ASSISTANCE

LCAC spends the majority of time providing assistance to its clients. Assistance is available in six ways - food, clothing, financial, holiday, back to school supplies, and information and referral.

Food Pantry

• LCAC’s food pantry collects and distributes about 6 tons of food every month.  The food pantry helps to feed more than 90 needy families every week.  These are families with children who would have to skip meals if not for assistance from LCAC. Food donations are one of LCAC’s most critical needs.  We request the help of schools, houses of worship and civic organizations in collecting food to help the hungry in our area.  You can help by dropping off donations of non-perishable food to LCAC Tuesday – Friday between 8:30am and 1pm.  Click here to view our immediate needs.  Contact Karlene Webster for more information.
  

• USDA is a commodities program for families that fall within specific income guidelines set forth by the federal government. USDA distribution is available to families within those guidelines and does not jeopardize legal status or citizenship. USDA distribution is a once a month food distribution that occurs on the 4th Saturday of each month from 9:30-11am. Families receive food packages based on family size, which contains staples such as rice, vegetable oil, juice, canned fruits and vegetables. In addition to those items, LCAC also distributes fresh produce and snack items. Contact Karlene Webster for more information.

• SCHEDULED FOOD APPOINTMENTS - To schedule a one-time or reoccurring food appointment, you must be sure to contact Karlene Webster before coming to the house. There is a procedure that must be followed before LCAC can distribute food.
  

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Clothing

Clients that need clothing are given vouchers to shop at LCAC's Act II Thrift Shop, located at 9506 Richmond Highway in the Williamsburg Shopping Center. Act II is owned and operated by LCAC. This resale shop provides quality recycled clothing and miscellaneous articles at minimal cost.For information about Thrift Shop operations click here. If you are in need of clothing, please contact LCAC.

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Tax Preparation

LCAC offers free tax preparation service for low-income families.

Basic tax forms are prepared free of charge for qualified families at the Lorton Community Resource Center in Williamsburg Square on Saturdays 10am – 2pm and Wednesdays 7-9pm.

If you need assistance with tax returns please arrive at least one hour before closing and bring the following items with you:

· W2s for 2007
· 1099s for 2007
· Social Security Cards for all family members
· Last year’s tax return (2006)
· If you are filing jointly, both spouses must be present.

This service is offered for free for low-income families earning less than $36,000 per year. No translation services will be provided. Click here for more information or call Maryam at 703-339-5161 ext 11 or email maryam@lortonaction.org.

LCAC is looking for volunteers to help with the VITA tax assistance program. Some training is required, but it is offered free of charge on-line. To volunteer for this program E-mail Kathy Noone, lcacvolunteer@msn.com.

Financial Help

LCAC provides loans and grants to assist families with utilities, rent, mortgage, transportation, medical services and other essential needs. We will work with families to network to secure matching funds from other community resources and agencies in order to secure the total funds necessary for satisfying one-time financial crises. LCAC coordinates services with Fairfax County Coordinate Services Planning in order to maximize available resources and avoid duplication. For more information, please contact Maryam Ulomi.

• Financial assistance is offered in the form of a loan (in most cases), generally not more than $200 in a twelve-month period.
  
• Complete financial paperwork is necessary, including a family budget.
  
• Assistance is offered to prevent eviction, utility disconnection, and transportation or prescription assistance.
  
• Loans can be repaid by cash, through volunteering with any organization or school, or working with the Director of Emergency Services on a budgeting program or long-term plan.".
  

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Holiday

Holiday assistance is the largest outreach we provide at LCAC. Through this program, LCAC, with the generous support of individuals, churches, businesses and schools, provides special Thanksgiving and Winter Holiday baskets which include meat, vegetables, potatoes and dessert." For the winter holidays, LCAC provides a full week's supply of food, along with gifts for children under age 18 and seniors.

For more information, please contact Maryam Ulomi.

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School Supplies

Back to School can be a difficult time for families on limited incomes.  The average school supply list for a 6^th grader in Fairfax County runs over $50.  Add a backpack and a pair of shoes and the cost is well over $100 per child.  LCAC collects school supplies and backpacks from the community, religious and civic organizations and distributes them to families.  LCAC has also gives a new pair of shoes to each child. If your organization wishes to help collect school supplies to be distributed to underprivileged children, please contact Maryam Ulomi.

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Information and Referral

Some families need information about where to go for a variety of services.
LCAC cannot solve every situation; however, we can refer families to other agencies and organizations that may be able to assist them. For more information, please contact Maryam Ulomi.

For more information about available government benefits visit: http://www.govbenefits.gov GovBenefits.gov helps citizens access government benefit eligibility information through a free, confidential, and easy-to-use online screening tool. After answering some basic questions, the user receives a customized report listing the benefit programs for which the user, or person for whom he or she is entering information, may be eligible.