Combined Resources (How the system can help you)

     After my last post (still patting myself on the back, and boy are my arms tired!) I had someone ask me if I had a car, which I don't, because they wanted a ride to the doctor. They had a Bike, but didn't want to have to pedal in the cold snap we're having, and I don't blame them, burrrr. Anyway, I suggested the city bus. It's cheap, helps the environment, and comes in quiet handy when you have to carry things that wouldn't be practical on a bike, or too tiring on foot.

     My friend was like 'That's a great idea' and suggested that i make a post on the community resources in our area so that people could get the things they need, that they might otherwise not know were in place, or have forgotten about. Well...I agree. Even though blogs are open for anyone in the world to read, this one is brand new, and lets face it, only people from Ashland, Ky are reading this now, or anytime in the near future for that matter.

     So, I'm gonna try to not be too windy, but I want to list some of the resources in the Ashland area that are available to people with low to no income. Some people think if they have a job that they make too much, but some of these have a higher bar than you might think. As a matter of fact, even if you don't qualify for food stamps, you probably will qualify for most of these assistance programs. And on that note, here we go:

1. Cabinet of Family Resources - 920-2013 (this is where you get SNAP benifits, which is foodstamps, Medicaid, Ktap, and there are other resources there from time to time, they also post seasonal assistance on a cork board to help people find other area assistance.)

2. Social Security Office - 324-0516 (Just the mention of this place can give you a headache, but here you can get a replacement social security card, fill out for SSI or social security retirement. It isn't the easiest thing to get by any means, but if you believe you qualify and you don't try, then you'll never know.)

3. Cares - 324-2949 (This one goes unnoticed a lot. Think of Cares as a hub. The churches in the area that like to help others give money here so that their dollar stretches further. Cares helps with past due utility bills, they have a food pantry, emergency food, and they also give you a slip to go to a near by church to get other types of food that they don't have. This resource could be the difference between going hungry for a week, and being able to keep your family/yourself safe and nourished)

4. River City Harvest - 324-3663 (This place is in the same building as the Cares office, so you can do both at the same time. Farmers from our area, donate fresh produce here and it is available as soon as they do. Usually you will see what they have donated laying out on a table in front of the cares office, free to take. Please do not take more than you need, this helps a lot of children get fresh food they would not ordinarily have.)

5. People helping People - 928-4646 (When you go to Cares for utility assistance, they pledge money to your account. The money does not go in, until the rest of the balance is paid, example: you owe 120.00 and they pledge say 50.00, that money does not go into effect until you pay the other 70.00. People helping people will also pledge money to your account to help out. It might not pay it all, but it really softens the blow.)

6. Salvation Army - 324-5751 , 329-0458  (When people think of this place, they think of the thrift store they have, almost like a year round yard sale. This is only one aspect of this place. When you go into the main office, they can help you with their: food pantry they have on site. They also give vouchers sometimes to local grocery stores, and they give vouchers to their own thrift shop, so if you need clothing or dishes, you can get them free of charge. When my house burned down, they help my family so much. I always donate here)

7. Hillcrest/Bruce mission - 324-5723 (This mission is not only for hillcrest and bruce. That is a big misconception. This place helps out a good portion of the ashland area as well. They donate clothing, can goods, household supplies, and have a low cost dentist come in for people without insurance for cleanings and simple extractions. They also get donations of panera bread on Wednesdays that they give out every week.)

8. Shelter of Hope - 324-6700 (not only a great resource for battered women and their children, this place also will give you dishes like coffee cups and plates. When you get a new place and have no money, these few simple things can seem like an impossible task to get. Not anymore! shelter of hope will give them to you free. They also take donations of toys and furniture if your getting rid of yours. They give them to the battered spouses that live there so they will be comfortable. I donate here frequently as well.)

9. Ashland City Bus - 327-2025 (no big explanation here, we know what the bus is, right? Other than that, it costs 0.75 cents to ride, and can be discounted if you receive disability. They sell passes with a certain number of rides on the card, so you can buy one when you have money, and then need a ride when you don't. you can call them for the times they drive past a bus stop near you. Also you can call and let them know where you'll be when a bus does come through so you don't have to walk to the bus stop if its a little far. Well, i said no big explanation, but turns out I'm a liar.)


     Those are the best resources I know for the Ashland area that cover a broad range of people. I could go into other ones that just encompass a few types of people, but then the list would be crazy long, and I don't even know if they read this or not. If you have any questions, or would like to know if there is another that might be more suited to your situation or the situation of a friend, feel free to comment, and I will do my best to find out for you.

     These resources are here for you to use them. If you qualify, chances are, you actually need them and have just been toughing it out, or hopefully have a close friend or family member helping you. If you need help, you should go and ask for it, especially if you have others that rely on you for their next meal.


On a side note: A lot of these places are church based. No matter what religion you are, or are not, they will not turn you away. They don't even ask if you do subscribe to any religion. Don't let this stop you from getting the help you need.