General Assistance Gives Membership Report

Editor's Note: The following was provided to the Membership at the General Membership Meeting in January.

The goal of the General Assistance (GA) Program is to increase self-efficiency by developing an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) that outlines specific steps to assist individuals to help increase independence by meeting the goal of employment.

Any Tribal member that does not have sufficient resources to meet the essential basic living needs items, meet the eligibility criteria, and live within the LCO Reservation boundaries may apply for General Assistance.

I General Assistance        2022      2023     

Total Persons Served       157        219

Program Expenses           $33,920                $37,993

Energy Assistance 715-558-7913

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are programs designed to provide some assistance to households with the heating and electric bill. It is a one-time assistance for each heating season: October 1 through May 15.

This benefit is intended to help pay a portion of the heating and electric costs and is not intended to pay for the entire cost of the heating bill. The benefit amount is based on the household size, income level, and household heating cost.

Any persons living within the reservation boundaries may apply at our local office, located within the Tribal Government building. Heating season 2023 (October 1, 2022, through May 15, 2023) we helped assist 364 total customers.

Elder Benefit Services 715-558-7940

Elder Benefit Services provides the following services: Home Improvement, Auto Repair, Snow Plowing, Lawn Care/Mowing, Recycling (garbage bags and punch cards for big items and electronics), Firewood, Air Conditioning Units, miscellaneous hired help (install AC units, shoveling, yard clean-up, plastic on windows, etc), all of which are detailed below.

Home Improvement and Auto Repair

Provided assistance to 525 Elderly and Disabled Tribal members.

338        62 AND OLDER

159        In Sawyer County by not within Reservation Boundaries

28           Disabled

Snowplowing

Snow plowers have their signed contracts with their valid driver's licenses and vehicle insurance on file for 5 contracted plowers, some with addition plow trucks for a total of 10 plow trucks going out when needed. They have been instructed to make sure that they do not put snow piles by propane tanks, garages, and walkways. In 2023, we plowed 228 Tribal member driveways. You must live within the boundaries of the reservation for this service.

Lawncare

In 2023 we contracted lawncare services and mowed 82 Tribal member lawns. Due to severe storms this past year, we had to clean up debris and fallen trees and branches. This was a big project and we received help from the Conservation Department.

Firewood

For Elder Firewood services, elders or disabled members can order 5 cords of wood for $200 or 10 cords of wood for $300. Last year 26 Tribal members utilized these services. If a member chooses to only order 5 cords of wood for $200, they can utilize the other $100 to hire someone to cut up their wood. If they order 10 cords of wood, there will be no additional funds to pay someone to cut for them.

Recycling

The Elder Recycling Assistance runs on the calendar year, January-December. This includes distributing 15 LCO logo garbage bags and big item punch cards to Tribal members 62 years of age and older or disabled. This past year, we assisted 189 members.

Air Conditioning Units

The Tribe pays for air conditioning units for Tribal members 62 years and older or disabled members. This is a health need for many due to respiratory problems, which can heighten during extreme heat. Members must sign an agreement to receive an AC unit. Units typically last 3 to 4 years.