Start Here: How to Find Rent, Food, and Bill Help Fast
If rent is due, the fridge is empty, or a shutoff notice just arrived, you need answers quickly. This page shows you the fastest way to find real help and how to use the guides on Financial Support Resources.
Every guide on this site lists organizations you can contact directly, such as churches, nonprofits, and government programs, with phone numbers, addresses, and links to their own websites. We don't take applications or hand out money ourselves.
Get Help Today in 3 Steps
Dial 2-1-1. It's free and confidential, and local specialists can tell you which rent, utility, and food programs have money right now. You can also search at 211.org.
Open your city guide below. Each one lists churches or nonprofits near you that help with rent, food, and bills, with hours and what to bring.
Call before you go. Hours, funding, and service areas change often. Ask what documents to bring and whether you need an appointment.
Documents to Prepare
Having these ready can save you a second trip:
Photo ID for adults in your household
Proof of address, such as a lease or a piece of mail
Proof of income for everyone in the household (pay stubs, benefits letters, or an unemployment notice)
The bill, shutoff notice, or eviction notice you need help with
Your landlord's name and phone number, or your utility account number
Social Security numbers or cards, if a program asks for them
Help by Type of Need
Food today: Your city guide lists pantries and meal programs. You can also enter your ZIP code at Feeding America's food bank finder.
Food every month (SNAP): Apply through your state's SNAP agency. The USDA's SNAP State Directory links to each state. New York residents can start with our New York SNAP guide.
Rent and utilities: See our emergency grants guide for LIHEAP, utility hardship funds, and charities that pay toward rent.
Debt and collections: Our debt relief guide covers free credit counseling, legal aid, and how to avoid scams.
Other government benefits: USA.gov's benefits page helps you find federal and state programs you may qualify for.
In crisis: If you're thinking about harming yourself or feel overwhelmed, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Church Guides by City
These guides list churches and church-run ministries that help with rent, food, and bills.
Arizona: Phoenix
California: Los Angeles · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose
Colorado: Denver
Connecticut: New Haven
District of Columbia: Washington, DC
Florida: Jacksonville · Miami
Illinois: Chicago
Indiana: Indianapolis
Kentucky: Louisville
Maryland: Baltimore
Massachusetts: Boston
Michigan: Detroit
Nevada: Las Vegas
New York: New York City · Bronx
North Carolina: Charlotte
Ohio: Cincinnati · Columbus
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Oregon: Portland
Pennsylvania: Harrisburg · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh
Texas: Austin · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Houston · San Antonio
Washington: Seattle
Nonprofit Guides by Metro Area
These guides cover nonprofits, community action agencies, food banks, and legal aid across each metro area.
How We Research Our Guides
We list organizations with a regular aid program and public contact information, and we check each one against its own website or another public source. We don't use star ratings. Programs change, so always confirm details by phone. If a listing is out of date, please tell us through our contact page.
Closing Thoughts
The fastest path is usually two calls: 2-1-1 for programs with money right now, and the closest organization in your city guide. Bring your documents, ask about every kind of help they offer, and don't pay anyone who promises to get you a grant.
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