Amarillo Public Library has qualified as a Level Two Community Partner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The Community Partner Program is a statewide network of community-based organizations qualified to help Texans apply for or renew HHSC benefits online.
As a Level Two community partner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, certain Amarillo Public Library staff can assist with applications for:
- Food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Health care assistance through Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Healthy Texas Women (HTW)
- Cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Director of Library Services Amanda Barrera says that helping patrons access services has always been a part of the APL mission and the library is pleased to have another tool to connect individuals and families to life-saving resources. “Helping our patrons access these benefits doesn’t just improve life for the recipients, it supports the entire community. Besides the very real issue of ensuring that our neighbors are healthy and well-fed, research shows that benefits such as SNAP generate economic activity and support job growth, which makes our whole community stronger.”
To qualify as a Community Partner, APL staff members Lisa White and Jonilee Eyer completed HHSC training to assist community members navigate and complete online applications. Patrons can call the Downtown Library at 806-378-3043 to make an appointment. HHSC suggests applicants be ready to provide information about:
- Money from jobs or other sources, including:
- Paycheck stubs
- Child support
- Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or pension benefit award letters or pay stubs
- Current military information if applicable, including ID (Form DD-2) military orders or separation papers (Form DD-214)
- Loans and gifts (including someone paying bills for you)
- Loan agreements or statement from the person giving you money or paying your bills
- That person’s name, address, phone number and their signature
- Social Security numbers and birthdates of everyone who wants to apply
- Costs you pay for your bills, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and phone
- The value of items you pay for or own, such as vehicles, money in bank accounts, stocks, etc.
Residence verification (proof you live in Texas), such as a utility bill, driver’s license, Texas Department of Public Safety ID, rent receipt, letter from landlord (Note: Your landlord cannot be a relative.) - Health insurance information such as insurance ID cards, Medicare card or any supplemental insurance cards
For more information contact Library Coordinator of PR and Programming Stacy Clopton at Stacy.Clopton@amarillolibrary.org or 806-378-3051.