Arlinton, Texas

[Caladan 19]

I don't think they can get food stamps , as they are means tested benefits and they are not USC.

Food stamps usually don't count against the I-864. It's means-tested cash-equivalent benefits, not 'any kind of welfare whatsoever.' That said, there are usually regulations, though, by state, that might bar permanent residents from certain benefits... but have them check into it, especially if there are kids involved.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Have them get in touch with the United Way. We are having a campaign here at work and they said they help in cases like this.

[Ta Ta 1]

thanks for the suggestions...........still checking and calling.........for hours now.

[Gringita/Morenito 0]

I have befriended a family in Arlinton, TX.

I know this family through good friends of mine. They immigrated through DV lottery about 1 1/2 year ago from Sierra Leone.

He lost his new job due to sickness and hospitalization and is again in the hospital right now. I have helped with food for the children

and don't know what else to do.

The Landlord is giving them until Dec 4 to pay rent. They are behind. I am beside myself to get help for this wonderful family and

running out of options.........any ideas on how to keep them in their apartment and fed until they are back on their feed ?

They do not know how to navigate the system and need urgent emergency food and rent help.

Their GC's were send to the wrong address, even though the correct address was given to USCIS. They were told they have to pay

for the replacement cards of each family member. He was trying to do that , paying for one at a time but then became very ill and asked to resign from his new job.

But what most concern me is immediate help for the family. He is in the hospital and can't call or go anywhere and the wife and children

are kind of lost to figure anything out. I don't want them to end up on the street next week !

Any suggestions ?

Anyone close by ?

Anyone who can offer help to check on them ?

I am in Illinois.

I am not close to the area and really have no new suggestions other that what is being listed by others but I will offer my prayers.

Sam

[Vipul and Jamie 0]

I'm originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and have worked at a hospital there as a nurse. If he is still in the hospital, have them speak to the social worker. (I've just briefly skimmed through this post so apologies if it has been mentioned before). There is almost always a social worker working on every unit (or at least one in house). They can help direct them to services in their area. Churches, as mentioned before, are also a great resource. Alot of churches (mine back home included) carry accounts with Walmart, food stores, and ect. and can authorize a needy family to purchase food. Most also coordinate with electric companies and probably could help to some degree with rent. I know Arlington very well and churches are around almost every corner. All they need to do is be honest and locate the church office to speak with the secretary or pastor. Hope everything works out well for them.

-Jamie

Edited December 2, 2007 by VipulandJamie

[yassmine2878 1]

https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/portal/home

Here's the link for the application to request state assistance. It should cover TANF, Lone Star, Medicaid, etc. And most legal aliens in Texas are eligible for these programs (albiet on limited terms, depending on their status). TANF may be able to give them a one-time lump payment to help with bills. They may also be able to get temporary emergency food stamps. These agencies will schedule a telephone and in-home interview if your friend is too ill to come in to the office. Medicaid can do a retro coverage for at least 3 months if your friend qualifies.

Also have them try Catholic Charities http://www.ccdofw.org/ They can assist with utilities bills, rent, and bus passes. I think this office is over on Hemphill Street. I believe this office handles all of Tarrant county, but they can direct your friend to the appropriate office if they are required to go to another.

Also, if the ill member of the family has not yet done so, they need to go to JPS Hospital in the Fort Worth medical district (Rosedale/Allen off 35). JPS has other campuses in other towns in the metroplex, but if he's that ill, he needs to be at the main campus where he can be attended to properly. They are the primary hospital in the area for people who cannot afford medical care.

Ill post more as I can come up with it. I live about 5 miles from the NE side of Arlington. Where does your friend reside?

ETA: your friend can call 2-1-1 on their home phone to apply for/get info on applying for state assistance.

Edited December 2, 2007 by yassmine2878

[Vipul and Jamie 0]

Just to add Arington Memorial is there as well. Anyone is entitled to emergency care at any hospital regardless of ability to pay. JPS, as mentioned, is a county hospital and an option but is located in downtown Ft. Worth - not sure if you have transportation there from Arlington or not. I think they have some clinics in Arlington as well though.

[yassmine2878 1]

Here's the link for the Tarrant County Food Bank http://www.tafb.org/ which can also be access by dialing 2-1-1.

[Ta Ta 1]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. He came home from the hospital but is still quiet sick. Social Services has been contacted.

yassmine I don't know the street but will find out if it is in your area.

He is not able to take any numbers down yet but hopefully tomorrow he will feel better.

One agency was going to give the rent assistance but because of the GC mess up didn't get it. Any day now the landlord will evict them.

I will go over each agency with him as soon as he feels better.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. He came home from the hospital but is still quiet sick. Social Services has been contacted.

yassmine I don't know the street but will find out if it is in your area.

He is not able to take any numbers down yet but hopefully tomorrow he will feel better.

One agency was going to give the rent assistance but because of the GC mess up didn't get it. Any day now the landlord will evict them.

I will go over each agency with him as soon as he feels better.

Is there no native community around? Just wondering since Ethiopians are pretty good about taking care of one another over here - same as they do back home. I've seen that time and again when someone gets sick, loses a job, has an accident or whathaveyou, the Ethiopian community pulls together and gets the person through. Personal care in shifts, money, food, shelter, child care, you name it. It's quite impressive. I thought that was typical for African immigrants from other countries as well.

Hope the situation for this family improves soon. Good Luck!

[Ta Ta 1]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. He came home from the hospital but is still quiet sick. Social Services has been contacted.

yassmine I don't know the street but will find out if it is in your area.

He is not able to take any numbers down yet but hopefully tomorrow he will feel better.

One agency was going to give the rent assistance but because of the GC mess up didn't get it. Any day now the landlord will evict them.

I will go over each agency with him as soon as he feels better.

Is there no native community around? Just wondering since Ethiopians are pretty good about taking care of one another over here - same as they do back home. I've seen that time and again when someone gets sick, loses a job, has an accident or whathaveyou, the Ethiopian community pulls together and gets the person through. Personal care in shifts, money, food, shelter, child care, you name it. It's quite impressive. I thought that was typical for African immigrants from other countries as well.

Hope the situation for this family improves soon. Good Luck!

I have searched and searched for an African community and can't find one in the area. If anyone knows of one please post it.

I have asked for input from African associations in other states but they are not able to help or know of no other group in Arlington.

I keep trying.

My friend is BACK AGAIN in the hospital and looking at more surgery.

I gave his wife all the numbers from the links and suggestions everybody posted. Thank you again !

She does not have a car and most agencies ask for them to apply in person. I have given her some numbers to ask for transportation.

What a mess this is. I am their only lifeline.

[knowledge 0]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. He came home from the hospital but is still quiet sick. Social Services has been contacted.

yassmine I don't know the street but will find out if it is in your area.

He is not able to take any numbers down yet but hopefully tomorrow he will feel better.

One agency was going to give the rent assistance but because of the GC mess up didn't get it. Any day now the landlord will evict them.

I will go over each agency with him as soon as he feels better.

Is there no native community around? Just wondering since Ethiopians are pretty good about taking care of one another over here - same as they do back home. I've seen that time and again when someone gets sick, loses a job, has an accident or whathaveyou, the Ethiopian community pulls together and gets the person through. Personal care in shifts, money, food, shelter, child care, you name it. It's quite impressive. I thought that was typical for African immigrants from other countries as well.

Hope the situation for this family improves soon. Good Luck!

I have searched and searched for an African community and can't find one in the area. If anyone knows of one please post it.

I have asked for input from African associations in other states but they are not able to help or know of no other group in Arlington.

I keep trying.

My friend is BACK AGAIN in the hospital and looking at more surgery.

I gave his wife all the numbers from the links and suggestions everybody posted. Thank you again !

She does not have a car and most agencies ask for them to apply in person. I have given her some numbers to ask for transportation.

What a mess this is. I am their only lifeline.

Any news? I'm maybe in late but...How about a lawyer specialized in discrimination, racism? This seems to be mainly an urgent assistance for important health matters...landlords have no right to through them away in this context...