Basic Needs

If you can’t afford to pay your home heating or cooling bill, you may be able to get help from the government or your local social services agency or nonprofit.  What help is available for my home energy bill? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help with: Assistance to pay your … Read more

If you are in immediate need of help, contact your local Red Cross » or find an open shelter »  The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​ Vision Statement The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and … Read more

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items: Water – one gallon of water per person per day for … Read more

In a country that wastes billions of pounds of food each year, it’s almost shocking that anyone in America goes hungry. Yet every day, there are millions of children and adults who do not get the meals they need to thrive. We work to get nourishing food – from farmers, manufacturers, and retailers – to … Read more

How does Habitat for Humanity help families? People in your community and all over the world partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. How does Habitat for Humanity homeownership work? Families in need of decent, … Read more

Step One: Accessing Shelter or Housing Services If you are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, the first step is to get in touch with the shelter system in your community. You may need to call a hotline or go to a community-designated organization for homeless services. Your community may have a “homeless hotline,” … Read more

Get Help Paying for Telephone Service What help is available? The Lifeline program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps low-income individuals and families get discounted landline or cell (wireless) phone service. The program is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Am I eligible? You may qualify for this program if you or your family: Have income at … Read more

People with low income, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify for help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to get affordable rental housing. HUD doesn’t own rental property. It gives money to states and building owners, who in turn provide low-income housing opportunities. Get Personalized Help with Your Search Find a … Read more

FEMA is a disaster assistance program.  FEMA helps with fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and more. FEMA’s mission is to help America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of “A Nation Prepared.” On April 1, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the executive order that created the Federal Emergency Management … Read more

SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make … Read more

The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners. Find Help

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, … Read more

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. The Red Cross does not discriminate based on nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, disability, political opinions, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you need to leave your home due to a disaster or emergency, you are welcome to come to a Red Cross shelter. Your service animal … Read more