Lawmakers in Massachusetts passed some of the nation s most generous tax credits - and now, help is available to make sure families can take advantage of them. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helps more than 30,000 low-income families at 80 different sites across the Commonwealth. Ancel Tejada, financial empowerment program manager with MASSCAP - a coalition of community action agencies - said the credits helped his parents buy his first computer. .
Winter time in South Dakota can sometimes result in car engines not starting. For people with no money for repairs, there are options in some cities, including a nonprofit blending low-cost repairs with engine maintenance smarts. In Sioux Falls and Rapid City, the SHIFT Garage accepts applications from low-income people in need of a standard repair. .
January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month and community action agencies across the state are working to change lives for the 5 million Californians who cannot afford the basics. The poverty rate in the Golden State rose from 11.7% in fall 2021 to 13.2% in the first quarter of 2023. David Knight, executive director of the California Community Action Program Association, said circumstances have been difficult. .
Low-income households across the United States now face a deadline to sign up for federal funds that give them a break on their monthly internet bills. Poverty-fighting offices in North Dakota hope more families try to stay connected in the short term. The Federal Communications Commission has announced that February 7 is the last day to enroll in its Affordable Connectivity Program. .
The American Red Cross said it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. A regional facility in North Dakota said its situation is not quite as dire, but stressed the need to maintain strong supplies from donors. January is National Blood Donor Month and the urgent plea from the Red Cross noted the U.S. .