State Emergency Program

About State Emergency Program 🚨

The State Emergency Program provides critical assistance to families in Harlan County facing unexpected emergency situations. This vital safety net program helps eligible households address immediate crises that threaten their health, safety, or ability to maintain stable housing.

Emergency funds can be used for a variety of urgent needs, including:

Utilities and Housing:

Emergency utility payments to prevent shutoffs
Water and sewer hook-up fees
Temporary housing assistance
Security deposits for housing
Emergency rent payments

Medical and Health Needs:

Medical supplies and equipment
Prescription medications
Emergency medical transportation
Durable medical equipment

Basic Necessities:

Emergency clothing for families
Food assistance during crises
Personal hygiene items
Baby supplies and formula

Other Crisis Situations:

Emergency transportation costs
Essential household items after disasters
Temporary shelter costs
Emergency repairs for health and safety

What Constitutes an Emergency

The State Emergency Program defines emergencies as situations that:

Pose immediate threats to health or safety
Could result in loss of housing or utilities
Are unexpected and beyond the family's control
Require immediate intervention to prevent further hardship
Cannot be resolved through other available resources

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for State Emergency Program assistance, applicants must:

Be residents of Harlan County
Meet income guidelines based on Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
Demonstrate a genuine emergency situation
Provide documentation of the crisis
Show that other resources have been explored or are unavailable

Contact Harlan County Community Action Agency at (606) 573-5335 to discuss your emergency situation. Our staff will assess your needs and determine if emergency assistance is available.

Processing Time

Emergency applications are processed as quickly as possible, typically within 24-48 hours, depending on the nature of the crisis and availability of funds.

Program Limitations

Funding Availability: Emergency assistance is subject to fund availability and high demand may result in waiting periods or temporary program suspension.
Frequency of Assistance: Families may be limited in how often they can receive emergency assistance within a 12-month period.
Maximum Amounts: There are maximum dollar limits for different types of emergency assistance, which vary based on the specific need and available funding.
Verification Required: All emergency situations must be verified through documentation or third-party confirmation.

Additional Resources

If emergency funds are not available or your situation requires additional support, our staff can help connect you with:

Local churches and faith-based organizations
Community volunteer groups
Other social service agencies
State and federal assistance programs
Local charitable organizations

Contact Information

For Emergency Assistance: (606) 573-5335, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

After Hours:

For life-threatening emergencies, contact local emergency services at 9-1-1. For urgent non-life-threatening situations, leave a detailed message and we will respond on the next business day.

Important Notes

Emergency assistance is designed to be temporary help during crisis situations
Applicants are encouraged to work with staff to develop long-term solutions to prevent future emergencies
Case management services may be available to help families access ongoing support and resources
Priority is given to households with children, elderly members, or disabled individuals

Remember: The State Emergency Program is here to help during your most difficult times. Don't hesitate to reach out when you need assistance - our compassionate staff is here to help you navigate through crisis situations and connect you with the resources you need.