News Updates
+ Get Free Tax Preparation Services
Metro government officials and community partners will kick off the start of tax season Friday, February 2, with a press event announcing the start of free tax preparation assistance for eligible residents.
The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at 15 sites across the city. VITA is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2023.
Since its launch in 2001, the VITA program has helped more than 143,000 Louisville tax filers. Last year, VITA volunteers processed more than 7,700 returns, adding more than $12 million to the local economy, including nearly $2 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to residents.
Eligible Louisville residents can make an appointment to visit these VITA sites for in-person free tax filing. Most sites use convenient drop-off services.
- Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
- Bates, 728 East Lampton St.
- Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave., Ste 201
- Family Scholar House U of L, 403 Reg Smith Circle
- Family Scholar House Riverport, 3311 Cathe Dykstra Way
- Goodwill Resource Center, 909 E. Broadway
- Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
- Oldham County LaGrange Library, 308 Yager Avenue (LaGrange)
- Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
- Shively City Hall, 3920 Dixie Hwy.
- St. Vincent de Paul Family Success Center, 1029 S Preston Hwy.
- Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
- United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
- Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.
- Various mobile locations around the city (check www.labcservices.org for sites)
To schedule an appointment for in-person tax assistance, call 502-305-0005 or click button below.
+ Apply for Community Foundation of Louisville Grants
The Community Foundation of Louisville has launched its Sparking Change Mini-Grants Program.
According to a release, the foundation will award three $1,000 grants each month supported by each of the foundation’s Fund for Louisville Action Areas: Louisville’s People, Louisville’s Prosperity, and Louisville’s Well-Being.
+ Travel With the World Affairs Council
 The World Affairs Council is excited to announce the first Leadership Trip for Sister Cities to Mainz, Germany in 2024! Join them from September 7-13, 2024 to commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the enduring city relationship between Mainz and Louisville.
Embark on a unique journey with the delegation tour of Mainz and unlock of a world of opportunities, culture, and connections. A variety of discount options are available.
SAVE YOUR SPOT! Space is limited. For more details, contact Lydia Lewis, Sister Cities Coordinator, or Xiao Yin Zhao, Executive Director for corporate inquiries.
+ Become an International Home Hospitality Host
 Interested in becoming a local resource for international exchange groups? Other opportunities to engage with delegates include attending mixers and forums, or hosting a dinner or homestay. If you are interested, get in touch with Madison Brooks, the Exchange Program Manager, for more information.
+ 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.
+ 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.
A reminder that the deadline for the Summer Hershberg Scholarship is soon approaching: February 26, 2024! If you are interested in applying make sure to leave appropriate time for the request of official transcripts and recommendation letters. The application will be considered incomplete and ineligible without all needed materials.
+ 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
+ USCIS Begins New Process for Paying Application Fees at a Field Office
We will start requiring most applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives to pay the fees for forms filed at a field office by mail or remotely, instead of in person at a field office.
What You Need to Know We receive most of our immigration benefit requests through a Lockbox or a service center. However, in limited instances, we may receive a USCIS form through a local USCIS office. To file a form or pay a fee at a local office, applicants, petitioners, and requestors must schedule an appointment in advance with the USCIS Contact Center and physically visit a field office to make certain application fee payments. We are changing that process.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, there will be three methods for paying fees to USCIS for field office filings:
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By mail with credit or debit card. Applicants, petitioners, or requestors may mail a check or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, to the field office and no longer need to make an appointment and appear in person.
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Emergency Form I-131 filings. Applicants submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an emergency advance parole request must still apply in person, after making an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center, with their form packet (including any applicable payment and supporting documentation) and pay their application fee by credit card with Form G-1450 or check at the field office once approved.
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EOIR filings by representatives. Attorneys and accredited representatives can now process payments for the Executive Office of Immigration Review and Board of Immigration Appeals through a link provided in an auto-reply email from the USCIS Contact Center. Attorneys and accredited representatives must mail in their client’s EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer, their EOIR-27, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Pay.gov receipt to the field office once the payment is processed.
Background We expect that this new process will save applicants, petitioners, requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives time and money because most people will no longer need to make an appointment to physically visit a field office to pay certain benefit request filing fees or other fees. More field office appointment times will be available for people who need an InfoMod appointment.
+ 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 "Go Back and Get it" at Metro Hall
 Tuesday, February 13, 2024 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro Government invite Louisville to attend ”Go Back and Get It” – an event on Tuesday, Feb. 13 that will celebrate Black history through song, storytelling and spoken word.
The event is hosted by the Office of Equity, Roots 101 and The Sankofa Players in the Mayor’s Gallery at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson Street, 40202.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the performance begins promptly at 6:15 PM.
+ Attend a Film Screening in Honor of Black History Month
 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 5:00 P.M.-8:15 P.M.
Join on February 28th for "Understanding Reparations: Film Screening and Panel Discussion of the Cost of Inheritance." This unique evening promises to be an enlightening experience, exploring crucial topics surrounding reparations. Event Details: Date: February 28th Event: Understanding Reparations: Film Screening and Panel Discussion Location: Muhammed Ali Center Time: 5-6pm Reception (optional) | 6-7pm Film Screening | 7-8:15pm Panel Discussion & Q&A
The event kicks off with a compelling film screening of "The Cost of Inheritance," a documentary that is inspiring a new perspective on the reparations debate in the U.S. Following the screening, we have an engaging panel discussion featuring prominent local leaders and film participants, providing valuable insights into the subject.
+ Learn More About the Grant from PCUSA
 Thursday, February 29, 2024 12:00 P.M.-1:00 P.M
2024 GRANTS FOR GRASSROOTS GROUPS AVAILABLE!
Grant awards up to $15,000 currently
Grant Applications accepted year-round
Location: Presbyterian Center
100 Witherspoon St, Louisville, KY 40204
Translations are available for the following languages:
- Arabic, Burmese, Cuban, Congolese, Ukrainian
A light lunch will be served.
To register: email sdopevents@pcusa.org (Please indicate your name, organization & number of people in your party)
+ Join Kentucky Foundation for Women at Breakfast
 Friday, March 8, 2024 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
2024 International Women’s Day Breakfast Briefing
Sponsored by Kentucky Foundation for Women, Office for Women
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion led by distinguished women from various fields, focusing on the holistic health and wellbeing of women globally. Alongside, enjoy interactive mindfulness activities and a captivating drum performance, complemented by delightful catering from Sweet Havana.
Your support for this event contributes to Americana's Capital Campaign—a $4 million health and wellness project integrating Family Health Centers Americana, Survivors of Torture Services, and medical, behavioral health, and support services under one roof. Emilie Dyer, Executive Director at Americana, expresses excitement for this event, emphasizing its alignment with the center's commitment to holistic health and community empowerment.
+ Join WAC Networking Night
 Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6:00 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
WAC has an upcoming Networking Night on March 12, 2024! We're thrilled to announce the participation of a dynamic multi-regional exchange group, adding a global flair to our local community.
Join us for an evening of meaningful conversations and the opportunity to forge new relationships. As you indulge in light refreshments and snacks, you'll have the chance to engage with members of the community, exchange ideas, and get to know one another better.
The World Affairs Council eagerly anticipates your presence. Please save the date and join us on March 12.
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