Lending a hand
Fund provides assistance for emergency needs
By Martin Reed
Staff Writer

A county board that formed last year to secure public funding for local social programs is offering financial help for emergency housing needs.
The Fremont County Action Committee secured a Community Service Block Grant worth $9,000 through the state to provide people with help for utility and housing-related bills.
“It’s based on need,” said Kent Moss, an assistant with the Fremont County Association of Governments.
Funding examples include “somebody who just recently lost their job and has a utility payment due, or they had medical bills they had to pay ahead of their rent or utilities, or they face eviction or something cut off from their services,” Moss said.
Designed for assistance to low-income county residents, the funding is available to families and individuals who risk losing their home or utilities.
The maximum amount of money an applicant can receive is $350. The money will go directly to the utility or housing company to whom the funding is owed.
Previously a not-for-profit organization in Worland secured the grant funding for the county. However, the Fremont County Action Committee that formed last July has assumed the responsibility.
Some of the state funding will pay for grant administration, Moss said.
“Not all of the $9,000 is actually eligible to be given way,” he said.
The Fremont County Action Committee will have a representative available from noon to 3 p.m. every Thursday at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Riverton, 305 E. Main St. Also, applications for the emergency funding are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
If the committee is unable to provide help, people in need will receive information about other resources for possible assistance.
Anyone with questions about the program can call 856-5033.