The Mississippi Department of Human Services has announced that two separate grants totaling just over $24 million dollars will help struggling families pay their rent and their utility bills.
The first of the two grants from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families is a $9,200,678 grant for the ‘Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program’ (LIHEAP), which can be used to help pay home energy costs such as electric and gas bills. Households may also apply for regular LIHEAP funds to purchase or repair air conditioners, heaters and fans.
Additionally, MDHS has also received over $15 million in Community Services Block Grant CARES Act funding to assist households with rent, mortgage, employment, and educational expenses.
“The goal of MDHS is to serve as many non-traditional clients as possible, who are mainly the households that have been directly or directly impacted due to COVID-19,” Tina Ruffin, Director of the MDHS Division of Community Services, said. “These funds will allow us to make sure our most vulnerable clients receive help when they need it.”
Individuals may contact their local community action agency (CAA) or human resource agency (HRA) to apply for both types of assistance. A list of these agencies is posted on the MDHS website at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/community-services/. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. CAAs/HRAs are encouraged to work with other state and local agencies to provide maximum coordination of services for households through referrals.
Individuals who have never received services may submit a Pre Application through the Virtual ROMA website at https://virtualroma.mdhs.ms.gov. This site is available nationwide, but services and funds are for residents of Mississippi only.
