News Updates
+ Get Involved With Leadership Louisville
 Community Acceleration Teams application cycle is due to open on Monday, January 8. Its mission is giving talented leaders the opportunity to make an impact while empowering the region’s nonprofits to go even further in serving our community.
Leadership Louisville is also accepting applications for Encore Louisville program for spring and fall 2024. This is geared to assist your organization’s needs on strategic-consulting.
For more, please contact Aimee Jewell, Leadership Development Manager at: AJewell@LeadershipLouisville.org - 502.468.2426.
+ Global Talent Chamber Network Convening Discusses How Immigration Is a Solution to Workforce Challenges
 As the national workforce shortage persists, businesses across the country are seeking solutions to address workforce needs and fill open positions. Many Chambers of Commerce have continued to present a solution: modernizing an outdated immigration system to better meet the needs of the local, state, and national economies.
+ Become a kNOw Waste Ambassador
 The mission of the kNOw Waste Ambassador program is to educate participants about waste reduction and disposal systems and empower them to make meaningful change for themselves and their community.
kNOw Waste Ambassadors are required to attend virtual classes and facility tours. Classes will be once per week for 7 weeks in January and February and will be recorded (specific day/time to be determined). Participants will be provided volunteer opportunities and encouraged to be creative in how they engage with neighbors and community members on the topics of waste reduction and recycling. The kNOw Waste Ambassadors are required to:
- Attend orientation session and six in-depth trainings on recycling, composting, waste management systems, and other waste initiatives. (These will take place on a weekday.)
- Participate in educational tours of local waste facilities. (These will take place on a weekday.)
- Fulfill a set number of volunteer hours and tasks annually to maintain certification. (Programs and events may take place on weekdays or weekends.)
- Attend periodic sessions to stay up to date, provide feedback, and meet other kNOw Waste Ambassadors.
- Be willing to share what you learn from the program with your community.
- Background check required prior to volunteering at events or programs.
+ Apply today for the Study Abroad Scholarship!
 If you are a student who is truly committed to creating a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, the David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. This scholarship was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and guiding force in the creation and development of the Louisville International Cultural Center (now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana).
This annual scholarship awards recipients at least $3,000 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals. Scholarship applications are now open to Kentucky and southern Indiana-based students.
+ Applications for LIHEAP CRISIS Assistance Program Now Open
LIHEAP CRISIS COMPONENT ENROLLMENT IS OPEN
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs on a first-come, first-served basis, now through March 29, 2024, or until funds are depleted.
This program assists eligible households facing a home heating emergency, such as imminent loss of heat, low fuel supply, or eviction due to unpaid utility bills. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income eligibility of up to and including 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Prior LIHEAP assistance does not impact a household’s eligibility.
Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis, not to exceed the local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis until they reach their maximum benefit. Benefits are paid directly to the fuel vendor.
MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP)
Through our partnership with Louisville MSD, eligible residents still have the opportunity to apply for MSD’s Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP).
EWRAP can provide eligible residents in Jefferson County a 30% discount on wastewater charges and the consent decree surcharge. Eligibility includes households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, with proof of an active utility account with the Louisville Water Company and MSD. This enrollment period is for new and renewing MSD discount program clients.
MSD clients who are 65 years of age or older with a gross household income of $35,000 or less per year may be eligible for MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. It is recommended you submit your MSD bill with your LIHEAP documentation to see if you qualify for a MSD discount program. For more details about the MSD Discount Programs, visit https://louisvillemsd.org/paymybill.
How to Apply
To apply for the LIHEAP and/or EWRAP programs, Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
For the Crisis component, applicants requiring assistance for natural gas or electric must bring a disconnect/past due notice. If your rent includes heat, bring a copy of your lease and eviction notice. Pre-Pay Electric Program participants must show they have 10 days or less of pre-paid electric service.
All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at the time of application:
- Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
- Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.
- Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
- The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
- For MSD’s EWRAP program, you will need proof of an active utility account with Louisville Water Company and MSD. (i.e. named customers with MSD, receiving metered water service for a property used solely for residential purposes, and owned or leased by the customer as principal residence).
For more information about this process on how to apply for LIHEAP or the MSD discount programs, please contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or 574-5000, email metro.call@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s Online Customer Service or Live Chat at www.louisvilleky.gov/metrocall, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ Department of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status for several countries
On December 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) re-registration periods for individuals from the following countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. Re-registration periods have been extended from 60 days to the full designation extension period for each country. Existing TPS beneficiaries from these countries should re-register during their respective country’s re-registration period.
- El Salvador is currently open and now runs through March 9, 2025;
- Haiti is currently open and now runs through Aug. 3, 2024;
- Honduras is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
- Nepal is currently open and now runs through June 24, 2025;
- Nicaragua is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
- Sudan is currently open and now runs through April 19, 2025.
+ Department of Labor Report Highlights Severity of Child Labor in the U.S. and Worldwide
The Department of Labor recently released a report examining 131 countries’ efforts to abolish child labor in 2022 and the obstacles those efforts face. The report highlights, in part, the vulnerability of migrant children in the United States working for little pay in industries that are especially unsafe for children and notes an alarming 69% increase in unlawful work by children since 2018.
+ DHS announces family reunification parole processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
Nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the U.S., meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
Events
+Attend the STAR Job Fair
 Saturday, January 27, 2024 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The STAR Program is hosting a Job Fair at the Americana Community Center on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
+Come Out and Network Against Violence
 Thursday, January 31, 2024 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
You are invited to join the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods January 31st Networking Night at the Broadway Family YMCA (1720 W. Broadway) from 6:00PM-7:30PM. Networking Nights are an opportunity to get to know some of the change-agents doing great work in Louisville. This event, we will feature guests from Guns to Gardens Louisville, A Hand Up – Community Resource Center, and SPAVA. This is a great opportunity to get plugged into violence prevention work, learn about resources, and meet others working towards a better Louisville. Food and refreshments will be served!
+ Attend a Free Energy Management Workshop
 Thursday, January 31, 2024 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.
Project Warm is hosting energy management workshop at the Americana World Community Center, Thursday, January 9, 2024. Free weatherization kits will be given out for free.
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