and certain "household" monthly expenses. You may complete an application form for SNAP benefits at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or you may use the forms on this web-site (3800, 3800-a, 24126) and deliver, mail or fax the application to your local DSS office. Link to the DSS SNAP (food stamps) benefits calculator: http://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/foodstamp/foodstampcalc.aspx
Access to Health Care | These programs help people who do not have health insurance.
Health Insurance after a layoff--This is the link to COBRA for those individuals who are unemployed and choose COBRA. 65% of the premium can be paid by this program. http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html
Find a federally funded health center. They have received additional funding to address the increase demand from uninsured individuals. http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
FamilyWize prescription discount drug card. It gives an overview of how the card works with a link to the FamilyWize website for printing to card. http://www.uway.org/our_work_community_impact/health/familywize_prescription_card/
SC Eye Care Initiative-- a program by SC Optometric Association to provide low cost eye exams and eyewear. http://www.uway.org/our_work_community_impact/health/sc_eye_care_initiative/
Coping with Stress | find out how stress can impact your life and health and tips and resources you can use to cope. Click here.
