Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Category: Advocacy

  • Earned Income Tax Credit & Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites

    Tax season is upon us and free tax sites, VITA sites, have opened their doors. This year several tax credits have been expanded to help put as much as $6,000 in the pockets of low-income working families. In particular, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are powerful resources for working people with low incomes.

    In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.

    Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.

    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.

    With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.

    Source: Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network

  • Veteran and Spouse Career Fair – Teaneck Armory – December 1

    A few days ago I received an email from the G.I. Go Fund, announcing a Veteran and Spouse Career Fair. It will be held at the Teaneck Armory, 1779 Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 from 10am – 2pm.

    Veterans and family members can register online by going to
    http://gigofund.org/exposignup.html and filling out the registration form. For additional information contact Alex Manis at the G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center of Newark, 973-802-1614 (phone) or 732-377-8032 (fax).

  • Statewide Winter Outerwear Clothing Drive

    The Trenton based nonprofit Homeless To Independence is conducting their 4th Annual Statewide Winter Outerwear Clothing Drive. Although collection activities ended in north Jersey about November 15, clothing collection efforts continue in central and southern New Jersey through December 13.

    The information about their clothing drive is contained in their November newsletter which reads as follows:

    Hello Everyone In New Jersey!

    HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE’S 4TH ANNUAL WINTER OUTERWEAR CLOTHING DRIVE
    IS NOW ON!!! WE NEED CHILDRENS COATS OF ALL SIZES!!!

    We are collecting coats/jackets, hats, scarves, gloves/mittens and blankets for women, children and men that are homeless, working poor, our veterans and those have just lost their belongings due to fires (manmade) and natural disasters and have been transplanted here in New Jersey. Our Northern New Jersey dates run from now through November 15th. Our Central and Southern New Jersey dates run now through December 13th – anywhere in the State of New Jersey call me for your items to be picked up. Some counties will offer drop off location dates and times also for your convenience. Please call me at: 1-609-575-8048 or email me at: ann@homelesstoindependence.org. ALL items will be given away freely – we DO NOT charge anyone for anything that is donated. Any houses of worship or organizations that would like to make your location either a drop off or distribution site contact me ASAP! Let’s work together!!!

    For those not familiar with Homeless To Independence let me give you a brief rundown. The Founder and Executive Director is Ann Martin-Frey. I became aware of her work several years ago when I read a newsarticle somewhere. A recent Trenton Times article (October 2, 2009 by Matt Fair, Staff Writer) provided the following: “With Homeless to Independence, Frey, 48, works day-in and day-out through a thickly woven network of contacts developed over the course of her life on the road gathering information on employment agencies, local job openings, government programs, food banks, shelters, or any other resources the homeless can take advantage of, and disseminating it all into the homeless community.”

    Ann is a true grassroots activist and my hat goes off to her. If you want to contribute to the winter clothing drive you can contact her at 609-575-8048. Homeless to Independence can also be reached at PO Box 22124, Trenton, NJ 08607. Checkout the website which has the feel of a community bulletin board. You can also join her on Facebook by looking for Ann MartinFrey.