help in hard times

Your First Call for Help in Hard Times

Feeling the pinch?

Did you lose your job or are you worried you will?

Struggling to get by and not sure where to turn?

These days, many people find their income shrinking while their bills keep growing.We can help. If you are experiencing financial trouble or otherdifficulties, don’t wait to seek assistance.

2-1-1

Help in Hard Times

United Way of Central Maryland has prepared this guide as a resource for people facing the loss of a job or coping with other financial struggles.

Help is available to see you through this difficult time, though finding it can seem intimidating and confusing. No matter what your situation, you are not alone.

This booklet is designed to guide you through the options you may have and offer suggestions for ways to get back on your feet.

Beyond the resources listed here, answers, guidance and a caring voice are always available through 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland (formerly First Call for Help™). It’s free and confidential.

Because each situation is unique, you may find it helpful to talk with an expert to find the assistance that best suits your needs. 2-1-1 has information about everything from food, housing, health care, financialassistance and legal services to employment help, childcare, counseling, transportation, drug treatment and government programs, plus a lot more.

You can rely on our Information and Referral Specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Simply dial 2-1-1 or 410.685.0525 anytime you need help.Toll-free 1.800.492.0618 (statewide) TTY weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. 410.685.2159 (for hearing impaired) Visit www.211md.org to search for community resources.

Normal airtime and other charges apply for cell phone users.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Survival Plan: Take Charge of Your Life 5-7

Securing Your Finances: Government Financial Benefits Can Help 8-9

Housing Concerns 10-11

Feeding Your Family 12

Help with Energy Costs 13-14

Health Care Resources 15

Assistance for People With Disabilities 16

Legal Assistance 17-18

Finding Work 19-22

Counseling To Help You Through 23-24

Money-Stretching Strategies 25-27

Keeping Your Spirits Up 28-29

Survival Plan: Take Charge of Your Life

MONTHLY EXPENSES should include:

Fixed Expenses-mortgageorrent,insurance, loans,installmentpayments,creditcardpayments, childsupportandotherfixedmonthlypayments

Variable Expenses-food,transportation,utilities, phone,medicalexpenses,repairs,prescriptions, clothing,recreation,childcare

Anticipated Future Expenses-Taxes,tuition, emergencies,movingexpensesandoutstanding debtswithdeferredpayments.

5 | U N I T E D WAY O F C E N T R A L M A RY L A N D | H E L P I N H A R D T I M E S

Step 1: Prepare a Realistic Monthly Budget Withlessmoneycomingin,planningandstrictbudgetingwillbenecessarytomeetyourfinancialresponsibilities.Prepareyourbudgetassoonasyourincomechanges.Lookingatyourfinancialsituationonpaperisanessentialstepindecidingwhatexpensestoprioritizeandwillalsobeneededtoapplyforbenefits.Discussyourfinanceswitheveryoneinthehouseholdandworktogetherasateamtomanagethesituation.

MONTHLY INCOME should include: Incomeforallhouseholdmembers Savings Severancepay Unionstrikeassistance Unemploymentpayments TANF,foodstamps,SSI,childsupport, oranyotherbenefitpayments

Step 2: List AssetsTheseinvestmentsarepartofyourfinancialpictureeventhoughyoumaynothaveinstantaccesstothefunds.Avoidtappingtheseresourcesunlessyouhaveabsolutelynochoice.

Assets may include:

•401korpensionfunds•Cashvalueofinsurancepolicies•Prepaidburialorfuneralpolicies•Stocksorbonds•Equityinyourhome(thedifferencebetweenthe

valueandtheamountyouoweonyourhome)•Resalevalueofvehicles,boats,RVs,etc.

Step 3: Prioritize your expenses Paymentsshouldbelistedinorderofimportance,sothatyourbasicneedsaresecureevenwhenmoneyisshort.Housingmightbefirstonyourlist,followedbyfood,utilities,medicalexpenses,transportationandchildsupport(ifapplicable).

Step 4: Make a Complete List of Your CreditorsIncludeinyourlistcreditors’names,addresses,accountnumbers,interestrates,totalamountowed,scheduledpaymentamountsandduedates.Trynottoletthecombinedpictureoverwhelmyou,itisasignalthatyouaretakingcontrolofyourfinancialproblems,notalistofpersonalfailures.This list will also be needed in applying for some kinds of assistance.

DON’T IGNORE YOUR MAIL! Though bills can seem like a nightmare when you have no money with which to pay them, do not ignore government agency inquiries or creditor requests for information. That only makes a difficult situation worse. If you do not understand notices or bills sent to you, call the person who sent the bill.

Keep full records of these transactions and phone communications:

•Date•Telephonenumbers•Nameofthefirm•Thebalanceandlengthofyourdebt•Nameofthepersonwithwhomyoumetortalkedwith•Abriefaccountofagreementsmade

U N I T E D WAY O F C E N T R A L M A RY L A N D | H E L P I N H A R D T I M E S | 6

Step 5: Contact your creditors before you get behind Trytomakealternatepaymentarrangements.Contactingthemshowsagoodfaithefforttopay,andmostcreditorsdon'twanttogothroughthehassleandexpenseofchasingyouforpayments.Ifyoucannotpayeverything,paywhatyoucansothatyouroverduebalanceremainsaslowaspossible.Partialpaymentsmayalsokeepyouraccountfrombeingturnedovertoacollectionagency.

Contactyourcreditorsinwritingusingthissampleletter(click here).Makesuretosenditcertifiedmailwithareturnreceiptrequested.

Step 6: Stay in Touch with CreditorsAfteryourfirstletter,keepinregularcontactwithyourcreditors.Thisreassuresthem,showsthatyouhavearesponsiveattitudeandmaykeepthemfromharassingyou.

Step 7: Stop Using Credit Tryandstopusingyourcreditcards.Onegoodstrategyistoputtheminadrawerandleavethemathome.Creditcardinterestratesareextremelyhigh,whichmeansyoupaytwiceforthetemporaryuseofthatmoney.Ifyouhaveanymeanstodoso,trytomakelargerpaymentstoreducethebalanceyouowe--thelargeryoubalance,thefasteritgrows.Theremaybedesperatetimeswhenacreditcardisyouronlyoption,butitshouldbeviewedasanemergencyratherthanalong-termsolution.

Ifyouhaveseriouscreditcarddebt,considertalkingtoanonprofitdebtmanagementprogram,suchasConsumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland and Delaware, Inc. (CCCS).

Baltimore Metropolitan Area410.747.6803

Statewide1.800.642.2227

Informationandcounselingisavailablebyappointmenttohelpyoumanageyourmoneyanddebts.Counselorswillassistinnegotiationswithcreditors.Counselingisfreebutasmallfeeischargedforadministeringyourdebts.Counselorsreviewclients’budgetsandofferadviceregardinganyunwisespending.

http://www.uwcm.org/uwcm/doc/sample_letter.doc

Step 8: Reduce Household Expenses Youandyourfamilywillprobablyneedtomakesomeadjustmentstoyourlifeinordertostaywithinyourbudget.Activelyplanningwhichexpensestogiveupcanmakeiteasiertolivewithyourchoices,soinvolveallhouseholdmembersinthebrainstorming.Seethesectioncalled"Money-StretchingStrategies"inthisbookletforideasonwaystosave.

Step 9: Sell Things You Don’t NeedAgaragesalemaynetafewdollarsandhelpyoucleanoutyourattic,andwhileyouareunemployedyoumayhavetimetomakeitworthwhile.ResearchonlineauctionsiteslikeeBay,consignmentshopsorsecondhandstores,ifyouhavejewelry,electronicsorotherhigher-valueitemstosell.Ifyouhavemorethanonecar,thinkaboutdownsizing.Itmightbetimetoselltheboat,trailerorrecreationalvehicleyourarelyuse.Itmaybepossibletoletsomeitemsgowithoutreallychangingthewayyoulive.

…andmostimportantly

Step 10: Take Care of Yourself. Payattentiontoyourhealth.Livingwithstresscancauseillnessatthetimeyoucanleastaffordtreatment.Eatnutritiouslyandgetplentyofsleepandexercise.Maketimeforleisureandrecreation.Familiarizeyourselfwithavailablelow-costhealthandmentalhealthservicesbeforeanyseriousproblemsdevelop.Seethe“CounselingToHelpYouThrough”sectionattheendofthisbookletforplacesthatoffertheseservices.

Stayintouchwithfriends,relatives,acquaintancesandassociates.Researchhasproventhateverystressfulsituationimproveswhenyoufeellessaloneandknowthatyouhavesupport.Keepingyourrelationshipshealthykeepsyoustrong.


Doyouneedmoreguidanceaboutbudgeting,payingbills,managingdebtorotherfinancial

concerns?

Please call the Maryland Money Helpline at1.877.254.1097 for FREE financial counseling.

ThelineisstaffedMonday-Thursday8:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

Friday8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.Saturday9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

ThisfreeserviceisprovidedthroughanonprofitpartnershipbetweenConsumerCreditCounseling

ServicesofMarylandandDelawareandtheBaltimoreCASHcampaign.

Government Financial Benefits Can HelpResearchingthefinancialbenefitsforwhichyouareeligibleiscrucialintakingcontrolofyoursituation.Thepublicbenefitssystem,whichincludesprogramslikeTemporaryCashAssistance(TCA),FoodStampsandMedicalAssistance,canbeveryconfusingandoftenfrustrating.

Dial2-1-1tofindanadvisorwhoistrainedtohelpyoufigureitout.Applyingforbenefitscantakealongtime,sodothisresearchassoonasyourincomechanges.Itisaloteasiertodiscontinuebenefitsifyoursituationimprovesthanitistoapplyforthemwhenyoureallyneedthem.

Donotrelyoninformationabouteligibilityfromco-workers,friendsorfamily--yourbenefiteligibilityisasuniqueasyoursituationandcircumstance.Contactthesourceofthebenefitdirectlytodetermineyourstatus.Familiarizeyourselfwithdetailsaboutthebenefitsforwhichyouqualifyandbeclearaboutwhenyoucanexpecttoreceiveassistance.

Bereadytonavigateacomplexsystemofprogramsandagenciesandbepreparedtofight for your rights.Itisnotuncommontoexperienceproblemswhenapplyingforbenefits,andattimesitmaynotseemworththeeffort.Stayfocused,bepatientanddonotletthisdiscourageyou.Manypeoplefeelembarrassedtoaskforgovernmentaid,butyouabsolutelydeservehelptoseeyouthroughthistoughtime.Governmentassistanceprogramsarefundedthroughmoneywithheldfromyourpaycheckwhileyouareworking.Youhaveearnedtherighttoreceiveassistanceinyourowntimeoffinancialdifficulty.

Unemployment Insurance Ifyouhavelostyourjoborareworkingonlyparttime,youmayapplyforunemploymentinsurance.Inordertoreceivethisbenefityoumusthaveworkedforaminimumof18monthsinthestateofMaryland.Youmustalsobeactivelylookingforanewjobandkeeprecordsofyoursearchefforts.Benefitsaredisbursedtoadebitcardthatcanbeusedforpaymentsandpurchases.Youmustcalleveryweekandreportyourstatusviaanautomatedphonesystem.Unemploymentinsuranceispaidwithoutregardtoyourfinancialstatus.Itisbaseduponyourpreviousearningsandyourpreviousemployerpaysforthebenefit.Eligibilityisdeterminedonanindividualbasis.Applyimmediatelywhenyouloseyourjob,eitherpermanentlyortemporarily.Itmaytakelongerthanitnormallywouldforbenefitstostartduetotheballooningnumberofpeoplewhoarecurrentlyunemployed.

Securing Your Finances

For more information or to apply for unemployment insurance, contact:

Maryland State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Baltimore Area:410.949.0022Statewide toll-free:1.800.827.4839

EarnBenefits is a free program created to screen

people and connect them to all the benefits for which

they might be eligible. Trained counselors sit down

one-on-one with clients and show you how to

navigate the systems using an online screening tool.

Call 2-1-1 to find an EarnBenefits counselor or go to

http://baltimore.earnbenefits.org

U N I T E D WAY O F C E N T R A L M A RY L A N D | H E L P I N H A R D T I M E S | 8

Public Assistance ProgramsEachcountyinMarylandhasaDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS)thatadministersavarietyofpublicassistanceprogramsdesignedtohelppeoplewhoarehavingproblemsmeetingtheirbasicneeds.Whilerequirementsarestrict,youmayqualifyforbenefitsevenifyouownahomeoracar.

Food StampsinMarylandarefreefoodbenefitsprovidedmonthlytoeligiblecashassistanceandlow-incomehouseholdstosupplementfoodsuppliesandimprovenutrition.Benefitsareintheformofadebitcardtobeusedatparticipatingstores.

Women, Infants & Children Supplementary Food Program (WIC) WICisaprogramdesignedforlow-incomepregnantorbreast-feedingwomenandtheirchildrenunderfiveyearsofage.Thebenefitsincludesupplementalfoodvouchersandanutritionalprogram.Eligibilityisdeterminedbyincomeguidelines.Call2-1-1ortheWICappointmentline410.396.9427(BaltimoreCity)or1.800.242.4WIC(statewide)todetermineifyoumightbeeligible.

Family Investment Program (FIP) provides Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)tolow-incomefamilieswithchildren.FIPhasafive-yearlifetimelimitforbenefits.Clientsarerequiredtoparticipateinworkortrainingactivitiesforaminimumof30hoursaweekinexchangefortemporarycashassistance,childcare,training,emergencyassistanceandmedicalassistance.

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)providesemergencycashassistance(grants)toassistwithcourt-orderedevictions,mortgages,utilitycut-offsandburialassistance.Itmaybeusedonlyonceina12-monthperiod.

How to Apply For AssistanceS.A.I.L.(ServiceAccessandInformationLink)isanonlinetoolthatallowspeopletocheckiftheyareeligibleandapplyformanypublicassistanceprograms:TemporaryCashAssistance(TCA),FoodStamps,TemporaryDisabilityAssistanceProgram(TDAP),MedicalAssistanceforchildrenandadultsandotherprograms.

Gotowww.marylandsail.orgtogetstarted.Dial2-1-1ifyouneedhelpwiththewebsite.

Whenapplyingforassistance,itishelpfultohaveasmanyofthefollowingitemsavailableaspossible.

Anne Arundel County, DSS 410.269.4500 Baltimore City, DSS 443.423.6300 Baltimore County, DSS 410.853.3000

Carroll County, DSS 410.386.3300 Harford County, DSS 410.836.4700 Howard County, DSS 410.872.8700

Identification•PhotoID•Driver’slicense•StateID•EmploymentID•DepartmentofSocial

ServicesID•Greencard•SocialSecurityCardsforall

membersofthehousehold

Proof of Residence•Leaseormortgageagreement•Rentreceipts•Utilitybills•Insurancebills

Proof of Income•Incometaxreturns•4-6weekspaystubs•Unemploymentinsurance

checkstubs•Benefitletterforgovernment

checks(i.e.,SSI,SSDI,VA,SocialSecurity)

•TDAPbenefitsallotment•Pensionbenefits•Anyotherincome


http://www.marylandsail.org

Whenfacedwiththelossofajobandtheresultingreductioninyourincome,contactyourlandlordorlenderimmediatelytodiscussyoursituation.Ifyoucannotmakesatisfactoryarrangementsthereareagenciesthatprovidelandlord/tenantcounselingandmediation,aswellasmortgagedefaultanddelinquencyinformation.

Itisimportanttoknowyourrightsasatenantorahomeowner.Dosomeresearchandeducateyourself–severalcommunityagenciesofferfreehomeownerorrentereducationclasses.

NOTE: The information in this section was correct as of January 2011. However, new government and non-profit programs are still being developed to address the current housing crisis. Please be advised that changes to these laws and procedures are likely.

A nonprofit housing counselor can guide you through the best options currently available to you. Please call 2-1-1 for referral, or call the Maryland Hope Hotline at 1.877.462.7555.

Renter’s Assistance: Ifyouareunabletopayyourrent,helpmaybeavailable.Eachcounty’sDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS)sponsorsanevictionpreventionprogramandsomecommunityprogramshaveemergencyfundstopreventevictionaswell.Pleasecontact2-1-1formoreinformationaboutyouroptions.

Ifyoudecideyouneedtomove,seeMarylandDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment(DHCD)’shousinglocatorserviceatwww.mdhousingsearch.orgorcall1.877.428.8844.Thistoolallowsuserstonarrowthelistingsbyprice,location,amenities,income-sensitiverentalagreementsandevenwhethertheleaserequiresacreditorcriminalbackgroundcheck.

Avoiding ForeclosureWhat Happens if I Miss a Mortgage Payment?Afteryoumissonepaymentyouareindefaultandmayreceivea“deficiencynotice”fromyourlender.Ifyoumissseveralpayments,youmaygeta“noticeofdefault”whichexplainshowmuchyouoweandadvisesyouthatforeclosuremaybeapossibility.Foreclosureproceedingscanlegallybeginwhenyouhavenotpaidyourmortgagefor90days.

Thenextstepisa“NoticeofForeclosureAction.”Marylandlawrequiresthatthenoticemustbesentbothcertifiedandfirstclassmailatleast45daysbeforefilingaforeclosureaction.

Don’twaitforthistohappen.Thesooneryougethelpwithyourmortgageproblems,themorelikelyyouaretokeepyourhome.

Help with your Mortgage Payments Generally,housinglendersdonotwanttoforecloseonamortgage.Therearerarelywinnersinaforeclosurebecauseofthecostsinvolved.Trytoworkoutapaymentplanwithyourlenderuntilyouarebetterofffinancially.AsthegovernmentreactstotheforeclosurecrisisthatmanyAmericansareexperiencing,moreandmoreoptionsarelikelytobecomeavailabletohelpyouworkoutawaytostayinyourhome.Thekeyistoaskforhelpearlyandpersistently.

Somelendersmayallowskippedpayments,somemaysuggestpartialorinterest-onlypaymentsforonetosixmonths.Youmightconsidersellingorrefinancingyourhome,butitisadvisabletoseekprofessionaladvicewhenconsideringtheseoptions.

Housing Concerns

U N I T E D WAY O F C E N T R A L M A RY L A N D | H E L P I N H A R D T I M E S | 1 0

A Nonprofit Housing Counselor May Be Able to Help You Keep Your HomeFreeandconfidentialforeclosurepreventionassistanceisavailableinmanylocationsacrossMaryland.Housingcounselorscanhelpyouunderstandyourmortgagedocuments,explaintheoptionsyouhaveandhelpyounegotiatea“WorkoutPlan”withyourlender.Cometotheappointmentpreparedwithsettlementpaperwork,taxreturnsandanynoticesorinvoicesfromyourlender,alongwithyourhouseholdbudgetandlistofcreditors.

PossibleWorkoutPlans,accordingtheMarylandDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment(DHCD),couldinclude:

• Repayment Plan-Catchupbyaddingaportionofthepastdueamounttoyourmonthlypayments.

• Forebearance Plan-Yourmonthlypaymentsaretemporarilyreducedorsuspended.Thereisusuallyahigherpaymentwhenthepaymentsarereinstated.

• Loan Modification Plan-Thelenderagreestochangeyourtermsinsomeway.Theymightreduceyourinterest,extendtheloanpaymentperiodornegotiatetheprepaymentpenalty.

• Partial Claim (available only for an FHA loan)-Thelendermayofferaninterest-freeloantocatchupthearrearage.Theloanisduewhenyousellthepropertyorwhenyoupayoffyourfirstmortgage.

• Recast Plan (not available with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac)-Youputmissedpaymentsattheback

endoftheloan.

Ifyourlenderrejectsyourproposal,trytonegotiateandfindoutwhattheymightbewillingtoaccept.Ifitseemsunreasonableorunfair,asktospeakwithalossmitigationspecialistorsupervisor.Thoughahousingcounselorcanbeagreathelp,youneedtoactasyourownadvocate.Evenifforeclosureisinevitable,youcanstillnegotiatebettertermsoralongertimelinesothatyouaren’toutinthecold.Bereadytokeepfighting!

Onceyouareoutofimmediatedanger,youneedalong-termplanabouthowyouaregoingtomanagepayments.TheMarylandDepartmentofHousingandCommunityDevelopment(DHCD)hasdevelopedsomerefinancingoptionstohelphomeownersinexactlythatsituation.Call2-1-1oranonprofithousingcounselorformoreinformation.

Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams Besurethatthepersonhelpingyouwithyourmortgageisalegitimatehousingcounselorwhoisattachedtoareputablenonprofitagency.Therearemanyoftheseservicesavailable,call2-1-1tolocatetheoneclosesttoyou.

Therearealsomanypeoplewhowanttotakeadvantageofdesperatehomeownerslookingforhelp,sobesmartandbeware!Donotseekassistancethroughacompanythatadvertisesthroughflyersontelephonepolesandmedianstrips.Somescamartistslurehomeownersintosigningtheirdeedoverandthentakethehomeforthemselvesandotherschargeenormousfeeswithoutdeliveringanyservicesatall.Don’tsignanydocumentswithoutfirstgettingobjectivelegaladvice.If you feel you have been the victim of a real estate predator, you can report this to Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation, at www.dllr.state.md.us, or by calling 1.888.784.0136.

1 1 | U N I T E D WAY O F C E N T R A L M A RY L A N D | H E L P I N H A R D T I M E S

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/

TherearemanyagenciesincentralMarylandwherefreeorlowcostfoodisavail-ableduringtimesofcrisis.Severalkindsofhelpareavailable,dependingonyourneeds.

Soup Kitchensprovideanimmediatehotmeal,usuallypreparedbyvolunteersoragencystaffandservedtowhomeverwalksinattheappointedtime.Someservemealsdaily,othersweeklyormonthly.

Congregate Meal Sitesareusuallyrunthroughseniorcentersandserveadailyhotmealtotheprogramparticipants.Thiscanbeamajorhelpforolderpeoplewholiveindependentlybuthavetroublecookingforthemselves.

Food Pantriesprovideemergencyfoodpackagesforpeoplewhodonothaveenoughmoneytobuyfood.Theyareintendedtofillinagapasanemergencyprogramanddonotprovidepeoplewithfoodonacontinuousbasis.

Somepantrieshavealimittohowoftenyoucangetgroceries,andmanyrequireareferralfrom2-1-1ortheDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS).Thecontentsofthepackagevaryfromonepantrytoanother,butsomeoffervegetables,frozenmeat,cannedgoods,cereal,pastaandothergrocerystaples.Infantformula,dia-persandbabyfoodareavailableatcertainlocations,soyoushouldmentionthatyouneedtheseitemswhenyoucallforareferral.Aboxoffoodmayormaynotbeavailablethesamedayyoucall.

Ongoing Food Assistance likefoodstampsandfoodcooperativesprovidemonthlyassistancetosupplementthefoodneedsoflow-incomefamiliesandindividuals.

FoodStampsprovidemonthlyfundsforfreefoodtoeligiblelow-incomehouseholds.Benefitsareintheformofadebitcardtobeusedatparticipatingstores.Maximumgrossincomeguidelinesdetermineeligibility.Call2-1-1tofindoutifyoumightqualify.

Feeding Your Family

Angel Food MinistriesToll-free 1.888.819.3745Hotline 1.877.366.3646Website www.angelfoodministries.comEmail [email protected]

Angel Food Ministries is a food cooperative program that sells boxes of food at $30 per box. One box is designed to feed a family of four for about a week or a senior citizen for about a month. Boxes include fresh and frozen items. There are no eligibility requirements.

SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange) Phone 301.864.3115Toll-free 1.800.21.SHARE (1.800.217.4273)

SHARE is a food cooperative program with no eligibility criteria other than the desire to participate. SHARE provides meats, produce and groceries for about half the retail value of the food. There are many distribution sites across Maryland. For $19 and two hours of volunteer time you will receive approximately $40-$45 worth of food. You can volunteer for the program itself, for another helping organization, at your child’s school or even just help a neighbor.


Withfuelcostsontheriseandmanypeoplestrugglingfinancially,thisisoneofthemostcommonconcernsforpeoplewhocall2-1-1forhelp.Thereareseveraloptionstohelpyouworkitout.Hereareafewpossibilities:

Heating/Electric Herearethestepstotakeifyouarenotabletopayyourmonthlygasandelectricbill:

1. Callyourutilitycompanyandletthemknowaboutthesituation.Thistelephonenumberislistedonyourbill.Askforanextensiononyourbillandtrytoworkoutarepaymentplan.Berealisticaboutyourabilitytopaytheamountowed.Ifyoureceiveaturn-offnotice,itiscriticalthatyoucontactthecompanybeforetheturn-offdate.Helpbecomesmuchmoredifficulttofindafteryourenergyisshutoff.

2. Ifyouhaveashut-offnotice,youmaybeeligibleforassistancethroughtheOfficeofHomeEnergyPrograms(OHEP),whichoffersanumberofprogramsdesignedtohelppayenergybills.

TheMaryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)isafederallyfundedprogramthatassistswithwinterheatingcosts,availableonlyonceayear.

TheElectrical Universal Service Program (EUSP)isalsoaonceayeargranttoassistpeoplewiththecostofelectricity.

Bothgrantshavespecificmaximumhouseholdincomeguidelinesinordertobeeligible.IfyouqualifyforMEAP,youmayalsobeeligiblefortheUtility Service Protection Program (USPP)assistance.USPPpaysyourMEAPgrantdirectlytoyourutilitycompany,therebyreducingtheamountofyourmonthlypayment.Formoreinformation,contactoneoftheofficeslistedonthenextpage,orvisitwww.marylandsail.org.

3. ApplyforassistancethroughtheFuelFund(contactinformationlistedonthenextpage)oranemergencyfueloilprogram.Thisisanemergencyfundthatmaybeusedonceeachheatingseason(approximatelyDecember1throughMarch31).ApplicantsmustshowevidencethattheyhaveappliedforMEAPandanEmergencyAssistancetoFamilies/Children(EAFC)grant.Dial2-1-1formoreinformationabouttheFuelFund.

4. Contactlocalcharitiesandfaith-basedorganizationswhocansometimeshelpthroughemergencyfinancialassistanceprograms.Thoughthesefundsareoftenverylimited,youmaybeabletocombinemorethanonesourcetomakeupthetotalamountowed.Generally,youmusthaveashut-offnoticeandhavealreadyappliedforMEAPandtheFuelFundtoqualify.Call2-1-1forsuggestionsaboutwheretocallorcheckwithchurchesandcharitiesnearyou.

5. CalltheMarylandStatePublicServiceCommission(PSC)at1.800.492.0474ifyoufeelyourbillisunfairoryourrightsaredenied.Thisorganizationregulatespublicutilitiesandrespondstocomplaintsaboututilitycompanies.TheeconomiccrisishaspromptedthePSCtoimposeamoratoriumwhichblocksenergycompa-niesfromshuttingoffcustomers’powerfornon-payment.Theseareintendedtobetemporary,butyoumaywanttocallthePSCtofindoutifamoratoriumiscurrentlyinplace.Ifnot,theymaystillbeabletohelpyougetanadditionalextensiononyourutilitybillormediateanaffordablepaymentplan.

Help with Energy Costs

When applying for energy assistance, you will be asked to show these documents:

•Yourturn-offnoticeandcurrentutilitybill,ornameofoilorbulkfuelcompany,andaccountnumber•Proofoftotalhouseholdincomeovertheprevious30days•Lease,proofofmortgage,rentpaymentreceiptorSection8certificate•Driver’slicenseorotherphotoID•SocialSecuritycardsforeveryhouseholdmember,includingchildren•OHEPcertifiedbenefitletterforMEAP,EUSPandUSPP


Telephone BillsThereisnofinancialassistancetohelppaytelephonebillsthatarepastdue.However,ifyouhaveaverylowincome,youmaybeabletoloweryourmonthlyphonebillsbychangingyourlevelofserviceto“Tel-Life,”whichallowsalimitednumberofcallseachmonth.AnyonewhoreceivesTemporaryCashAssistance(TCA),TemporaryDisabilityAssistanceProgram(TDAP)benefitsorSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)cangetlow-costTel-LifeServiceandmaybeeligibleforLink-UpAmericatohelppayforthecostofgettinganewphoneserviceconnected.

Youmayalsobeeligibletoreceiveafreewirelessphonewithanallottednumberoffreeminutespermonthforlocalandlongdistancecalls.


311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201Verizon : 1.800.525.0145

Tel-Life/Link-Up America

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY 410.626.1910

BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE NETWORK

• Cantonsville 443.423.6000• Dundalk 410.285.4674• Essex 410.853.3824• Hillendale/Towson

Parkville/Carney 410.339.6457• Lansdowne 410.247.0093• Randallstown 410.887.0631• Rosedale 410.682.6607

BALTIMORE COUNTY• Deparment of Social 410.853.3385

Services • United Churches 410.628.2102

Assistance Network (UCAN)

CARROLL COUNTY 410.857.2999

HARFORD COUNTY 410.612.9909

HOWARD COUNTY 410.313.6440

FUEL FUND PROGRAMS An applicant must first apply for MEAP/EUSP at OHEP before appling for the Fuel Fund.

BALTIMORE CITY• Baltimore City Department of 443.423.6000

Social Services/HEESU • Govans Ecumenical Development 410.532.2273

(GEDCO) Corporation-CARESAreas Served: 21210, 21212, 21218 (North of 33rd Street Only) and 21239

• Salvation Army 410.783.2920Areas Served: Baltimore City

• Paul’s Place 410.625.0775Areas Served: 21223, 21230

• Samaritan Center 410.659.4020Areas Served: Baltimore City

• St. Mary’s Outreach Center 410.366.3106Areas Served: 21211

Maryland State Department of Human Resources Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) Main 1.800.352.1446

Energy Assistance Offices (MEAP)

Anne Arundel County 410.626.1910

Baltimore City 410.396.5555

Baltimore County 410.853.3385

Carroll County 410.857.2999

Harford County 410.612.9909

Howard County 410.313.6440

Free Wireless Phone Options include:

SAFE LINKEnrollment 1.800.723.3546 www.safelinkwireless.comASSURANCEMain Line 1.888.898.4888 www.assurancewireless.com

Lifewithoutaccesstomedicalcareisscary.Stressduetofinancialproblemscanstrainyourhealthjustwhenyoucanleastaffordtoseektreatment.Mostchronicconditionsgetmuchworsewithneglectandmanyserioushealthproblemscanbepreventedwithroutinecheckups.Pleasetakecareofyourself.

Figureouthowyoucanseeadoctorbeforeyouneedoneandestablisharelationshipwiththatpersonbeforeanemergency.ThereareseveralclinicsincentralMarylandintendedtoservepeoplewhohavelittleincomeornoinsurance.Asidefromindependentclinics,healthdepartmentsineverycountyprovidearangeofmedicaltestingandscreeningfordisease,freeimmunizations,freewell-childcareandeveningclinics.Contact2-1-1oryourlocalhealthdepartmentforinformation.

Ifyouhaverecentlylostajob,youmayalsohavelostyourinsurance.Ifyouhavelostyourhealthcoverageandareunabletogethealthinsuranceonyourown,considerspeakingtoyourdoctororhospitalaboutpaymentplans.However,somegovernmentassistancewithinsuranceisavailable.Mostclinicscanhelpyouenrollorcontacttheprogramslistedbelowyourself.

Health Care Resources

Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)Statewide Hotline 1.800.456.8900

Providesfreehealthcarecoveragetolow-incomefamilieswithchildrenuptoage19andpregnantwomenofanyage.Ifclientisnoteligibleforfreeservices,theymaystillbeeligibleforlow-costinsurancethroughthePremiumprogram.Insurancecoversservicessuchasroutinedoctorvisits,hospitalcare,prescriptionmedicine,prenatalcheck-ups,dentalandvisioncare,labworkandhomehealthcare.

COBRA U.S. Department of Labor Benefits Advisors 1.866.444.3272

Ifyouhavemedicalcoveragethroughyouremployeryoumayhavetherighttokeepyourcoverageatthegrouprateafterlosingyourjob.Youmustarrangeforthiscontinuedcoveragewithin60daysofunemployment.Thereisamonthlyfeeforcoverage,anditcanbeexpensiveeventhoughitismuchlessthanyouwouldpayonyourownforsimilarbenefits.However,therecentgovernmenteconomicstimuluslegislationhasreducedthecostofCOBRAplansandextendedthedurationofcoverageforpeoplewhobecomeunemployedduring2009.Pleasecallforthemostcurrentinformation.

Maryland State Medical Assistance Program

Medicaidisafederal-statehealthinsuranceprogramforlow-incomepeoplewhomeeteligibilityrequirements.BenefitsareadministeredlocallythroughtheDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS).1.800.492.5231

Anne Arundel County, DSS 410.269.4500 Baltimore City, DSS 443.423.6300 Baltimore County, DSS 410.853.3000 Carroll County, DSS 410.386.3300 Harford County, DSS 410.836.4700 Howard County, DSS 410.872.8700

Prescription Assistance ProgramsIfyouneedhelppayingformedication,pleasecall2-1-1foralistofresources.Freeorreduced-costmedicineisavailablethroughsomepharmaceuticalcompanyprograms,drugdiscountcardprogramsandorganizationsthatadvocateforpeoplewithaspecificmedicalcondition.Localcharitiesaresometimesabletoassistwithprescriptioncoststhroughrelieffunds.AdditionallyseveralretailpharmaciesincludingTarget,Walgreens,Wegmans,GiantandWal-Martofferspeciallowprices(often$4)onalistofcommonlyusedmedications.

Primary Adult Care Program (PAC)1.800. 226.2142

PrimaryAdultCare(PAC)providesinsurancetolow-incomepeoplewhodonotqualifyforMedicalAssistance.PACcoversprimaryhealthcare,certainoutpatientmentalhealthservicesandprescriptiondrugsforeligibleMarylandresidents.


Medical Assistance for Families1.800.456.8900

Parentsandotherfamilymemberscaringforchildrenunder21canapplytogetfullheathcarebenefits.Providesfreehealthservicesincluding;low-costorfreeprescriptions,doctorvisits,EmergencyRoomvisits,hospitalstays,x-raysandlabservices.Torequestanapplication,callthisnumberorvisityourlocalDSS.

Assistance for People With Disabilities


Disabilityclaimscanbephysicaland/ormental.Processingsomedisabilitybenefitapplicationscantakealongtime,andyoumaybeeligibleforotherbenefitswhilewaiting.Thereareprogramsavailableforbothshort-termdisabilities(lessthanoneyear)andlong-termdisabilities(oneyearorlonger).

Herearesomeofthelargestprogramstohelppeoplewithdisabilitiesbefinanciallyindependent.However,othersourcesofincomedoexist.Helpissometimesavailablethroughorganizationsdesignedtohelppeoplewhohaveacertainconditionorhealthstatus.Donotassumethatyouarenoteligibleforbenefitswithoutfirstdiscussingyoursituationwithsomeoneknowledgeableinthefieldofdisabilityrights.

Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) Provideslimitedcashgrantsmonthlytosingle,physicallydisabledadultsforemergencyneedssuchasrent,prescriptionsandmedicalexpenses.ApplyatyourlocalDepartmentofSocialServicesoffice.

U.S. Social Security Administration SocialSecurityadministratesSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI),disabilitybenefitsandMedicare.Italsoadministerssurvivorbenefits,includingalumpsumdeathpaymentforsurvivorsofthoseinsuredbySocialSecurityandbenefitsforchildrenwhoareunderage18ordisabledandhavehadoneorbothparentsdie.

LocalSocialSecurityofficeshelpindividualsapplyforbenefitsorfileappealsifthey’vebeendeniedbenefits.Theseofficesprovideinformationoneligibilityandtherightsofapplicants/recipients.

CalltheSocialSecurityAdministrationformoreinformationat1.800.772.1213.

Maryland Access Point (MAP)Providesinformationandassistanceforadultsovertheageof50,personsovertheageof18withadisability,andfamilyandcaregiverswhoarelookingforservicestoassistwithremaininginthecommunityandleadingfulllives.Informationandassistanceisavilabletoindividualsofallincomelevelsinneedofservicestohelpthemremainindependent,orwhowanttoplanforthefuture.

Visitwww.marylandaccesspoint.infotofindmoreinformationonsupportsandservicesinMaryland.

LocalMAPOffices:AnneArundelCountyDepartmentofAgingandDisabilities 410.222.4257BaltimoreCityCAREServicesatBaltimoreHealthCareAccess410.396.2273BaltimoreCountyDepartmentofAging 410.887.2594CarrollCountyBureauofAging 410.386.3800HarfordCountyOfficeonAging 410.638.4283HowardCountyOfficeonAging 410.313.5980/1.800.506.5806(toll-free)

Youmayfindthatyourincomelosshasputyouintoasituationwhereyouneedlegalassistance.Beadvisedthatwhilefreelegalinformationonvarioustopicsisoftenavailable,freelegalrepresentationisrare.

Ifyourlegalproblemsarerelatedtodebt,beawarethattheFairDebtCollectionPracticesActestablishesrulesfordebtcollection.Itisillegalfordebtcollectorstouseharassment,falsestatementsorunfairpracticestopressureyouintorepayment.

Ifyouneedinformationaboutyourrightsasadebtororotherconsumerinformation,call:Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s OfficeHours9a.m-3p.m.MondaythroughFriday;call410.528.8662.

Send written consumer complaints to:Complaint Handling Unit Consumer Protection Division 200St.PaulPlace,16thFloorBaltimore,MD21202

For work-related issues: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Division of Labor and Industry Phone:410.767.2441Provides information on work-related issues such as workers’ rights, unfair dismissal and discrimination at the workplace.

Employment Standards ServicesPhone:410..767.2357Investigates complaints concerning alleged violations of the Wage Payment and Collection Law. Provides information and referrals on wage and employment laws in Maryland.

General Legal Advice and CounselMaryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Baltimorearea410.547.6537Statewide1.800.510.0050Provideslegalservicestopersonswhofallwithinincomeguidelinesandcanoftengiveadvicetothosewhoareoverthelimit.ItdoesNOTacceptcasesinvolvingdrugs,weaponspossession,orspecialeducationstudents.However,someoftheissuesMVLSmightworkoninclude:

• Housing:Landlord/tenantdisputes,homeownershipproblemsandpoorhousingconditions.

• Consumer rights:Product/servicecomplaints,debtcollection,repossessions,unfairpractices,creditcardormedicalbillproblems.

• Bankruptcy-Debt:Bankruptcyfiling.Waittimeisuptotwotothreemonths.Self-helpclassofferedmonthlyfora$30fee.PersonscanfileChapter7toprotectassets(i.e.homes,cars)insomesituations.

• Tax Problems:Assistswithauditsandfilingbacktaxes.Attaxclinics,trainedtaxlawyerspreparereturnsatnocosttopersonswithlimitedincome.EmphasisisonEarnedIncomeTaxCredit(EIC).ThisisalsoaprogramprovidingfreerepresentationfortaxpayerswithlowincomeregardingdisputeswiththeIRS.Incomeguidelinesvaryfortaxservices.

Legal Assistance


• Private Pension Benefits:Denialofpensionbenefitsfromaprivateemployer.

• Guardianship:Adultsorminorchildren.

• Wills, Powers of Attorney:Simplewills,inheritanceandsmallestateproblems,livingwills,givinganotherpersontherighttoactforyou.

• Domestic Divorce:Forpersonswhohavebeenseparatedover18months.

• Child Custody:Visitation,childsupportandadoption.

• Student Representation:ProvidesrepresentationtoBaltimoreCityandBaltimoreCountystudentswhoaresuspendedfromschool.Thefamilyofthechildmustbeincomeeligible.

Legal Aid BureauLegalAidprovidesfreelegalassistancetolow-incomeandelderlypersonsthroughlocalofficesthroughoutthestate.Theymaybeabletohelpwithmostcivil(non-criminal)legalproblems.Someoftheareaswheretheycangiveassistanceincludefamilyanddomesticcases,childreninneedofassistance(CINA),housingproblems,publicbenefitsandconsumerproblems.LegalAidalsoassistslow-incomeolderadultswithbenefitproblems,landlord/tenantissues,bankruptcy,utilityturn-offs,employmentissuesandnursinghomeproblems.

Legal Aid Bureau Offices

AnneArundelCountyOffice 410.263.8330

BaltimoreCityOffice 410.951.7777

BaltimoreCountyOffice 410.427.1800

HarfordCountyOffice 410.836.8202

HowardCountyOffice 410.480.1057


Ifyouareunemployed,thisisprobablyanespeciallybusytimeforyou.Job-huntingrequiresatleastasmuchtimeandenergyasworkingfull-time.Keepacalendartoplanhowtospendyourtimeeachdayandtrackyourprogress.Organizationisthekeytomostsuccessfuljobsearches.

Job Search Strategies

Take an Inventory Thisisaperfecttimetotakealookatyourtalents,skillsandexperiencesandseewhatdirectiontheypoint.Youmaywanttoenlistalovedonetoidentifystrengthsanddeficitsthatyoucan’tsee.Thetotalpictureofwhoyouareasaprofessionalmaysurpriseyou.

Itmayhelptomakesomelists:

What skills have you developed on the job? Listingeachpreviousjobmayhelpyouorganizeyourthoughts.Thinkofskills,notresponsibilities.

What skills have you developed outside of work?Thinkaboutwhatyouhavelearnedasavolunteer,intern,teammember,groupparticipant,parentandfriend.Listyourhobbiesandtheskillsyouhavedevelopedtoenjoythem.

How do you work? Whatareyourleadershipandcommunicationstyles?Whatworkhabits,values,attitudesandpreferencesdoyoubringtothejob?Howdoyoulearnbest?Whatworktasksbestsuityournatureandyourpersonality?

What are your limitations? Identifytimesthatyoudidn’taccomplishthejobthewayyouwantedto.Isthereacommontheme?Aretheseskillsyoucanlearn,oraretheresometasksyoushouldjustavoid?Whatobstaclesmightkeepyoufrombeinganidealemployee?

What do you need? Howmuchmoneydoyouideallyneedtomaintainyourcurrentstandardofliving?Whatistheleastamountyoucanaccept?Howmanyhourscanyouwork?Whatbenefitsaremostessentialforyourlife?

Hit the LibraryThelocallibraryisyourbestfriendasajobseeker.Thelibraryisaterrificsourceforjoblistingsviacity-wideandspecialinterestnewspapers,tradepapersandprofessionaljournals.Itmayevenkeepabankofjoblistingsasacommunityservice.

Youwillalsofindatreasuryofinformationaboutjobsearching,writingarésuméandcoverletter,labormarketupdates,currentsalaryranges,negotiationtechniques,researchtacticsandtrainingoreducationrequirementsfordifferentfields.Somelocationsmayofferjobsearchseminars.Librariansareskilledatguidingpatronstothetoolstheyneed,soaskforhelpifyoufeeloverwhelmed.

Asidefrominformation,librarieshavetechnicalresourceslikephotocopiers,faxmachinesand,mostimportantly,personalcomputers.IfyoudonothaveInternetaccessathome,youmightwanttobecomeacquaintedwiththelibrary’scomputerreservationsystem,timerestrictions,lowest-traffictimesofdayandsupportstaffsothatyoucansetupshop.

Finding Work


Learn to SurfTocompetewithalltheotherjobseekersinourcurrenteconomy,youwillneedtousebothtraditionalandinnovativemethodstofindoutwhoishiring.TheInternetisavaluabletool,butitcanbeintimidatingtopickthroughsuchatremendousamountofinformation.IfyouwanttoimproveyourInternetsaviness,findafriendwhocangiveyouguidanceorlookforatrainingclassatalocalcommunitycenter,library,jobtrainingcenter,communitycollegeorseniorcenter.

Lookforjobboardsthatapplytoyourfieldspecifically.GototheWebsitesofprofessionalorlicensingorganizationsinyouroccupationandlookforajobboard.Therearejobsearchsitesthatlistonlynonprofitjobs,hospitalityjobs,healthcarejobs,academicjobsorconstructionjobs.Italsopaystobefamiliarwithspecificcompanieswhohirelocallyinyourfield.Ifthecompanyhasawebsite,lookforjobsthatmaynotbepostedelsewhere.Often,jobpostingsarelistedintheWebsite’s“AboutUs”section.

Tell the World You’re Out ThereNetworkingisoneofthemosteffectivewaystogethired,researchshows.Telleveryoneyouknowthatyouarelookingforworkandwhatkindofjobyouwant.Yourunionorprofessionalassociatescanbepricelessresources.Talkwithyourfriends,relativesandacquaintances–youmightdiscoverthatsomeoneatyourchurchoranoldclassmateoryourneighbor’sfriend’ssisterislookingtohireaqualityemployeeinyourchosenfield.

Get NoticedDeveloparésuméofyourskills,educationandworkhistory.Evenifyouarelookingforworkinafieldwherearésuméisnotcustomary,compiletheinformationanduseittofilloutapplicationsneatlyandthoroughly.Includevolunteerwork,certifications,training,anyawardsorhonorsyouhavereceivedandalistofatleastthreereferences.Besurethatyoucontactthepeopleyouwouldliketorecommendyouandhaveasenseofwhattheymightsay.

Inordertostandoutamongotherapplicants,carefullycraftadocumentthathighlightsyourstrengthsandlookssharp.Anticipatetheprioritieseachemployermighthaveandviewyourrésuméthroughthatperspective.It’sagoodstrategytotargetyourrésumétoeachpositionoratleasttoeachfieldinwhichyouarelooking.Acoverlettershouldaccompanyyourrésumédetailinghowyourexperienceandtalentsareagoodfitforthepositionyouwant.Followupaweekorsoaftersendingarésumébycallingtheorganizationtoaskiftheyhavequestionsforyou.Therearemanywaystogethelpincreatingastrongrésuméandcoverletter.Althoughitmayseemlikeasimpledocument,résuméshave“rules”andconventionsthatitwillserveyoutoknow.ResearchrésumédesignsinbooksorontheInternet.Jobsearchandplacementagenciesofferworkshopsandone-on-oneattentiontohelpyoucreatearésuméaswell.Besuretocheckiftherearefeesfortheseservices,youcanusuallyfindthemsomewhereforfree.Call2-1-1forjobhelpcentersnearyou.


Ace the Interview Thepurposeofarésuméissimplytogetyouaninterviewwhereyouwillreallyhaveachancetoshine.Makesureyouarewellpreparedfortheinterview.Youranswerswillbemorefocusedandyouwillfeellessnervous.

Stay Motivated Findwaystoavoidgettingdiscouragedwhileyouarelookingforwork.Jobmarketsaresluggishandopportunitiesarescarceinthecurrenteconomy.Itcanbeemotionallydrainingtocombthroughjoblistings,sendrésumésandputyourselfouttherewhenyouknowyouarebeingevaluatedagainstothers.Makeaconsciousefforttostayengaged.

1. Keepupwithnewsandadvancesinyourfield.

2. Volunteerforacommunityproject.Thisisarewardingwaytostayconnected,meetlike-mindedpeople,keepyourskillssharp,helppeopleinneedandpromoteyourself-esteemthroughmeaningfulwork.Call2-1-1forinformationonvolunteeropportunities.

3. Findworkthroughatemporaryemploymentagency.Temporaryjobscangiveyouanopportunitytodevelopnewskillsandmakepossiblejobcontacts.

4. Consultajobcounselor,gotoarésuméworkshopandpracticeinterviewingsothatyou’rereadywhenanopportunityispresented.

• Dressappropriately,bewellgroomedandontime(ortenminutesearly).

• Bringanextracopyofyourrésuméorapplicationandalistofreferences.

• Dosomeresearchabouttheorganization.Knowwhatyoucanaboutitshistory,mission,values,prioritiesandchallenges.Thinkaboutwhatmakesyoutherightpersontofitintothatpicture.

• Becomefamiliarwiththejobdutieslistedinthepostingandplanhowyouwilltalkaboutyourskillsineacharea.Yourjobintheinterviewistoconvincetheintervieweryouhavethecompetencetodothejobandyouareenthusiasticaboutdoingthework.

• Befriendlyandhonest.Trytoappearalert,confidentandrelaxed.

• Havesomequestionspreparedandbedirect.Thinkoftheinterviewasanequalconversationsothateveryonecanevaluatewhetherthispositionisagoodmatchforyou.Partofthepurposeoftheinterviewisforyoutodecidewhetherthisisaplaceyouwanttowork.

• Practicetheinterviewwithafriend,orbetteryet,

ajobcounselor.

• Sendanoteassoonasyouleavethemeetingtothanktheinterviewerfortheirtimeandconsideration.

• Rememberthatifyoudon’tgetthejob,goingonaninterviewisabravethingtodo,apositivestepandgoodpracticeforthenextone.


What Services Do Employment Assistance Centers Offer?Counseling Tominimizethehardshipsyoumayfaceduringthisperiod,personalandfinancialcounselingmaybeprovidedalongwithcareercounseling.

Assessment and Testing Anevaluationofyourcurrentworkskillstodetermineyourcapabilitiesandtrainingneedsmaybeavailable.

Job Placement Theprogramcanprovidejobdevelopment,referral,placementandlaborresourcesinformationtoexpandyourworksearchefforts.TheMarylandJobServiceofficesbelowprovideaccesstolocal,statewideandnationaljobopportunitylistings.

Job Search Assistance Manyjobseekersneedongoingassistancetodevelopjobleads,createrésumésandcoverlettersandtonetworkwithotherjobseekers.

Adult Enrichment Education Adulteducationprogramsandservices,aswellasinformationandreferralservices,areavailabletohelpyoupreparefortheGeneralEducationDevelopment(GED)examifneeded.

Re-training Informationaboutoccupationalskillstraining,entrepreneurialtrainingandon-the-jobtrainingmaybeobtainedtohelpyouqualifyforotheremploymentopportunities.Re-trainingcouldmakeyoumoremarketabletotheemployers.

Support Services Manytimes,individualsneedassistancetomeetdailychildcaredemands,transportationcostsandotherbasicmaintenanceneeds.Askaboutservicesthatmaybeavailabletohelpindividualsstayintrainingprogramsorkeepanewlyacquiredjob.

Anne Arundel CountyGlen Bernie One-Stop Career Center7480Baltimore-AnnapolisBoulevardGlenBernie,MD21061Phone:410.424.3240

Community Resource Center 80WestStreetAnnapolis,MD21401Phone:410.269.4429

Arnold Station1460RitchieHighway,Suite205Arnold,MD21012Phone:410.793.5635

Center at Arundel Mills7000ArundelMillsCircleHanover,MD21076Phone:410.777.1845

Baltimore CityMaryland State Job Service (Baltimore Works) 1100N.EutawStreet,Room101Baltimore,MD21201Phone:410.767.2148

Northwest Career Center MondawminMall2401LibertyHeightsAvenue,Suite302Baltimore,MD21215Phone:410.523.1030

One-Stop Career Center 3001MadisonStreetBaltimore,MD21205Phone:410.396.9030

Baltimore County Eastpoint Workforce Development Center7930EasternBoulevardBaltimore,MD21224Phone:410.288.9050

Office of Workforce Development105ChesapeakeAvenue,Suite300Towson,MD21204Phone:410.887.2008

Workforce Development Center11101McCormickRoad,Suite102HuntValley,MD21031Phone:410.887.7940

Carroll County Business & Employement Resource 224NorthCenterStreetWestminster,MD21157Phone:410.386.2820

Harford County Aberdeen Workforce Center 34NorthPhiladelphiaBlvd.,3rdFloor-AberdeenCommunityServiceBuildingAberdeen,MD21001Phone:410.272.5400

Bel Air Workforce Center2S.BondStreet,2ndFloor-MaryRisteanBuildingBelAir,MD21014Phone:410.836.4603

Howard County Columbia Workforce Center 7161ColumbiaGatewayDrive,SuiteDColumbia,MD21046Phone:410.290.2600


Livingthroughafinancialcrisiscanbepainful,bothforyouandyourfamily.Familymembersmayargueandblameoneanother.Theremaybeanincreaseinalcoholorsubstanceabuseandproblemsmayseemunsolvable.Ifworryandconflicttakeoverandcopingbecomesdifficult,thereareavarietyofmentalhealthservicesavailable.

CrisisResponseTeamsaretrainedprofessionalswhoworkwithpeopleinimmediatementalhealthcrisis.Eachoftheseagenciesalsohaveamobilecrisisunitwhichgoestoacaller'slocationtoassessandstabilizehis/hersituation.

Anne Arundel Crisis ResponseAffiliated Sante Group24-hour Warmline 410.768.5522Trainedcrisiscounselorsevaluateeachcaller'ssituationandmakereferralstoappropriatehelpingorganizations.Amobilecrisisunit(ateamofmentalhealthprofessionals)isavailabletogotoacaller'slocationtoassesshis/hersituation.

Baltimore City Crisis Response 24-hour Hotline 410.433.5175Provides24-hourinformationandreferralhotlinetoadults,ages18andolder,whoareexperiencingamentalhealthcrisis.Mobilecrisisteamconsistsofmentalhealthprofessionalsandcaseassociateswhorespondtoemergencymentalhealthcrisessevendaysaweekfrom8a.m.to10p.m.

Baltimore County Crisis Response 24-hour Hotline 410.913.2214 A24-hourlisteningservicethatprovidessupportandoffersresourcesrangingfromoutpatientproviderstocrisisbedsandhospitalization,aswellasnon-mentalhealthresources.Providesbrief,crisisstabilizationservicesinhomeMonday-Friday.MobileCrisisTeamworkswiththecountypolicetoassess,triageandstabilizesituationsinvolvingmentalhealthissues.

Mobile Crisis of Harford County Hotline: 410.638.5248Providesemergencymentalhealthassessments,referralstomentalhealthresources,hospitaladmissions,criticalincidentstressmanagementservices(ifrequired)andurgentpsychiatricappointments(ifneeded).

Howard County, Grassroots Crisis Intervention Hotline: 410.531.6677 Maryland Crisis Hotline 1.800.422.0009GrassrootsCrisisprovidesa24-hourcrisisinterventionandreferralhotlineandwalk-incounselingtoanyone.Certifiedsuicidepreventioncenter.

Other counseling resources:Family & Children’s Services of Central Maryland Phone 410.366.1980Providesservicestofamiliestohelpwithparent/childissues,singleparenthood,childsexualabuse,familyviolence,teenparenting,relationshipdisruptionandeldercare/care-giving.


Counseling To Help You Through

The Family Tree Phone: 410.889.2300 Family Stressline: 1.800.243.7337 Provides24-hourcrisisinterventioninformationandreferralsforparents,teens,children,teachers,parentsanonymoussupportgroups,positiveparentingprograms,children’sprogramsandmore.Committedtoeliminatingchildabuseandneglectbysupporting,educatingandnurturingindividuals,familiesandcommunities.

Core Service AgenciesYourlocalmentalhealthagencycanprovideinformationaboutmentalhealthservicesinyourarea.

AnneArundelCountyMentalHealthAgency 410.222.7858

BaltimoreMentalHealthSystems 410.837.2647

BaltimoreCountyBureauofMentalHealth 410.887.3828

CarrollCountyHealthDepartment 410.857.5000

CoreServiceAgencyofHarfordCounty 410.803.8726

HowardCountyMentalHealthAuthority 410.313.7350


RED FLAGS

Areyoudealingwiththesesymptoms?

• Sadorirritablemoodmostoftheday,almosteverydayforatleasttwoweeks.• Lossofinterestorpleasureinactivities(suchashobbies,work,sex,orbeingwithfriends)• Asuddenweightgainorloss,orachangeinappetite• Inabilitytosleeporsleepingtoomuch• Agitationorrestlessnessthatothersnotice• Constantfatigueorlossofenergynearlyeveryday• Frequentfeelingsofworthlessnessorinappropriateguilt• Difficultyconcentratingormakingdecisions• Frequentthoughtsofdeathorsuicide

Ifso,youmaybeexperiencingclinicaldepression.It’stimetotalktoacounselorandgetsomehelp.Youdeservetofeellesshopelessandmorecapable,worthy,andabletogoon.Admittingdepressionisnotweakness.It’snotyourfaultandyoucanfeelbetter.

If you have thoughts of killing yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline1.800.273.TALK It’s anonymous and confidential, 24 hours a day. You deserve help. Don’t give up.

Reduce Housing Costs:

• Ifyourent,talktoyourlandlordaboutyoursituation.Askifyoucanexchangecleaning,yardwork,repairsorotherlaborforpartofyourrent.Seeiftheywillwaivethefeeifyouaregoingtobelateonapayment.

• Ifyouhaveamortgage,lookintorefinancing.Seethesectionon“AvoidingForeclosure”inthisbookletformoreinformation.

• Youmayeventuallyneedtofindacheaperplace,butbeawareofthecostsassociatedwithmoving.Thoughtheremaybemoneyouttheretohelpavoideviction,youareunlikelytofindcommunityfundassistanceforasecuritydeposit.

Reduce Food Costs:

• Considerfoodpurchasesverycarefully,andselecthighlynutritiousfoods.High-proteinfoodskeepyousatisfiedlongerthanstarchyfoods.Youmaysavemoneyifyoucutdownontheamountofmeat,soda,preparedfoodsandsnacksyoubuy.Itcanalsohelptoplanmealsthatproduceleftovers.

• Makesome“grabandgo”snacksandluncheswhenyouhavetimesothatyoudon’tbuylunchjustbecauseyouareinarush.

• UsetheInternetasaresource(mostlibrarieshavefreeaccessifyoudonothaveacomputer).Goonlineandsearchfor“ThriftyMeals.”Manyotherpeoplearealsothinkingabouthowtosave,usetheirexperiencetosparkideas.

• Usecouponsandlookforstorespecials.TheInternetcanhelpyoufindthebestdeal.

• Havepotluckdinnerswithfriendsandfamilyinsteadofgoingout.

• Researchlocalfarmersmarkets,foodco-opsandCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)farmswhereyoucangetvegetablesinexpensively.

• JointheSHAREFoodNetwork(Seepage10).SHAREisabuyingcollectivethatallowsanyone,regardlessofincome,togetapackageoffoodatabouthalfoftheretailvalue.Call800.217.4273orvisitwww.sharedc.org

ReduceEnergyCosts:

• Replacelightbulbswithlowerwattageenergy-saverbulbs.AccordingtotheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy,substitutingCompactFlorescentLightbulbs(CFLs)fortraditionallightingcansave$30overthelifeofthebulb.

• Useyourwashingmachine,dryeranddishwasheronlywhenyouhaveafullload.Washwithcoldwaterandair-drywhenpossible.


Money-Stretching Strategies

http://www.sharedc.org/

• Considerwhetheryouneedtouseanappliancebeforeyouturniton.Trytodothedishesbyhand,letyourhairdryonitsown,consolidatefrozenfoodinoneplaceandsweepratherthanvacuum.Makeitagametousetheleastenergy.

• Lowerthethermostatonyourhotwaterheaterto120degreesandwrapitinathermalblanket.

• Closeairventsinroomsyoudon’tuse.• Sealyourwindowsanddoorsandlookforotherwaystoweatherize.Addinginsulationtoyour

homemaysaveyoumoneyinthelongrun.

• Loweryourthermostatduringwintermonths,avoidusingairconditioninginthesummeranddressaccordingly.TheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyestimatesthatyoucansave3%to6%ofyourutilitycostsforeverydegreeofheatingorcoolingenergyyouconserve.Spaceheatersandfanscanalsosaveyoumoney.

• Turnofflightsandapplianceswhennotinuse.Unplugthemifyouareaway.

Reduce Your Bills:

• Besureallyourbillsaretrulynecessary.Useyourlocallibraryforfreemovies,compactdisks,tapesandbooks,aswellasfreeinternetaccess.

• Switchyourphoneservicetoamoney-savingrateplan.Considerusingasharedcellphoneinsteadofindividuallines.Thinkaboutwhetheryoustillneedalandline.

• Eliminateunnecessarycallsandtakeadvantageoflowereveningandweekendrates.• Cancelphonefeatureslike“callwaiting.”

Other Ways to Save:

• Eliminateunnecessarycartrips.Combineerrandsandplanyourroute.

• Walk,rideabike,carpoolortakepublictransportationwheneverpossible.

• Make“personalgiftcertificates”forservicesyoucangiveinsteadofspendingforgifts.• Avoidshoppingmallstoreduceimpulsebuying.TVcommercialscanalsomakeyouwantthings

youdon’tneed.

• Makeyourownrepairsaroundthehouseorbarterwithafriendorneighbor.

• Trytorecyclealmosteverything.Re-do,makeitover,tradeitin,improviseitorskipit.

• JoinFreecycle,anonlinebulletinboardwherecommunitymemberspostitemstheynolongerwantinsteadofthrowingthemaway.Therearenearly50groupsinMaryland.Checkoutwww.freecycle.org.


http://www.freecycle.org/

Creative Income:

• Checkinwitheveryoneinyourhouseholdtoseeifanyonecangetajoborasecondjob.

• Considerpart-timeworkwhileyouarelookingforsomethingbetter.Someplacesarealmostalwayslookingfornewworkers.Tryoutapaperroute,deliverphonebooks,serveincoffeeshopsorrestaurants,workatagroceryordiscountstore,canvassforpetitionsignatures,beatutororatourguide.

• Becomeanentrepreneurwiththeskillsyouhave.Canyoustylehair,givemanicures,cleanhouses,detailcars,sewalterations,translatedocuments,bakebread,watchchildren,fixcomputers,shovelsnow,mowlawns,typetermpapersorgivemusicorartlessons?Someone,somewhereiswillingtopayyouforit.Putthewordoutthroughyoupersonalnetworks,putanoticeinthepaperorpostanadonline.

• Areyoucrafty?Sellingwhatyoumakeiseasierthanever,andthenumberofpeoplewhoarelookingforhandmadegoodsisgrowing.


Keeping Your Spirits Up


Unemploymentcanbeintenselystressful.Losingyourjobcanaffectyourself-esteemandforceyoutomakepainfuladjustmentstoyourdailyroutine.Youhavetrulyexperiencedaloss,andmaybedealingwithgriefrangingfrommildsadnesstodepressionthatcanseemparalyzing.Feelingsofrageorterrormightsurface.Youmayevenfindyourselfstrikingoutatfamilyandfriends,orarguingaboutinsignificantissues.Youmayfeelout-of-control,orlikeyouhavenoreasontogoon.Denial,anger,depressionandfearareallnormalandunderstandableresponsestothisdifficultsituation.

Listentoyourselfandacceptyourfeelings.Talkaboutyourloss.Sharingyourworrieswithothersmayhelpyougaintheemotionalbraveryyouneedtokeepgoing.Howeverchallenging,complicated,orfrustratingyourexperience,makeanefforttoreachoutforhelpandsupport.Talkwithotherswhohavegonethroughasimilarexperience.Youmaywishtospeakinconfidencewithaprofessionalcounselororparticipateinasupportgroup.Call2-1-1forhelpfindingfreeorlow-costsupportforyourmentalhealth.

Eventhoughitcanbeverydifficulttodo,acceptingyoursituationandtakingpositiveactiontobringaboutchangewillputyouinthebestpossiblepositiontosolveyourproblemsquicklyandeffectively.

Coping Strategies

Untilyoufindanewjob,therearethingsthatyoucandotohelpovercomestressandanxiety.

Stay Busy.Thistimeawayfromtheworkplaceisanopportunitytodomanyofthethingsyou’vebeenputtingoff:repairsaroundthehouse,gardening,organizingyourclosetorcatchinguponpaperwork.Youwillfeelmorecapableifyouaccomplishsomething,evenifit’sbakingacakeratherthanearningapromotion.Itwillprobablyhelpjusttogetoutofbedandbepurposeful.

Take it One Day at a Time.Setsmallandspecificgoals.Trynottoblameyourselfforlosingyourjob–“reframe”theeventasalearningexperienceandforgiveyourself.Usepositiveself-affirmationtosoothedifficultmoments:“Icanhandlethis,Iamagoodpersongoingthroughahardtime,IamdoingthebestIcaninbadcircumstances”.Makesmallpromisestoyourselfandkeepthem.

Exercise.Thoughitcanbehardtomakeyourselfgetupandmove,exerciseisanexcellentwaytoreleasetensionandfeelstrong.Studiesshowthatexercisecanbemoreeffectivethanmedicationintreatingsomekindsofdepression.Itwillalsokeepyouhealthiersoyoucansaveondoctorbills.

Reflect.Takealookatyourlifeandthinksomedeepthoughts.Lookatyourcareergoals,financialgoals,personalgoals,perhapsevenspiritualgoals.Makealistofwaysyouwanttogrowandthingsyouwanttoaccomplishduringyourlifetime.Thinkaboutwhoyoureallywanttobeandhowyoumightgetthere.

Have Some Fun.TherearemanyrecreationalactivitiesthatofferfreeorlowcostentertainmentavailableincentralMaryland.Checkyourlocalnewspaperortheinternetforannouncementsofupcomingevents;callyourlocallibrary,communitycenter,orparksandrecreationdepartmentinyourcounty.

Be with Your Loved Ones.Thiscanbeanimportantchancetoreconnectwiththepeoplewhomeanthemosttoyou.Enjoyeachothers’company,makeanefforttoplaygamesandhavefun.Behonestaboutyourworriesandtaketimetolistentotheirfears.Theproblemsyouarefacingaffectthemtoo--evensmallchildrencansensetensioninthefamily,anditwillbearelieftoeveryonetogetitoutinopen.Rallythetroopsandsticktogether.Volunteeryourtimetoacommunityproject.Volunteeringmayturnouttobethesteppingstonetoanewjob,aswellasboostyourself-worthbyhelpingsomeoneelse.

Get Support.Stayintouchwithfriendsandrelatives.Letthemknowhowyouaredoingregularly,andaskforthehelpyouneed.Talktoacounselororspiritualleaderifyoufeellikeyou’relosinghope.Sometimesthehealthiestthingyoucandoittoletpeopletakecareofyou.

These self-care tips were reviewed and endorsed by Pat Hanberry, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County.


Dial 2-1-1 to find the help you need.If you cannot reach us through 2-1-1: Greater Baltimore area 410.685.0525 Toll-free 1.800.492.0618 (statewide)

TTY 410.685.2159 weekdays 8:30am-4:45pm (for hearing impaired) or visit www.211md.org

UnitedWayofCentralMaryland100SouthCharlesStreet,5thFloor

POBox1576Baltimore,MD21203-1576

Phone410.547.8000www.uwcm.org

UPDATED 06/21/2011 (SDM)

http://www.uwcm.org/uwcm/

help in hard times

Documents