Washington County Department Of Social Services

This initiative offers short-term support to individuals and families in need as they pursue self-sufficiency. It can help with either a security deposit or the first month's rent, but not both. Additionally, it is responsible for funding and coordinating burials for Washington County residents who pass away without financial resources or family to manage burial arrangements. The Family Assistance (FA) program provides financial aid to families with children, with cash benefits capped at five years over a recipient's lifetime. After this period, a Family Assistance case may continue if an adult is disabled and unable to work, or may need to seek help through the Safety Net category. Safety Net Assistance (SNA) offers funds for basic living needs to single adults and childless couples (or families who have exhausted their five-year FA limit). Cash benefits under SNA are limited to two years in a recipient's lifetime, after which a non-cash voucher system for Safety Net Assistance is implemented. Emergency Temporary Assistance, provided through Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF) or Emergency Safety Net Assistance (ESNA), addresses urgent situations such as evictions, moving costs, utility shutoffs, food expenses, and diversion payments to prevent the need for ongoing support. Access to Emergency Temporary Assistance does not require individuals to be on public assistance.