Families Eligible to receive Help under Recovery Act Funding
Metro Action receives additional $1.8 Million to help low and moderate income families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Metropolitan Action Commission will begin accepting applications from families that are eligible under the new income guideline. It is expected that Metro Action will serve an additional 1,200 families that meet the new income guideline.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services awarded the Metropolitan Action Commission $1.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding through an additional Community Service Block Grant (CSBG).

The Recovery Act increases the amount of income a family can earn in order to qualify for assistance funded through CSBG. Initially a family of four could not earn over $27,562.50 annually. By increasing the poverty rate from 120% to 200% a family of four earning up to $44,100 annually can now receive assistance.

“More families with low to moderate incomes are in need of help with their household payments. Some families have at least two working adults, but are still having trouble with keeping up with basic household expenses,” said Cynthia Croom, Executive Director of Metro Action.

These funds will be available through the agency’s energy and emergency assistance programs. The energy assistance program helps with electricity or natural gas payments. The Emergency Assistance program helps customers who have experienced a change or loss in income within the last 60 days with payments such as rent/mortgage, prescriptions, and property taxes.

Applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Customer Care hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 3:00pm. Metro Action is located at 1624 5th Avenue North (37208).

Customers must meet the federal income guidelines and live in Davidson County to receive services. For a complete listing of other offices serving other counties within Tennessee go to www.tncommunityaction.org.

For more information about programs and services offered by Metro Action, please call 862-8860, Ext 100.