Services

How Can We Help?

At Connecting Henry, we believe that everyone deserves access to the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and build a stable future. Through partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community providers, we connect Henry County residents with programs that address immediate needs while supporting long-term success.

Whether you’re experiencing a temporary financial hardship, looking for employment support, or searching for community resources, we’re here to help.

Rent, Mortgage & Utility Assistance

Temporary financial assistance may be available for eligible Henry County residents experiencing an unexpected financial hardship.

Assistance may include help with:

  • Rent
  • Mortgage payments
  • Utility bills

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally:

  • Be a Henry County resident for at least six months.
  • Have experienced a recent, unexpected, nonrecurring financial hardship within the past 60 days.
  • Provide documentation of household income and financial hardship.
  • Have the lease, mortgage, deed, or utility account in their name.
  • Not receive housing subsidies.
  • Meet current program income guidelines.
  • Meet all funding and program requirements.

Please Note: Assistance is based on eligibility, available funding, and program guidelines. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee assistance.

Henry County Water Authority Program

Connecting Henry proudly administers the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) Charitable Assistance Program. This program is funded through the generosity of HCWA customers who choose to help neighbors in need.

Eligible households may receive assistance with past-due Henry County Water Authority water bills.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally:

  • Receive water service through the Henry County Water Authority.
  • Be a Henry County resident for at least six months.
  • Have experienced a recent, unexpected financial hardship within the past 60 days.
  • Provide documentation of household income and hardship.
  • Meet all current program guidelines.

Please Note: Assistance is subject to eligibility and funding availability.

INSPIRE Homeless & Homelessness Program

The INSPIRE Homeless & Homelessness Program provides year-round support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Working alongside churches, schools, nonprofits, and community partners, we help connect residents with services that address immediate needs while supporting long-term stability.

Available support may include:

  • Community resource referrals
  • Food assistance
  • Clothing assistance
  • Furniture resources
  • Case coordination through partner agencies
  • Connections to additional community services

Our goal is to provide compassionate support while helping individuals and families move toward stability and self-sufficiency.

INSPIRE Employment Program

Finding meaningful employment can change the future of an individual or family. The INSPIRE Employment Program helps participants build the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain long-term employment.

Participants receive support with:

  • Resume development
  • Interview preparation
  • Professional communication
  • Workplace readiness
  • Financial responsibility
  • Goal setting and career planning

The program is designed to prepare individuals for lasting career success and greater financial independence.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established on March 24, 1983, with the signing of the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” Public Law 98-8. That legislation created a National Board, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that consisted of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.

The EFSP was authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (P.L. 100-77, signed into law on July 24, 1987, since renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and subsequently reauthorized under P.L. 100-628, signed into law on November 7, 1988). Since 1983, in its 42-year history, the EFSP has distributed $6.6 billion to over 14,000 human service agencies in more than 2,500 communities across the country through this collaborative effort between the private and public sectors.

The original authorizing legislation (PL 100-77) specifically calls for “sensitivity to the transition from temporary shelter to permanent homes and attention to the specialized needs of homeless individuals with mental and physical disabilities and illness, and to facilitate access for homeless individuals to other sources of services and benefits.”

Also, by the legislation, the National Board encourages Local Boards, the decision-making local bodies, to place special emphasis on identification of and assistance to the elderly, families with children, Native Americans, and Veterans. In addition, the authorization as revised (PL 102-550) in 1992 requires that a homeless or formerly homeless person serve on the Local Boards.

On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum to federal agencies, requiring a temporary pause on all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the recent executive orders. OMB has rescinded this memorandum.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board recognizes that the memorandum and the recent executive orders may have created a great amount of uncertainty and anxiety for the Local Boards and Local Recipient Organizations participating in the program.  The National Board is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better understand and respond to the anticipated impact on the EFSP and the program participants.  EFSP staff will provide timely updates on the program’s web page as more information becomes available.

To add some additional context, United Way Worldwide has informed us that to date, they are unable to draw down funds for Phase 42 (or any previous phases), even though these funds were appropriated for FY24 and preliminary jurisdictional allocations were made.  Rockdale was announced as receiving $33,136.

**In the meantime, we are holding off on any Phase 42 application processes until we have confirmation of the award from the National Board.**

Need assistance?

If you need assistance or you’re unsure which services best fit your situation, our team is here to help.

We’ll answer your questions, explain current eligibility requirements, and connect you with the programs and community resources that best meet your needs.

Contact Connecting Henry

Phone: (770) 274-3642

We look forward to helping you find the support and resources you need.