Tools for Tough Times
Response to Economic Crisis
Over the past year our community and nation have faced overwhelming new economic challenges and Living United has become more important than ever. Layoffs, foreclosures and shrinking family budgets mean more of our neighbors, co-workers and friends are living on the edge - some for the first time ever. Additionally, Nashville residents have been impacted by the May 2010 flood.
As United Way works to advance the common good for all in our community, we’re responding to the current crisis and maintaining our commitment to those things we know are the essential building blocks to a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, good health and safe living conditions.
Tools for Tough Times
The links below connect you to information that can help you directly or that can be shared with co-workers, neighbors or friends in need. United Way 2-1-1 | Dial United Way’s 2-1-1 community services helpline to speak with a trained information and referral specialist who can identify what local resources are best suited to help your unique needs. This free and confidential service can help you connect you with:
- Healthcare
- Employment assistance
- Financial and legal help
- Counseling and crisis intervention
- Food and shelter
- And much more
There are more than 7,000 programs represented in the 2-1-1 database. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk with a trained specialist to help you find the nearest resources. Last year, 2-1-1 answered more than 138,000 calls for help and referred callers to 2,000 agencies.
Nashville Flood Resources
If you, your family or your colleagues have been impacted by the May 2010 flood, you can find flood recovery related resources here. In July 2010, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville opened 5 Restore the Dream Centers in the hardest hit areas. These centers can provide personalize assistance to help families set a course for recovery for the next few years.
Financial Stability Resource Guide
Are you unemployed or facing unemployment in the near future? This guide provides answers to questions and basic information on resources available in our community.
- NAFI Resource Guide (PDF)
Topics covered in the Financial Stability Resource Guide include:
- Credit repair
- Foreclosure prevention
- Employment
- Financial education
- Small business assistance
- Individual development accounts
- Bank accounts
- And much more
Print copies are available by calling 2-1-1.
Free Tax Preparation
Free tax preparation is available to ensure hardworking families take advantage of all Earned Income and Child tax credits, leading to larger refunds and nearly immediate extra cash. In partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Financial Independence (NAFI), we have processed more than 27,000 tax returns totaling more than $33 million and helped Nashvillians claim more than $12 million in Earned Income Tax Credit money. Find the closest tax preparation site to you by calling 2-1-1.
Food Stamps Pre-screening
Take a quick screening to find out if you’re eligible for food stamps. Call 2-1-1 and ask the information and referral specialist for the “food stamps pre-screening.”
My Money Plan
My Money Plan is a free, confidential, one-on-one, one-hour session with a trained My Money Planner. In just one hour, you get a realistic budget that you help create, an action plan to help reach your goals, and information on additional resources to help you along the way. To find out more about the program, please call 2-1-1 and ask for “My Money Plan.”
Coping with Stress
Find out how stress can impact your life and health and tips and resources you can use to cope.
Steps to Weathering the Financial Storm
Use this worksheet to discover the resources to help you through any of the following situations:
- If you’ve been laid off
- If you’re losing your home
- If you have banking issues
- If you need bankruptcy protection
- If you are a retiree
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