Hi, parents and students 😊. 2021-2022 school year will soon be in session – are you ready? It’s time to prepare, starting with gathering school supplies. One way to find assistance with school supplies is to search for community-based organizations that help with this need.
Keep in mind these organizations might need proof of eligibility for you to receive services. Therefore, when you find an organization that assists with supplies, call to verify their services and ask about eligibility.
If proof of residency is needed, provide paperwork that has your current address on it. Typically, one of the following will do:
- Driver’s license
- Current utility bill – electric, gas, or water
- Cable bill
- Paystub
- Rent receipt, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
- School record
- Public assistance or social service records
If proof of identification and age for each student is required, usually one form of documentation will suffice, such as:
- Birth certificate, official record showing date of birth, or hospital record of birth (stamped by the hospital)
- Passport
- Public assistance or social service records
- School records or school identification card
Two ways to search for community-based organizations are 1) use findhelp.org and 2) dial 2-1-1 on your phone.
Look for organizations in your ZIP code that can help with school supplies. Here’s how: Type in your ZIP code. Select Language, if needed. Click on Search.
Hover your cursor over EDUCATION > Help Pay for School, then click on supplies for school.
Click on MORE INFO for each organization to review eligibility, availability, description of programs, cost, next steps, phone numbers, website, coverage area, locations, and hours of operation.
Dial 2-1-1
When you call 2-1-1, a representative will ask for your ZIP code and programs or services you are looking for; inform the representative you’re looking for assistance with school supplies. The representative will then provide you with contact information to organizations that can help with school supplies. Make sure you have a pen or pencil and paper so you can write down the information.
Whether you use findhelp.org, dial 2-1-1, or both, remember to ask about eligibility if they do not provide this information.
Also, mark your calendar for the annual tax-free weekend, August 6 – 8, 2021. For more information on qualifying items, including school supplies, go to TexasTaxHoliday.org.
Have a wonderful school year, and make lots of good friends and memories 😊
Josie Toth is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions. She facilitates job search skills and career exploration classes in the 13-county Houston-Galveston area. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and enjoys encouraging others in their pursuit of meaningful work.
blogforce.wrksolutions.com 