Amador County - Low income families throughout the Mother Lode may not realize there are programs and agencies available to provide emergency assistance during tough economic times. One such agency is the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency, or ATCAA, serving families and individuals in need throughout Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. ATCAA provides energy assistance as well as assistance with rent or mortgage payments. According to Cathy Vanderford, ATCAA’s Jackson Service Center Secretary, the numbers of calls for assistance have increased dramatically in the last year. “We have very limited funding available, and we mail out applications to those people we believe need assistance the most,” she said. While emergency, rent and mortgage assistance is extremely limited and based on the goodwill of local donors, energy assistance comes through a grant through PG & E from the federal government. It covers utility bill payment assistance, energy-saving home improvements such as weather stripping, insulation and appliances, as well as education on reducing energy costs and budget counseling. In 2006, 111 homes were weatherized in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, and a total of 1,399 homes were assisted with utility payment. No specific numbers on funding amounts were provided, but sources say federal grants can be in excess of $10,000. ATCAA is currently out of funding for PG&E assistance but has a waiting list for funds when available again. ATCAAs Homeless and Transitional Shelters provide emergency shelter to homeless children and families, along with case management support for job training, housing search, as well as social, health and mental health services. Additionally, rent and utility assistance is provided through the Homeless Prevention program when available, as well as Housing and Budget Counseling in both Tuolumne and Amador counties. In 2006, 128 adults received Housing and Budget Counseling in both Amador and Tuolumne counties. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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Amador County - Low income families throughout the Mother Lode may not realize there are programs and agencies available to provide emergency assistance during tough economic times. One such agency is the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency, or ATCAA, serving families and individuals in need throughout Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. ATCAA provides energy assistance as well as assistance with rent or mortgage payments. According to Cathy Vanderford, ATCAA’s Jackson Service Center Secretary, the numbers of calls for assistance have increased dramatically in the last year. “We have very limited funding available, and we mail out applications to those people we believe need assistance the most,” she said. While emergency, rent and mortgage assistance is extremely limited and based on the goodwill of local donors, energy assistance comes through a grant through PG & E from the federal government. It covers utility bill payment assistance, energy-saving home improvements such as weather stripping, insulation and appliances, as well as education on reducing energy costs and budget counseling. In 2006, 111 homes were weatherized in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, and a total of 1,399 homes were assisted with utility payment. No specific numbers on funding amounts were provided, but sources say federal grants can be in excess of $10,000. ATCAA is currently out of funding for PG&E assistance but has a waiting list for funds when available again. ATCAAs Homeless and Transitional Shelters provide emergency shelter to homeless children and families, along with case management support for job training, housing search, as well as social, health and mental health services. Additionally, rent and utility assistance is provided through the Homeless Prevention program when available, as well as Housing and Budget Counseling in both Tuolumne and Amador counties. In 2006, 128 adults received Housing and Budget Counseling in both Amador and Tuolumne counties. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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