JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (JFS)
Jewish Family Service is the human service branch of Shalom Austin. JFS promotes well-being across the lifespan for the Austin Jewish community and community-at-large through a range of programs designed to address critical areas of need. JFS services include counseling and therapy, support for senior adults living independently, outreach to seniors in congregate living communities, emergency assistance with basic needs, support groups, support for people with disabilities, and consultation, service referral and advocacy for other social service needs. JFS exists to provide the safety net for the Jewish community and to assist people with overcoming life challenges both large and small.
JFS Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)
Jewish Family Service is able to provide emergency financial assistance to Jewish individuals in the Greater Austin area during times of financial hardship.
Limited funds are available to address basic needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities and food. Assistance is geared towards addressing the most critical needs such as avoiding eviction, utility shut-off and hunger.
All requests for assistance are carefully screened utilizing a financial assessment. Related documentation such as copies of current bills, leases, and bank statements may be required.
Following approval of a request for emergency financial assistance, any funds provided are paid directly to the lender via check and US mail. Lenders must provide IRS tax identification prior to release of payment. A minimum of five business days is required for all checks to be processed and mailed via USPS. If you are requesting funds for rent, please contact our office at least five business days before your rent is due in order for timely processing.
In order to apply for EFA, please fill out this form and a JFS staff member will be in touch with you shortly.
Emergency financial assistance is made possible for community members by generous contributions to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign.
Which financial assistance is right for you?
As we navigate these difficult times of the COVID-19 health crisis, we want you to know about a variety of offerings to help Jewish families in need. Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) and Hebrew Free Loan of Austin (HFLA) offer assistance year-round, as well as having special funds set aside for the current emergency.