Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

Here's a great program for those who reside in the Atlanta area and are in need of assistance:

The Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) provides families and individuals with rent and utility assistance, groceries, work clothes, transportation to employment and interviews as well as counseling and referrals to other services. These services are available by appointment only. Prior to setting an appointment individuals must undergo a pre-screening process which helps MAC to determine eligibility and the adequate services each family needs. In order to receive assistance individuals maybe instructed to bring certain forms of documentation, these forms include but are not limited to:

• Identification
• Proof of Lease
• Eviction notice (if applicable)
• Pay Stubs (if applicable)
• Proof of amount owed

MAC services are only available to residents who reside within the following zip codes: 30303; 30308; 30309; 30313; 30312; 30314; however special funding sometimes allows services to be provided for residents who reside in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.

To make an appointment contact MAC at 404-681-5777 during client hours (M, Th,F: 9:30-12:30; Tue & Wed: 1:00-4:00; Wed Evening 5:00-7:00)

To receive more information on the services that are provided by MAC, call 404-681-0470 during the hours of 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday.

I found a great organization for homeless individuals within the downtown Los Angeles area near Skid Row.

Wednesday's between the hours of 12 PM and 2 PM, My Friend's House Foundation serves food to homeless individuals. Along with providing food, they also have clothing as well. My Friend's House Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission is to provide individuals with basic needs that include food, clothing, toiletries and spiritual motivation regardless of race, color, creed, or religious belief. The food and clothing will be distributed on San Pedro Street between 5th and 6th Street.

For more information and to learn more about My Friend's House call them at (323) 769-5433.

WWISCAA is a community action agency that provides quality services to individuals/families in need by mobilizing all available resources to enhance the economic and social conditions that encourages family values and promotes self-sufficiency and stability. They provide emergency assistance in a crisis situation, home delivered meals, transportation to health care facilities for the elderly and handicapped, and a variety of educational classes for children and adults of basic education and job readiness.

Services are available at the following locations:

Washington County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
1165 S. Raceway Rd, Greenville, MS 38701,
662.378.8663
Administrative Office, 662.378.5857

Sharkey / Issaquena County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
132 Court Street, Mayersville, MS
662.873.2595

Warren County
Programmatic Office / Case Management
2022 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS
601.638.2474

For more information call (662)378-5857 or visit www.wwiscaa.org.

The SALVATION ARMY NORTHSIDE FOOD PANTRY is open from 1-3 P.M. every Thursday. The Northside Food Pantry is located at 31 Saraland Blvd S. in Saraland, AL 36571.

Requirements: one visit every 90 days; must be a resident of North Mobile County; must have a current & valid driver's license and a signed Social Security card for each person.

For more information in about Salvation Army's Northside Food Pantry call 251-675-1952.

At one time or another we find ourselves experiencing hardships and feel that there is nowhere else to turn, especially when it comes to providing for our families. TANF is a program that is offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) that provides temporary assistance to needy families with children under the age of 18. For more information or to receive an application for TANF, please click here to visit the MDHS TANF website. Applications can also be retrieved from your local DHS office.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reaching out to families who have been economically impacted by the recent BP oil spill. DCFS are encouraging residents to apply for the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Families can use regular SNAP benefits to purchase foods such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry as well as dairy products. Eligible families can also purchase seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat. In some areas, families can even use their SNAP benefits at restaurants authorized to accept regular SNAP benefits in exchange for low-cost meals.

To apply for SNAP benefits, you must contact your local DCFS office or apply online by clicking here. DCFS has currently set up 12 active SNAP Outreach sites in seven coastal parishes assisting impacted families with applying for and receiving the assistance they need. Once an application is received, DCFS has a maximum of 30 days to provide benefits. However, DCFS is working hard to expedite the cases of impacted families as fast and as legally possible in order for families to receive the much needed benefits.

For more information about SNAP benefits please call (225) 342-0286 or 1-888-LA-HELP-U

While trying to survive the tough economy, many of us live paycheck to paycheck and at times have to stretch our dollars as much as possible. There are bills that are left unpaid and at the end of the day we struggle to put food at the table. Well the struggle is now over! Through a friend I found out about the Mississippi Food Network organization. The Mississippi Food Network partners with local churches and non-profit organizations to distribute food and grocery products throughout the area. They also provide nutrition education and also assist clients with other needs. If you would like to get help, call 601-353-7286 and you will be directed to an Emergency Food Box site near you.

To find out more about the Mississippi Food Network call 601-353-7286 or visit www.msfoodnet.org.

There are several Cuyahoga County food pantries available for those who need assistance. Some have restrictions however most will severe anyone in need at least once. None of the pantries listed below require a referral but some require proof of income. You can find a more extensive list of area food pantries at http://cleveland.about.com. If you are interested in pantries that require a referral, call the Empowerment Center at 216-432-4770. You may receive a referral every 60 days.

All Faiths Pantry
• Offers a large selection of non-perishable food, fresh produce, meat and bread when available.
• Open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

3209 Saratoga Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 496-4329

Brother Hubbard Cupboard
• Open on the last two Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Food is given based on family size.

4120 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-391-7231

Manna House Recovery and Resource Center
• Open on the third Saturday of the month at 1:00 PM.
• Home delivery is available if you are sick or shut-in
• Provides generous four to five day supply of non-perishable foods, produce, meat and bread
• Only residents of the Fairfax area are eligible to receive aid from this pantry
• Also provides support services for personal growth, recovery and renewal

8019 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-432-2598

Parma Heights Food Pantry
• Open Mondays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Thursdays 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Household supplies are also distributed

6285 Pearl Road
Cleveland, OH 44103
440-842-6491

United Hearts Life Mission Center
• Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Those living in the following zip codes are eligible for assistance once month: 44102, 44109, 44111, 44113, 44114, 44115, 44127 and 44144.
• Three to five days worth of non-perishable food will be distributed per family.
• Individuals with disabilities may send someone on their behalf to pick up food.
• Other free services at this organization include pregnancy tests, clothing support (including maternity) and referrals for pre-natal medical care and social services

3339 Broadview Road
Cleveland, OH 44109
216-459-9839

United Labor Agency
• Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM by appointment.
• Those needing assistance will be referred to a hunger center in the client's neighborhood

3328 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-391-0900

I found a great program for those waiting on their Social Security benefits to process:

Hope House New Orleans is a non-profit organization with a mission to assist those within the community who are in need of food, shelter and hope. Hope House New Orleans has several programs to provide assistance to those in need. If you would like more information on the following programs please call Hope House New Orleans at (504) 525-2561:

Hope House Programs:

Emergency Assistance: (Food; Rent and Utility assistance; Clothes, Bus Tokens; Shelter Vouchers; Advice and Referrals)

Common Grounds Resource and Coffeehouse: (Free coffee and pastries; newspapers, magazines and books; computers and internet access)

Adult Learning Center: (Literacy, GED, Computer Training; ACT & SAT preparation)

Family Transitional Housing

After-school youth program: (Recreation, field trips & homework help)

Hope House 916 St. Andrew St. New Orleans, LA 70130

If you're in need of help and not sure where to go, turn to your local Salvation Army!

The Greater Birmingham Area Command Center provides more than just disaster relief and Christmas assistance. Through the Salvation Army's Social Services Center, which is located in downtown Birmingham, homeless shelters for men, women and children are provided. The Social Services Center also administers food, financial assistance and emergency help to those in need. Along with the services that are provided by the Social Services Center, the Salvation Army also provides youth services, adult rehabilitation centers and thrift stores. All of the programs and services provided by the Salvation Army are designed to help people get back on their feet and rejoin the community. The Salvation Army accepts all persons in need who come within its sphere of influence regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age.

If you would like more information about The Greater Birmingham Area Command Center call (205) 328-2420.

The Salvation Army
Greater Birmingham Command
2100 11th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35234

If you, a friend, or family member ever find yourselves in a situation where you have nowhere to stay and you are in need of help, contact the Back Bay Mission. They have created the Home At Last (HAL) program which provides permanent housing and supportive services to homeless people who are also disabled. Through the HAL program Back Bay Mission goes above and beyond to provide those in need with an apartment that is leased and furnished by Back Bay Mission. For more information on the HAL program contact a HAL caseworker at (228)432-0301.

Along with HAL, Back Bay Mission also has a community resource facility that includes a day center, showers, laundry services, mailboxes, computer and telephone access amongst other services. However, it is NOT an overnight shelter.

The facility is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

For more information you may contact them or stop by at 1012 Division Street • Biloxi, MS 39530 • Phone: (228)432-0301.

I found a great healthcare program for homeless individuals within the city of New Orleans. It's the only program in Louisiana that is aimed at providing adequate healthcare to the homeless.

The Health Care for the Homeless Program (HCHP) offers primary medical care, case management, mental health and substance abuse services for homeless individuals in the greater New Orleans area. HCHP patients also benefit from the joint affiliation with the Multi-Service Center for the Homeless (MSCH). Through this affiliation patients are provided with basic needs such as food, clothing, showers, laundry, storage, mail and telephone access. The MSCH also provides supportive services such as transitional and permanent housing, job search, remedial education, and individual and group counseling.

Not sure if you're considered homeless? According to the program any individual without a permanent or satisfactory nighttime residence such as shelters, streets and abandoned buildings are considered to be homeless. However, individuals who "double/triple up" with relatives or friends in a temporary arrangement or those who are discharged from institutions without a place to live are also considered to be homeless and can benefit from this program.

For more information about HCHP call 504-565-7283.

Healthcare for the Homeless Program
2222 Simon Bolivar Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-565-7283
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 am-4:00 pm

Multi-Service Center for the Homeless (MSCH)
(504) 558-0222

Are you in need of food, shelter, clothing or other essential items?

If so, contact the Cincinnati Eastern Area YWCA and ask about the emergency assistance program. For over 35 years the Eastern Area YWCA has assisted clients in obtaining basic essential needs. The Emergency Assistance Program provides assistance with food, resources, referrals and information to Clermont County families. To apply and receive access to these services, clients are required to bring a picture ID. and complete any necessary paperwork.

The YWCA Food Pantry/Emergency Assistance Program operates on the following schedule:
Monday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 2:45PM

Wednesday - CLOSED

Thursday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

The Food Pantry is located at YWCA Eastern Area in Batavia, Ohio. For more information, call 513-732-0450

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is federally funded to provide food supplement and nutrition education. It serves pregnant and breast feeding women and children from zero to five years old who are at risk of receiving inadequate nutrition. This Cuyahoga County program operates at 22 sites. Over 35,000 individuals participate in the program.

WIC has been known to improve pregnancy outcomes by providing or referring to support services during pregnancies. It also reduces infant mortality by reducing the occurrence of low birth weight infants. This program is important because babies born below 5.2 pounds are at a greater risk to have breathing problems, brain injuries and physical abnormalities.

In addition to being pregnant, recently pregnant or a child under the age of five, individuals must be at 185% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and reside in or receive medical care in Cuyahoga County to be eligible for WIC. The WIC Program Administrative Offices are located at:

For more information about WIC, you can visit its website.

I found a free clinic in the Greater Cleveland area that someone might be able to benefit from. When applying for Social Security Benefits, receiving health care while you wait for approval can be hard. That's why I wanted to point out what a Cleveland area clinic might be able to do for you.

The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland offers programs to help meet the chronic and even smaller health care needs of individuals. At the facility there is an Acute Care Clinic, Dental Clinic, Teen Clinic, Adult Primary Clinic and Women's Clinic. All tests and medications at the clinic are free of charge.

There are also specialty clinics such as adolescent, cardiology, HIV early prevention, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, nephrology (treatment for kidney issues), physical therapy, pulmonology (treatment for the lungs), rheumatology (treatment for joints and tissue), specialty GYN and ophthalmology.

The Free Clinic also offers numerous treatment options including counseling and psychiatrics services for mild to moderate conditions. More severe conditions are addressed on a case by case basis and referrals are offered when treatment cannot be offered to an individual. All adult and adolescent services are assessed through its intake department and appointments can be scheduled by calling 216-721-4010 and requesting the mental health intake line.

One of the last things that this organization offers is case management for those who are in need in the community. Case managers are available to give referrals in the areas of housing, transportation, emergency food assistance and many more to those in need.
The Free Clinic is located at 12201 Euclid Avenue. It opens its doors at different hours during the week to help benefit interested individuals.

The Free Clinic is one of the oldest free clinics in the United States and the largest in Ohio so don't hesitate to contact them!