We received this press release from the congressional office late last week:
WALZ ANNOUNCES ONLINE WORKING FAMILIES TOOLKIT
(Mankato, MN) – Today, Congressman Walz launched an online working families toolkit. Walz’s website (walz.house.gov) features links to some of the most commonly sought information on foreclosure, heating, and unemployment assistance during this hard economic time.
“All too often, individuals who need assistance don’t know where to start. The websites of major government departments include massive amounts of information that can make it challenging for consumers to find the assistance they need. My online working families toolkit is designed to be simple and easy to navigate. It provides direct links to programs like HOPE for Homeowners that will help consumers renegotiate mortgages they can no longer afford,” said Walz.
The online toolkit includes information about and links to:
Ø The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Ø The Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income homeowners
Ø HOPE for Homeowners
Ø Credit counseling resources recommended by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Ø The Women, Infants and Children nutrition assistance program
Ø National School Lunch and Breakfast programs
Ø Low-income senior nutrition programs
Ø Unemployment Insurance
Ø The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and MinnesotaCareCongressman Walz’s office is also able to offer assistance resolving problems with federal agencies. The Congressman’s office frequently handles issues involving Social Security, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS and other issues relating to the federal government. Individuals in need of assistance cutting through red tape with a federal agency, or who do not have access to the internet, should call Walz’s Rochester office at 507-206-0643 for assistance.
The working families toolkit can be found at http://walz.house.gov/consumerassistance.shtm
Tough times are nothing new. This Dylan cover of Stephen Foster's 1854 "Hard Times," performed at a Willie Nelson tribute concert in 1993, goes out to remind those in better circumstances to contribute to local food shelves, some of which are struggling to keep up with the need.
Just this past week, the Austin Herald covered the local Salvation Army's call for help stocking its food pantry's shelves. Do what you can to help your local food shelves. In Austin, the local Jaycees and the postal workers will be offering an opportunities to help "the least of these":
In addition, the Austin Jaycees and the local postal workers union are teaming up for a food drive Nov. 8. Residents can place food items near their mailboxes, while the carriers will then take them to the post office and the Jaycees then help sort them and load the up to be taken over to the food shelf. As a reminder, postal workers will be dropping off notices to households a couple of days before the drive.
“My personal belief and the belief of the letter carriers of Austin is that a person deserves to have their basic needs met, and one of those needs is food,” said Bob Rosel, president of the local letter carrier’s union.
Comments