Tennessee Making it Possible for More Families to Receive COVID-19 Assistance

July 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The deadline has been extended to apply for a unique program that provides emergency cash assistance to families who lost employment

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is giving more families an opportunity to apply for a program that’s already provided valuable financial assistance to thousands across the state who’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TDHS has extended that deadline to apply for Emergency Cash Assistance until Saturday August 29, 2020. This change follows Governor Bill Lee’s decision to extend the State of Emergency until August 29. The application process for Emergency Cash Assistance was set to end today.

The Emergency Cash Assistance program provides two months of cash payments to families. This money is funded by Tennessee’s surplus Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding and provides:

·$500 for a household of 1 to 2 persons.

·$750 for a household of 3 to 4 persons.

·$1000 for a household with 5 or more persons.

To be eligible, families must have been employed as of March 11, 2020 but have since lost employment or at least 50% of their earned income due to the COVID-19 emergency, include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman, have a valid Social Security Number, must not have resources exceeding $2000, and the gross and/or unearned monthly income may not exceed 85% of the State’s Median Income that’s currently:

·Gross Monthly Income of $2,696 for a household of one.

·Gross Monthly Income of $3,526 for a household of two.

·Gross Monthly Income of $4,356 for a household of three.

·Gross Monthly Income of $5,185 for a household of four.

·Gross Monthly Income of $6,015 for a household of five.

Families can apply online here.https://tdhs.service-now.com/relief?id=relief_registration

Individuals who have already received Emergency Cash Assistance should not reapply. The program provides a maximum of two months of benefits.

“Through sound fiscal management of our federal dollars, Tennessee had the resources to immediately begin providing emergency cash assistance to families who unexpectedly needed help during the pandemic,” said Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “Extending the application deadline until late August gives families that are losing employment now an opportunity to apply for this program. By supporting families when they need it the most, we are helping to build a thriving Tennessee when the COVID-19 pandemic passes.“

Individuals who need assistance completing their Emergency Cash Assistance applications or have general questions about the program are encouraged to call the TDHS hotline at 1-833-496-0661.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a federal workforce development and employment program emphasizing work, training, and personal responsibility. It is temporary and has a primary focus on gaining self-sufficiency through employment. Existing TANF customers receiving Families First benefits will be eligible to apply for this emergency cash assistance.

Learn more about the Tennessee Department of Human Services at www.tn.gov/humanservices.

July 11, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

A litter of nine puppies have arrived at the DeKalb Animal Shelter and they are now available for adoption.

These cute little critters are the WJLE /DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pets of the Week”

DeKalb Animal Shelter Director Megan Moore with Emmaly Bennett and Jennifer Angaran showing off a new litter of puppies from dwayne page on Vimeo.

“This litter of puppies, nine altogether, just came in and they have had their first vaccines and are now ready for adoption. They are Red Heeler Australian Shepherd Mixed and super cute. They are going to be great outdoor dogs. If you like to spend a lot of time hiking or on a farm, they will be great for you,” said Shelter Director Megan Moore.

The DeKalb Animal Shelter is currently only open by appointment due to Covid-19.

“To adopt any or all of the puppies go to our website. www.dekalbanimalcoalition.org and look for a tab to fill out an application. Fill it out and email it back to us. We will call to set up an appointment time for you to meet them. We are not currently open to the public for in-person visits but all our pets are posted online. Stay up to date with us on our website, facebook page, or Instagram,” said Moore.

The shelter, located on Transfer Station Road behind Tenneco Automotive off Highway 70 east in Smithville, has been in operation since November, 2017 under the DeKalb Animal Coalition, a 501 c 3 non profit organization.

A Volunteer orientation will be held at the shelter on Saturday, August 1 from 12 noon until 1 p.m. for anyone who would like to volunteer. Phone 615-597-3647 (DOGS) for more information.

July 14, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County’s confirmed number of COVID-19 cases has jumped to 99.

As of Monday , July, 13 the Tennessee Department of Health reported that 2,625 people had been tested with 2,526 negative results and 99 positive. There have been no deaths in DeKalb County from the virus and 52 of the 99 persons tested positive since March have recovered.

Starting Monday, July 13th the DeKalb County Health Department’s new testing hours will be Monday-Friday from 9am to 12 NOON every day.

At 99 cases, DeKalb County ranks 6th highest in the 14 county Upper Cumberland region behind Putnam with 1,081 (7 deaths), Macon 646 (7 deaths), Cumberland 229 (4 deaths), Smith 185 (2 deaths), and Warren 159. Other counties in the region with COVID-19 cases are  White 93 (3 deaths), Overton 79 (1 death), Cannon 58,  Jackson 50, Fentress 29, Clay 23, Van Buren 9, and Pickett 8.