What social services and assistance programs are available to legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
1. TennCare – TennCare is a Medicaid program that provides coverage to some qualified residents of Tennessee who meet certain eligibility requirements. It covers medical care, like hospital visits, doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.2. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – SNAP provides food assistance to eligible individuals and families in Tennessee. Eligibility is based on income and other factors.
3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – TANF provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with dependent children in Tennessee. Eligibility is based on income and other factors.
4. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – SSDI is a federal program that provides cash benefits to individuals who have worked in the past but are now unable to work due to a disability. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain criteria related to age, disability, and work history.
5. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – LIHEAP helps low-income households pay their energy bills in Tennessee. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and type of fuel used for heating or cooling.
6. Housing Assistance – The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of housing assistance programs in Tennessee, including rental assistance, public housing, home ownership programs, and other housing related services.
Are there state-level agencies or offices dedicated to providing social services to immigrants in Tennessee?
Yes, there are several state-level agencies and offices dedicated to providing social services to immigrants in Tennessee. These include the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and the Tennessee Office for Refugees. TIRRC is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration that works to advance the rights of immigrants and refugees living in Tennessee. The Tennessee Office for Refugees provides assistance to refugees who have been forced to flee their homeland due to war or persecution. They provide a range of services including employment assistance, resettlement, and access to health care, education, and other social services. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Human Services provides eligibility requirements for many state-funded benefits programs.How do I apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or cash assistance as a legal resident or green card holder in Tennessee?
In order to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or cash assistance in Tennessee, you must submit an application to the local Department of Human Services office in your county. You will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status, proof of Tennessee residency, proof of income, and other information as requested. You may need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one, and a valid photo ID. For more information and to find the office in your county, please visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/cash-assistance.html.Are there programs that provide food assistance, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), to eligible individuals and families in Tennessee?
Yes, there are programs that provide food assistance to eligible individuals and families in Tennessee. The state of Tennessee administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide food assistance benefits for qualifying individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Human Services operates the Food Resource program, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income families and individuals.Can I access affordable healthcare services for my family through state-sponsored programs in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee has several state-sponsored programs that provide affordable healthcare services for families. These programs include CoverKids, TennCare, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information about these programs, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health website.What resources are available for affordable housing and rental assistance for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
1. Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA): THDA offers a variety of programs and resources to assist low-income households in the state of Tennessee, including rental assistance programs, energy assistance programs, and homeownership opportunities.2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD provides a range of housing assistance programs, including subsidized housing, rental assistance, public housing, and special needs housing.
3. Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS): The DHS provide rent assistance through the Families First program to low-income households in Tennessee. This program can help families pay their rent and other related expenses.
4. Tennessee Housing Assistance Corporation (THAC): THAC provides low-interest loans to help eligible households purchase or repair homes. Additionally, THAC offers emergency rental assistance to households facing eviction.
5. Local Non-Profits: Several local non-profit organizations in Tennessee offer rental assistance and other housing-related services to low-income households. These organizations include Nashville Cares, East Tennessee Housing Development Corporation, and Memphis Area Legal Services.
Is there assistance for childcare and early childhood education for families with legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
Yes, there is assistance for childcare and early childhood education for families with legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Human Services provides subsidized child care for low-income families, including those with legal residents and green card holders. Eligibility is based on income and family size. To apply for this program, families should contact their local DHS office or call 855-306-8959. Additionally, the Tennessee Early Learning Program provides free preschool for 4-year-old children of legal residents and green card holders. To apply for this program, families should contact their local school district or call 888-350-3200.How can I access services for seniors, including senior housing and healthcare in Tennessee?
You can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about services for seniors in Tennessee. You can find your local agency by visiting the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator page: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx. Additionally, the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services offers a variety of services and programs to support seniors, including housing, healthcare, and more: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/adults/seniors.htmlAre there mental health and counseling services available for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
Yes, there are mental health and counseling services available in Tennessee for legal residents and green card holders. These services can be accessed through local health departments, community mental health centers, private practice therapists as well as online counseling services. Additionally, many health insurance plans offer coverage for mental health services. Some nonprofit organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide support and resources to individuals with mental health challenges.Can I receive assistance for enrolling my children in public schools and accessing educational resources in Tennessee?
Yes, you can receive assistance for enrolling your children in public schools and accessing educational resources in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) offers a variety of resources to help parents with the enrollment process. Families can visit the TDOE website to find information on public school districts, charter schools, home school options, special education services, and other educational resources. The Department also maintains a list of contacts for each school district that can provide additional assistance and answer questions about enrollment and other educational opportunities in Tennessee.What employment and job training programs are available to help legal residents and green card holders secure employment in Tennessee?
1. Tennessee Reconnect: This initiative helps adult Tennessee residents get a postsecondary certificate or degree, often at no cost. It helps individuals who may not have pursued higher education due to life circumstances such as parenting, military service, working full time, or their financial situation.2. Tennessee Career Center: The Tennessee Career Center offers job training and employment resources to help individuals find a job in their field. Services include job search assistance, resume writing services, career counseling, and more.
3. Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: This organization provides support to immigrant and refugee communities in Tennessee, including job training, legal assistance, and other resources to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency.
4. Workforce Investment Network: The WIN serves as a resource for job seekers in Tennessee by connecting them with employers, providing job search assistance and job training resources.
Is there support for survivors of domestic violence or abuse who are legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
Yes. Survivors of domestic violence or abuse who are legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee can access a range of support services, including crisis counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other specialized services. The Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is the statewide coalition that provides resources and referrals to survivors in all counties, including those for immigrants and refugees.What transportation assistance programs exist for legal residents and green card holders who need access to public transit in Tennessee?
1. The Tennessee Department of Transportation offers the Tennessee Public Transportation Program, which provides access to free and reduced-price public transit for qualified Tennessee residents who have a valid driver’s license or state ID. The program is available to individuals who are legal citizens, green card holders, and those who are disabled or homeless.2. The Tennessee Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) is available for families of four or more people who are legal citizens, green card holders, or immigrants living in the state. This program provides funding for transportation to medical appointments, work, or school for eligible families.
3. The Tennessee Department of Human Services offers the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program to provide transportation for medical appointments for eligible Tennesseans. This program is available to legal citizens and green card holders who have Medicaid and meet certain eligibility requirements.
Are there legal aid services or organizations that can assist with immigration-related legal issues in Tennessee?
Yes, there are several legal aid services and organizations that can assist with immigration-related legal issues in Tennessee. These include:1. Catholic Charities of Tennessee: This organization provides free immigration legal services to individuals and families throughout Tennessee. Services include immigration legal advice and representation before the Department of Homeland Security, advice on obtaining visas, naturalization applications, removal defense in immigration court, family-based petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and more.
2. Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC): TIRRC is a statewide immigrant and refugee-led organization that provides support to individuals and families facing immigration matters in Tennessee. Their services include free referrals to legal assistance providers as well as access to a network of attorneys who can provide direct legal representation.
3. American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): A national bar association of attorneys who practice and teach immigration law, AILA has a Tennessee chapter that offers resources for finding local attorneys to assist with immigration legal issues.
4. Southeast Immigrant Rights Network (SEIRN): SEIRN is a regional network of advocates dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of immigrants in the Southeast region. They offer resources on legal aid providers in the region as well as referrals to local organizations that can provide assistance with immigration-related legal matters.
How can I access language and cultural integration programs to help me and my family adapt to life in the U.S. in Tennessee?
There are many programs available in the state of Tennessee to help immigrants and their families with language and cultural integration. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) Refugee Resettlement Program provides resettlement services to assist refugees in their transition to Tennessee. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Tennessee works with refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and other immigrants, providing a range of services including language and cultural integration programs. The Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE) offers a range of language and cultural integration programs as well as employment assistance. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee also offers English language classes and job training for immigrants. And the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) provides legal assistance, advocacy, and community organizing for immigrants in the state.What resources are available for community engagement and participation for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
1. Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: This organization works to ensure the dignity and rights of all immigrants in Tennessee, regardless of their immigration status. It offers a variety of resources for immigrant communities, including public education, legal assistance, organizing and policy advocacy services.2. Tennessee New Americans Program: This program provides access to services and resources to help newly arrived legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee become full and active participants in their community.
3. Empower TN: This organization works to promote civic engagement among immigrant and refugee communities in Tennessee. It offers trainings, workshops, events, and other resources for legal residents and green card holders to get involved in their local community.
4. Tennessee Justice Center: This nonprofit organization provides legal assistance and advocacy services to low-income families throughout the state. It also provides resources for immigrants to become informed about their rights and participate in civic engagement activities.
5.Tennessee Bar Association: This organization works with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that immigrants have access to legal representation and other resources necessary for successful integration into the state. It offers a range of services, including pro bono legal assistance, programs on immigration law, and education courses on immigration rights and responsibilities.
Can I access financial literacy and budgeting programs to help manage my finances in Tennessee?
Yes, there are a wide variety of free financial literacy and budgeting programs available throughout the state of Tennessee. For example, the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions offers a free financial literacy program called Money Smart TN that provides resources and tools for managing money, budgeting, and credit. Additionally, several local nonprofit organizations such as Consumer Credit Counseling Service and United Way of Greater Knoxville offer free financial education and budgeting classes.Are there resources for addressing substance abuse and addiction for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
Yes, there are many resources for addressing substance abuse and addiction for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee. Resources include treatment centers, support groups, counseling programs, and scholarships.Below is a list of some of the resources available:
• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: This government agency provides information on treatment options and resources available in the state.
• SMART Recovery: This non-profit organization provides support for those struggling with addiction through online meetings and educational resources.
• The Recovery Village: This rehabilitation center offers outpatient, residential, and inpatient treatment programs as well as sober living options.
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: This organization provides support and education to those struggling with addiction, as well as their family members.
• The Salvation Army: This Christian-based organization offers a variety of recovery programs and support services for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and addiction.
• Drug Free Tennessee: This non-profit organization works to reduce substance abuse among Tennessee’s citizens through public awareness campaigns and education programs.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): AA is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
How do I report cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
If you have concerns about the safety of a legal resident or green card holder in Tennessee, you should contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) at 1-877-543-7669. TDHS can provide information and referral services to help protect vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Investigations provides a toll-free hotline for reporting possible cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a legal resident or green card holder at 1-866-347-2423.Where can I find information on social services specific for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee?
The following websites provide information on social services specific for legal residents and green card holders in Tennessee:1. Tennessee Department of Human Services: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/programs/social-services/index.html
2. Tennessee Department of Health: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-and-developmental-services/social-services.html
3. Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: https://tnimmigrant.org/resources/get-help/
4. Catholic Charities of Tennessee: https://cctenn.org/legal-services/
5. Legal Aid of East Tennessee: https://www.laet.org/immigration-law