Grants for Seniors in Memphis

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

Memphis is one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee for individuals in need. Buying goods and services is cheaper compared to the other cities in the state. Almost 15% of its population is older than 60 and health care opportunities might be sufficient for the elderly. This city has also been getting attention with its rock and roll legacy and music history. Although it is an advantageous place to live for older persons, they may need more services to carry on with their lives. Thereby, the City of Memphis, the federal authorities, and the local organizations provide various benefits and programs for them.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Memphis Housing Authority was formed and has been funded both by the City of Memphis and the federal government for low and moderate-income single mothers, children, disabled people, and seniors. The aim of this authority is to present low-cost, decent, and secure housing options for anyone in need across the city. Its main criteria are the size of the family and total monthly income. Eligible candidates will be choosing an apartment, flat, or house according to the regulations of the authority. Roughly 70 percent of the rent will be covered by this organization. Read more information here https://www.memphisha.org/ or call 1 901 544 1100.

The Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development was built and has been sponsored by the City of Memphis to make sure every citizen lives in a decent, secure, and affordable home. It has two programs called “The Homeless Prevention” and “Rapid Re-Housing Program.” Both of the programs aim to reach out to people who are already homeless or who are about to become one. Older adults who are in financial crisis and need housing assistance are given priority by these programs. The amount and the length can differ based on the applicants’ current economic status. Since there is a waiting list, it is significant to apply as early as possible. Find out more information at https://www.memphistn.gov/government/housing-and-community-development/ or give it a call at 1 901 636 6980.

Financial Assistance

Memphis Families First Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program was created and has been financed by the federal authorities for low and very low-income families in the city. Senior citizens who are having financial problems and living with their families are encouraged to apply for this benefit. After the evaluation process, eligible families will be receiving temporary monthly cash support or short-term financial assistance. For more information, please take a look at https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/families-first-tanf.html or make a phone call at 1 866 311 4287.

Memphis Society of St. Vincent DePaul is a local charity-based organization where a dozen local churches across the city work together to serve the community. Local churches raise money for low and moderate-income residents who need assistance with many issues. One of its services is financial assistance. Older people who are not able to work or who are challenged with economic issues are welcome to consult this organization. Besides monthly or one-time cash support, they may also apply for food assistance, help with utilities and rent. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://svdpmemphis.org/ or by phone at 1 901 733 4703.

Health Assistance

Memphis Church Health Center Clinic is a local faith-based clinic that has been serving the community for a long time. It has been assisting over 50,000 low and middle-income patients each year. It aims to reach out to everyone who requires affordable and high-quality health care. Low-income senior people who are either insured or not are eligible to benefit from the health care services of this local clinic. Some of its services are as followed:

• Medical care
• Vision care
• Eye clinic
• Dental cleaning and care
• Counseling
• Hospital appointments
• Prescription drugs
• Nutritional support according to the patients’ diet, and much more.

To learn more, please follow the link https://churchhealth.org/ or dial 1 901 272 0003.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program of Memphis (SHIP) was constituted and has been sponsored by the federal government for low and middle-income senior people across the city. It might be difficult for seniors to have information about medical counseling and Medicare by themselves. The main duties of this program are fraud prevention, wellness benefits, informing about medical treatments, insurance policies, and more. Any older person who is suffering from a disease and does not know what to do about it may get in touch with this program for guidance as soon as possible. Check out more information at https://www.tn.gov/aging/our-programs/state-health-insurance-assistance-program–ship-.html or by phone at 1 877 801 0044.

Utility Bills Assistance

Memphis Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded utility assistance program that has a local office in the city. Elderly whose income is at or fewer than 150 percent according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines are qualified to apply for this service. Accepted participants will be obtaining up to $1000 once a year to cover their utility spending. The link to their official website is as follows https://shelbycountycsa.org/emergency-assistance/ or get in touch with 1 866 674 6327.

Food Assistance

Mid South Food Bank is a local non-profit organization that has been supporting people who are at 60 years of age or older. It runs a program called the Senior Nutrition Program for low and middle-income older people who are not able to have nutritious and healthy food at their homes. Eligible elderly will be obtaining monthly food boxes that have enough food for a month based on their diet. Find out more information at https://www.midsouthfoodbank.org/ or contact 1 901 527 0841.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) was created and has been funded by the USDA specifically for low and middle-income people who are 60 years of age and older. It aims to ensure that every senior citizen has nutritious food to maintain their health. Food bags include a variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, fluid milk, dry beans, ready-to-eat cereal, fluid milk, peanut butter, canned meat, juice, and more. In addition to food assistance, beneficiaries of this program may also participate in nutrition education classes. To learn more, please visit https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/373/Commodity-Supplemental-Food-Program-CSFP or contact 901 222 9750.