Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski on Unsplash
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives, health and economic security.
In these times of anxiety and concern, we want you to know that there are a number of resources available to Kansans in need. Our mission is to support older Kansans, those living with disabilities, and their family care-givers. We also support those in need of housing assistance and are committed to acting as a resource for information and referrals to any others in our communities that find themselves in need. Please Contact Us if you find yourself or a family-member in need during this time of difficulty and we’ll see what we can do.
Please note, we have endeavored to provide accurate information on this website, but many of these programs are complex and some rules are changing. Please contact the responsible agency at once to confirm any items that might pertain to your situation. If you learn of errors on this page, please bring them to our attention.
Latest Public Health Information & Vaccination Contacts
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is the state’s official health agency, and Dr. Lee Norman is both the state’s health officer and the Secretary of KDHE. Information about the latest state-wide statistics on COVID-19, tips to stay safe, and information about ongoing health orders and state-wide reopening plans are found on KDHE’s COVID-19 Information Site. The website in particular contains a guide to Taking Care of Yourself and your Family.
Vaccines are become more available in the coming weeks and months, and your County Health Department is the best place to call to see how to sign-up.
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS:
Chase County, website or 620-273-6377
Clay County, website or 785-632-3193
Cloud County, website or 785-243-8140
Dickinson County, website or 785-263-4179
Ellsworth County, website or 785-472-4488
Geary County, website or 785-762-5788 (or link to Covid vaccine sign-up for residents)
Jewell County, website or 785-378-4060
Lincoln County, website or 785-524-4406
Lyon County, website or 620-342-4864
Marion County, website or 620-382-2550
Mitchell County, website or 785-738-5175
Morris County, website or 620-767-5175
Ottawa County, website or 785-392-2822
Pottawatomie County, website or 785-457-3719 (or link to Covid vaccine sign-up for residents)
Republic County, website or 785-527-5671
Riley County, website or 785-776-4779 (or link to Covid vaccine sign-up for residents)
Wabaunsee County, website or 785-765-2425
Friendship Meals
Friendship Meals provide nutritious meals to approximately 57,000 Kansans in our region, and we continue to serve meals throughout this pandemic. Meals are available from 40 dining centers throughout our 18-county region.
Meals are available to people age 60 and older, their spouses, and disabled dependents upon completion the required Kansas Uniform Assessment. Participants are asked to make a voluntary, confidential contributions based on what they can “comfortably afford.” The current suggested voluntary contribution for a Friendship Meal is $4.00. Home-delivered meals are available to customers certified as home-bound. Other individuals, regardless of circumstances, are welcome to request a meal for a cost of $7.00 - advance reservation at least one day before is required. We can help you find the nearest location serving Friendship Meals.
The Friendship Meals program is organized and provided as a direct service from NC-FH AAA and is supported through federal funds from Title III-C of the Older Americans Act and contributions from participants.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly known as “food stamps”) is the largest food assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP is one of the primary ways we address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in the United States. In Kansas, SNAP is administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Congress recently approved a law to give Kansas and USDA more flexibility in administering SNAP, including changes that:
Allow Kansas families with students on free or reduced-price school meals to be eligible for additional SNAP benefits.
Provide an additional one-time benefit of $274 per child to families on SNAP or newly applying.
Waive work and work-training requirements temporarily during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Emergency allotments of increased benefits applied temporarily for many recipients.
Streamline some of the initial interview processes, and extended certification periods once enrolled.
To enroll in SNAP, you can visit the Kansas DCF website and apply for benefits online. Or you may call (785) 296-3271 or visit one of DCF’s regional offices or service centers. Harvester’s Community Food Network has an Outreach Team that can assist people in navigating the SNAP application process, visit the Harvester’s website or call them at 877-653-9522
Some other things to know:
The Double Up Food Bucks Program will match $1 for every $1 spent at participating farmer’s markets and grocery stores in Kansas, up to $25 per day, so you can buy more fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit Double Up Heartland
If you need to have another adult do your shopping (for instance if child care makes it impossible or if you are self-quarantining), you can make arrangements for that with your local DCF service center - you will need to complete a form.
Economic Impact Payments (IRS)
Eligible Americans are receiving their Economic Impact Payments at this time. Some have already received these stimulus payments that were authorized by Congress, either as direct deposit or as a check, and others will be receiving their payment soon. For the most part, the IRS is using past tax filings and social security information to reach recipients automatically.
There are some persons, though that need to take a special steps with the IRS to ensure their payment, or to ensure the receive payments for their dependent payments. In that case, people need to submit their payment information through the IRS Non-Filers Enter Payment portal.
Housing
Housing assistance is available for eligible individuals and families throughout our region. The NC-FH AAA administers a Section 8 Choice Voucher Program for most of the communities and counties in our region, and we partner with other local housing authorities for the remaining areas. A Section 8 Choice Voucher provides housing subsidies to qualified low-income persons who lease private, unsubsidized dwelling units. Subsidy is provided in the form of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) which are paid directly to the landlord on a monthly basis as long as the family remains a program participant. Before becoming a program participant, the family must apply for the waiting list and submit required documents to verify eligibility - wait times for eligible participants are very short right now. We are also able to offer a program of Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) in some of our counties. The TBRA program helps newly participating families with security deposits for utilities and rent. Funding for this program is made possible through a grant from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program administered through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). Contact us to learn more about your housing assistance options.
Download the Section 8 Application (PDF)
Download the TBRA Application (PDF)
Completed applications must be submitted to:
Flint Hills Housing Assistance, NC-FH AAA, 401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502.
Utilities
If you are struggling with utility bills at this time, you are encouraged to contact your utility provider at once to see what arrangement you can make. Many are offering special accommodations at this time.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. In 2019, LIEAP served about 33,000 Kansas households, with an average benefit of $576.
Ordinarily, the application process would be closed at this time. However, any household that had not previously applied in 2020 for LIEAP may submit an application between May 1 and May 29. Applications must be submitted online to the Department of Children and Families. Visit our LIEAP information page for more details.
Avoiding Scams
As if COVID-19 wasn’t bad enough, scammers are sneaking out of their dark corners to offer false hope and use fear to trick you into giving up personal information and money. They are promoting false cures and tests, and are asking for your bank routing number to “help” you get your relief money. They are sending fake emails that look real, but those fake CDC or World Health Organization emails are trying to do bad things. They are texting, posting ads in social media, and mailing out flyers. To keep yourself free of scams, remember that things that sound too good to be true usually aren’t, and that no reputable organization or government agency will ever call you to ask for personal information. If in doubt, you can always ask for complete contact information and a phone number and let them know you will call back (and then ask a trusted friend if it sounds legit - and feel free to never call back). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has plenty of information about ongoing scams and tips to avoid becoming a victim.
