Resources continued

Employment Opportunities | Financial Wellness | General | Health & Wellness
Housing | Insurance | Legal | Mental Health | Utility Programs

HOUSING
CA Homeowner & Renter Assistance Program - 800/338-0505
Allows a once-a-year payment from the State of California to qualified homeowners based on part of the property taxes assessed and paid on their homes. Maximum amount the homeowner can receive is $472.60.  For renters, payment is based on part of the property taxes paid indirectly when they paid rent. Maximum assistance is $347.50. Call or visit the site for an application and information.

Fair Housing Foundation - 323/295-3302
Free information, counseling and mediation with tenant problems related to eviction, security deposits, repairs, harassment, lease terms, late fees, etc.


SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE
LA City Housing Authority - 800/555-4501. Program funds frozen. May still be able to register by phone or online. Services areas in yellow in Thomas Guide (e.g. Hollywood, valley areas).

LA County Housing Authority - 800/731-4663. Program open with 5-6 year wait list. Register by phone or online. Areas covered are those in white in Thomas Guide (e.g. Bev. Hills, W. Hollywood, S. Pasadena, Santa Clarita, etc.).

Household income must be verified as equal or below HUD's limits. Those eligible are: households of 2 or more family members and single persons. Seniors and persons with a disability receive housing first. Voucher amount based on household income and size. Call or visit the site for more information. [TOP]


INSURANCE

Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center
Online database, through the Actors' Fund of America, provides detailed health insurance and health care information for the arts community.  Visit the site and click on your state for information.

CAARP-California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program - 800/622-0954
Auto insurance with basic coverage for drivers unable to obtain coverage due to limited income or driving history. Policies available to L.A. County/City residents and residents of San Francisco County. Premium for L.A. County is $347 and $314 for San Francisco. Call or visit the site for information and guidelines.

EPIC - Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program - 800/332-3742
New York State prescription plan for senior citizens, 65+, who need help paying for prescriptions. Income guidelines determine whether one is eligible for two affordable plans, a fee plan and a deductible plan. [TOP]


LEGAL

California Lawyers for the Arts - 310/998-5590
Provides legal referrals, dispute resolution services, educational programs and information to creative artists.


Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) - 800/526-8252
Provides free accounting and legal services to artists from all creative disciplines.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Comprehensive site has listings for statewide Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts organizations that provide free legal services to artists.  Contract negotiations, mediation services, copyright information, infringement lawsuits, and tax information.

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (New York) - 212/319-ARTS
Offers pro bono and low cost legal services, information, and education to members of the arts community. [TOP]


MENTAL HEALTH

California Department of Mental Health
Information on statewide mental health services.

The Maple Counseling Center - 310/271-9999
Low fee counseling to people on an outpatient basis. Individual, couple and family counseling as well as support groups.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Visit this site for related health and wellness resources and information.

Valley Community Clinic - 818/763-1718, 6801 Coldwater Canyon, No. Hollywood, CA
Comprehensive medical, counseling, and health education services.

Valley Women's Center - 818/713-8700, 21515 Vanowen Street, #114, Canoga Park, CA
Individual, couples and family counseling for personal, family and marital conflict, aging, etc. Support groups for chemically dependent individuals and families, treatment, parenting, and employment issues. Fees based on ability to pay; initial consult and evaluation no charge. [TOP]


UTILITY PROGRAMS

Most telephone and utility creditors will work with customers to set up payment extensions and arrangements if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills.

HEAP-NY, Home Energy Assistance Program - 800/342-3009
Helps low-income homeowners and renters pay utility bills.

LA DWP - 800/342-5397
Several different discount programs for qualifying customers. For an application and eligibility guidelines, call or visit the site.

Residential Low Income Rate: up to 15% discount
Senior Citizen Lifeline Rate: for customers 62+
Life Support Device Discount and Paraplegic, Quadriplegic and Multiple Sclerosis Discount
Project ANGEL of United Way:
assists low-income and elderly customers.

LIHEAP-CA, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - 866/675-6623
Eligible low-income persons, via local governmental and nonprofit organizations, may receive financial aid for utility bills, and/or have their homes weatherized to make them more energy efficient. L.A. County Agency:  Community Enhancement Services, PO Box 8225, Van Nuys, CA 91409; 818/891-4148. Write for an application unless you are elderly or disabled, then call.

New York Human Resource Administration - HRA INFOLINE - 877/472-8411 or 718/291-1900.  Takes referrals from caseworkers when service has been or is about to be disconnected.

AT&T, Universal Lifeline - 800/310-2355
Connects low-income households at 50% of the cost of basic residence service.  Flat Rate $5.34/month or Measured Rate $2.85/month. One-time connection/conversion charge, and additional usage fees may apply.

SCE - Southern California Edison - 800/409-2365
If you have a medical condition that requires life support equipment, you may qualify for extra savings on your electric bill through Medical Baseline Allocation program.

SOUTHERN CA GAS COMPANY: CARE - 800/427-2200
20% discount to qualifying low-income customers. For an application and guidelines, call or visit the Gas Company site.  Lower rates for seriously disabled individuals. [TOP]