Grants for Felons in Wyoming
Wyoming offers various grants for felons, providing support for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. These grants assist with basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare, as well as provide opportunities for education, job training, and employment. Specifically designed to aid felons in overcoming obstacles and achieving stability, these grants aim to promote positive change and second chances for individuals reentering their communities
What Housing Grants are Available For Felons in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, felons seeking housing assistance can explore several grant and support programs designed to help individuals with criminal records reintegrate into society. While there may not be specific housing grants exclusively for felons, many general housing assistance programs are accessible to felons. Here are some options:
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Section 8 provides rental assistance to low-income individuals, including felons. Vouchers help cover a portion of rent, allowing participants to secure affordable housing in the private rental market.
Based on income, but felons are eligible unless convicted of certain offenses such as drug trafficking or sexual offenses.
2. Wyoming Public Housing Assistance
Wyoming offers public housing options, funded by HUD, where rent is based on income. These programs are accessible to low-income individuals and families, including felons, depending on the nature of the offense.
Varies based on income, family size, and criminal history. Certain convictions may disqualify applicants, but many felons are eligible.
3. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
This grant provides funding for emergency shelter services, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention for eligible individuals, including felons. ESG programs are administered by local Wyoming agencies and can help felons secure temporary housing.
Felons experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness may be eligible for assistance through this program.
4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides financial support to low-income families, which can include housing-related assistance. Felons with families may qualify for TANF to help cover basic needs, including rent.
Eligibility: Based on income and family size, felons are generally eligible for TANF.
Are there Medical Bill Assistance Programs Available for Felons in Wyoming?
Yes, there are medical bill assistance programs available for felons in Wyoming. Some options include:
- Medicaid: A government program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including felons. It covers various medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP): A program that offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment to eligible individuals, including felons.
- Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: A program that provides medical care and support services for individuals with HIV/AIDS, including felons. It covers medication, doctor visits, and other related expenses.
- Community Health Centers of Wyoming (CHCW): A network of health centers that offer sliding-fee scale healthcare services, including dental and mental health care, to individuals, including felons.
- Wyoming Department of Corrections (DOC) Medical Services: Provides medical care for individuals on probation or parole, including felons. This may include access to healthcare services, medication, and medical treatment.
What are the Educational Grants for Felons in Wyoming?
Felons in Wyoming looking to pursue education have access to various grants and financial aid programs to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses. While there aren’t grants specifically for felons, many general educational grants and reentry programs are accessible to individuals with criminal records. Here are some key options:
1. Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal program that provides financial aid to low-income students pursuing higher education. Felons are generally eligible, except those convicted of drug-related offenses while receiving federal aid, although recent reforms have expanded access.
Grant Amount: Up to $7,395 per academic year (2024-2025).
2. Wyoming Hathaway Scholarship
The Hathaway Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Wyoming residents attending the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college. Felons are eligible, provided they meet the academic requirements.
Grant Amount: Scholarships range from $800 to $1,680 per semester, depending on the level of achievement.
3. Wyoming Community College Grants
Wyoming’s community colleges offer various state-funded grants to assist students with educational expenses. Felons can apply for these grants as long as they meet the eligibility criteria, including residency and income requirements.
4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This federal grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Felons may be eligible if they demonstrate significant financial hardship.
Grant Amount: Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on the need and availability of funds at the participating institution.
5. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program
The TAA program provides education and training assistance to individuals whose employment has been adversely affected by foreign trade. Felons may be eligible for job training programs that offer grants for vocational education and trade skills development.
6. Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund
The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund offers grants to Wyoming residents seeking job training or education in high-demand industries. Felons can apply for training grants to enhance their skills and improve employability.
7. Second Chance Pell Experiment
The Second Chance Pell initiative allows incarcerated individuals and felons to access Pell Grants to pursue higher education while in prison or after release. Wyoming residents who are incarcerated or recently released may qualify.
Grant Amount: Up to $7,395 per academic year.
8. Private Scholarships and Grants
Several nonprofit organizations offer educational scholarships and grants specifically for felons and formerly incarcerated individuals. National programs like The Prison Scholar Fund and The Petey Greene Program support felons pursuing higher education.
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What are the Grants for Convicted Felons to Start a Business in Wyoming?
There are several grants and funding opportunities available for convicted felons looking to start a business in Wyoming. While felons may not have specific grants solely dedicated to them, they can still take advantage of general business funding programs, both federally and at the state level, that are open to all entrepreneurs, including those with criminal backgrounds. Here are some potential avenues:
1. SBA Microloan Program
The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain non-profit childcare centers. This loan is ideal for felons starting new businesses, offering lower interest rates and easier approval processes.
2. Community Advantage Program (SBA)
The SBA’s Community Advantage Program offers loans up to $250,000, targeting underserved communities, including convicted felons, for business startups or expansion.
3. Wyoming Business Council’s Business Ready Community (BRC) Grant
This program funds public infrastructure projects that support business development in Wyoming communities, indirectly benefiting felon entrepreneurs by providing access to better resources.
4. SBIR and STTR Grants
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide federal grants for research and development projects. Felons with innovative tech-based business ideas can apply.
Grant Amount: Phase I: Up to $150,000; Phase II: Up to $1,000,000.
5. Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion provides small business loans and mentorship for underserved populations, including ex-felons. While not a grant, it offers financial support and business development resources.
6. Federal Bonding Program
This program offers free bonds to felons for six months, covering up to $25,000 in business or employment-related insurance, making it easier to secure contracts and partnerships.
7. Wyoming Women’s Business Center (WWBC) Microloan Program
The WWBC offers microloans to underserved populations, including felons, with amounts starting as low as $500 for business startup needs.
Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 (loan, not grant).
8. Second Chance Business Coalition
This coalition advocates for felon entrepreneurs and offers occasional grants, loans, and business development resources for those starting businesses.
9. Crowdfunding (GoFundMe/Kickstarter)
Felons can use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise funds for their business from community support.
What are the Hardship Grants for Senior Felons in Wyoming?
Here are some hardship grants for senior felons in Wyoming:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps with food expenses, offers emergency food assistance, and free cooking and nutrition classes. Grant amount: $200-$500 per month.
- POWER Work Program: Offers cash assistance for living expenses, helps with finding a job, and improves job skills. Grant amount: $500-$1,000 per month.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Provides free weatherization services to make homes more energy-efficient. Grant amount: Up to $5,000.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps with utility bills, and offers assistance based on household size. Grant amount: $200-$500 per year.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Helps with housing costs, including rent and purchasing a home, and offers weatherization services. Grant amount: Up to $10,000.
- Lifeline: Assists with phone bills, and provides a discount for those who qualify. Grant amount: $9.25 per month.
- Catholic Charities: Offers various programs, including food, clothing, and counseling services. Grant amount: Varies based on needs and programs.
Beyond the grants mentioned earlier, consider reaching out to local churches and non-profit organizations in Wyoming. They often provide community programs that offer essential services such as hot meals, food boxes, transportation vouchers, clothing, counseling, and more. These programs typically have flexible eligibility requirements, making them accessible to individuals who may not qualify for other forms of assistance. By contacting local churches and non-profits, you may find additional support to help with your specific needs.
