What We Do: The Human Services Department primarily provides assistance to those that are poor and unable to support themselves in accordance with State law and the City's Human Services Guidelines. Financial assistance typically addresses temporary needs serving applicants found eligible under the Guidelines. In determining eligibility, applicants must demonstrate that the cost of their essential needs (housing, electricity, heat, food, prescriptions, etc.) exceeds the available household income and liquid assets.
Assistance provided by Human Services is not restricted to financial help: Department staff work closely with clients in looking at current and future needs, identifying tools and resources to accommodate those needs, and coordinating with other agencies regarding services, funding, and programs available to assist clients in meeting the basic needs of the household. The goal is to provide clients with the information and opportunities necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.
How We Can Help You: Call the office to discuss your needs or visit the office during walk-in hours. Together, we will identify methods and resources that will assist you in becoming self-sufficient and improve your quality of life. You will be provided with referrals to agencies and programs that may be able to address your needs.
How to Apply: If you have exhausted all other means of meeting your essential needs, i.e. if you have applied for any and all programs that could assist you (fuel assistance, electric discount program, food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, subsidized housing, etc.), and you are still in need of financial assistance, complete the application for City assistance and collect all the documentation required-including proof of where any income has been spent (receipts, bills, etc.), as well as a copy of your tax return and your lease. This documentation is necessary in order to determine eligibility. Call the office and schedule an appointment-allow 2 hours for the appointment. If you have an eviction notice or utility shut off notice, be sure to let us know the situation is time-sensitive.
