Prevention, Retention, Contingency

Lawrence County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program is designed to assist families to obtain economic independence and self-sufficiency.  The PRC Program is designed to reduce or eliminate an emergent need that if not satisfied, threatens the health and well being of the family.

In general, services are available to needy families with at least one minor child or  pregnant individual.  All individuals living in the home will be considered a PRC assistant group.  In order for the PRC assistant group to be found eligible, the groups income must be at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines and must meet all other eligibility requirements.

Some of the categories for services include;

ü     Rental assistance in cases of court ordered evictions.

ü     Payments toward interest on defaulted mortgage or the amount necessary to prevent foreclosure, whichever is less (not to exceed the maximum allowable amount).

ü     Emergency shelter for homeless families or residents of a domestic violence shelter.

ü     Utility payments in order to prevent disconnection of services.

ü     Fuel, oil, wood and coal during appropriate seasons.

ü     Home repairs if an assistance group member is the property owner.  Home repairs are limited to the repair/replacement of certain basic structures in the home as an emergent need basis.

ü     Household expenses if loss of contents are due to a fire, flood or a declared disaster area by the Governor of Ohio or Red Cross.

ü     Clothing expense if loss is due to a fire, flood, etc.  A case-by-case evaluation will be completed.

ü     Clothing expenses needed to start employment or training if not provided by the employer or school.

ü     Licensure examination fees required to take any type of county, state or federal board that will make an individual eligible for a specified occupational area of employment.

ü     Vehicle maintenance repair for individuals employed, or that are about to receive gainful employment, of at least 30 hours per week or earning weekly income equal to minimum wage times 30 hours.

ü     Relocation assistance if an individual has a job and has to relocate to a non-bordering county.

The PRC assistance group members must complete the Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program application to request PRC services.  For more information contact the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services at 740-532-3324 or                 740-867-3304.