The emergency assistance programs are designed to provide immediate assistance to meet basic human needs.  Though guidelines exist for each program, they remain flexible to insure that legitimate needs are met.

1.   FOOD ASSISTANCE - LOC’s pantry is equipped to provide a five day supply of staple items and canned goods to qualified families.  Assistance is generally limited to three times a calendar year. Additional assistance can be made only after clients are approved for additional times following an interview with a caseworker. Exceptions are made for elderly (those receiving social security) and disabled persons (those receiving SSI or SSDI), who may receive food once every thirty days; and also families with school-aged children, who may receive food 6 times per year. Food requests must be 30 days apart. In addition to our regular food program, qualified people (those with small children and the elderly) can receive food once a month through the People And Nutrition (PAN) Program.

2.   SHELTER ASSISTANCE - LOC works to prevent homelessness by providing assistance with rent or mortgage payments on the basis of pending eviction by paying a portion of the payment due, not to exceed one month’s rent. This assistance is usually limited to one time per 12 months. A client co-pay is required before LOC will make a payment.

3.   UTILITY ASSISTANCE - LOC pays overdue bills on the basis of a past due bill.  Utility assistance can be given once every 12 months and is limited to a portion of the payment due, not to exceed one month’s bill. A client co-pay is required before LOC will make a payment. Electricity, gas, water, propane, and butane are considered to be covered utilities, while cable TV and telephone are not.

4.   CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD, AND FURNITURE ASSISTANCE - LOC provides Storehouse vouchers to clients who show a need for clothing or household furnishings and are unable to pay for these items.  Vouchers are limited to 2 times per year.

5.   GASOLINE VOUCHERS - LOC provides assistance with a gasoline voucher upon presentation of a valid driver’s license and verifiable need or appointment (e.g., job interview, medical appointment, etc.). Vouchers are not to exceed $10.00.

6.   HOMELESS ASSISTANCE – LOC provides a special three day food supply one time only for the homeless/transient or those living in a local motel. One clothing voucher may also be obtained. Referral will be made to the Dallas Housing Crisis Center or other housing agency. Transportation, when available, may be provided to a Dallas shelter. LOC provides one night local motel rental based on a referral from the Lancaster Police Department or Fire Department.

8.   EMPLOYMENT SERVICES – HOPE—Helping Others Pursue Employment -- Private consultation with the agency Employment Specialist is available during regular hours. Career Interest and Skills Assessments are provided. Job Training classes are available on a weekly basis. The course is designed to help the client develop better interpersonal and communication skills, improve work habits, and strengthen necessary job skills. A Computer Lab is made available for further study and development. Job Shadowing opportunities are often available. Placement is made with local employers as jobs are available.

9.   CASE MANAGEMENT - LOC provides short term (2-6 months) case management with clients referred by a caseworker who need more in-depth assessment and assistance in resolving their problems.

10.  HOME REPAIRS -- LOC networks with local volunteers and companies to provide materials and labor to make minor home repairs. Preference is given to elderly and those who own their own home.

11.  PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE - LOC provides limited prescription assistance up to $50 and may help with the loan of medical equipment when available.  Dental and medical referrals are made through dentists and physicians who are willing to provide free or reduced cost care.  LOC does not assist with payment of burial bills or extensive dental and medical bills.

12.  SCHOOL HOUSE STORE - LOC provides school supplies at a percentage of retail cost to locally enrolled (Lancaster ISD and students living in Wilmer & Hutchins) school children whose parents meet income requirements and live in the LOC service area.  Supplies are distributed each August. A co-pay is required based on the grade of the child.

13.  GIVING TREE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE - LOC provides eligible families Christmas gifts for children ages 1-14 at a co-pay of 20% of the retail price, and also gives Christmas groceries to these families. The co-pay is used to purchase additional food and toys for families. The Shoppe is set up and groceries are distributed each December.

14.  INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES - LOC clients are carefully screened in order to verify legitimate need.  Some clients are denied services and others are referred to other resources which can better meet their needs.  LOC maintains cooperative relationships with area groups, churches, and agencies in order to avoid duplication of services.  Records are kept on each client family.

15.  OPERATION COOPERATION - LOC provides on call services to Lancaster Police and Fire Departments to assist with homeless or stranded families, battered women and their children, or other emergency referrals.

16.  LISD SOCIAL WORK SERVICES - Upon referral, LOC provides social work services to all eight schools in the Lancaster ISD.  Services include school supplies, group counseling opportunities, and a program to provide low cost eyeglasses to school age children.