SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The school year is almost here and local organizations in Springfield are stepping up to make sure you have what you need.
On Saturday, the Springfield Dream Center held a back-to-school carnival to help families in the area.
“We have back-to-school clothing for 400 students who are pre-registered, so they get a shirt, pants, socks, jackets and a backpack,” said Jody Dow, Executive Director. “We plan to feed 800 to 1,000 people, and if I had to guess, I’d say we’re going to go all out.”
Home Internet is essential during the school year, and the Affordable Care Act can help you get lower costs or even free Internet if you qualify, which was one of the many services at the event.
“One of our community partners that we have today is Xtreme, which is through media com, and they have some free online opportunities for families that qualify,” Dow said.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government benefit that offers eligible households up to $30 per month toward their high-speed broadband bills.
You qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, if you participate in government programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, federal housing assistance, if you participate in specific Tribal programs, or if you are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced price lunch program.
You may be eligible if you received a Federal Pell Grant this year.
Click HERE to learn more about the Affordable Care Act and if you qualify.
“If we can close some of those gaps or families, whether it’s food by sending groceries home or that online gap by getting those resources, then kids and families can be more successful as the school year begins,” Dow said. .
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