A core program of the CCC, the Hope Fund provides one-time financial assistance for expenses that threaten a Washington County family’s ability to care for their children, ages 0 – 8 and are not covered through other sources.
The Hope Fund is designed to be one part of an overall plan of services or supports for families. Staff providers from CCC partner agencies, who know a family’s needs and goals best, submit applications to addresses a barrier that is jeopardizing family well-being. The fund simultaneously strengthens the safety net for families and expands the resources available to providers. A cross-agency committee reviews applications weekly, and turnaround time for funding is fast.
The Hope Fund considers applications in areas relating to: housing, transportation, medical, mental health or dental needs, employment, and education. Emergency or other needs may also be considered when there is no other resource available. The Hope Fund does not fund ongoing expenses such as food, fuel, or monthly rent. Hope Fund awards reach approximately 75 Washington County families annually, with each award immediately impacting an average of four people. Most awards are for assistance with transportation (68%) and housing (26%). Smaller amounts go to education, work, medical, and other needs.
The Hope Fund is expanding support around housing needs that protect a family’s ability to stay in their current home or rental. This is limited to one-time expenses, such as minor repairs or relocating a mobile home.
Application process:
- Providers fill out the CCC Flexible Support Funds application.
- You will be guided to complete a household monthly budget if the request is for a down payment, security deposit or is part of a financial undertaking that will involve the family making ongoing payments. This form is read-only so you must copy it so you can fill it out and upload it as supporting documentation with the application form.
- Fill out the application together with the family.
- Gather and include additional documentation such as a quote for repairs, and upload them in the space provided on the application.
- Questions? Watch this short, 14-minute how-to video on using this single application form.
The Hope fund review committee meets weekly to review applications until funds are depleted. At that time, the committee will stop accepting applications until funds have been replenished. Providers – not the family applying for funds – please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We are very happy to be working with you in supporting families in Washington County and have developed a list of Hope Fund FAQs you may want to consult for further help.
The Hope Fund gratefully accepts donations and makes certain that those funds directly reach vulnerable families. If you would like to make a donation to the CCC, please click here.