Housing ReliefWhen that happens, rely on this list for help, as it contains several food, housing, and utility assistance programs that can save the day.
What do most people do when they’re short on cash and can’t pay their bills or put food on the table? They turn to friends and family for help. If you have that option, consider yourself lucky, as many do not. And instead of turning to friends and family, they turn to these organizations and assistance programs that help those who find themselves in dire situations.
Emergency And Long-Term Food Assistance Programs
No matter how many bills start mounting up, one expense you cannot ignore or get rid of is food. Without it, survival is impossible. But the good news is that there are several ways to get food assistance in the short and long term:
Feeding America
Finding a food bank or pantry in your area could fill up your empty kitchen quickly, so your family doesn’t starve. With Feeding America, you’ll be able to pick amongst 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the nation.
Catholic Charities
If you somehow cannot find a food bank or pantry via Feeding America, give Catholic Charities a try. They offer food assistance through their pantries and food banks, and they also have community farms to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income families. Beyond food, you can also count on Catholic Charities for help with essentials like housing and healthcare.
National Hunger Hotline
One of the best ways to get emergency food assistance is to dial 1-866-3-HUNGRY on your phone.
SNAP
Getting money for groceries every month would ensure your family never goes hungry again. You can get just that by applying for food stamps from SNAP.
Rent And Mortgage Assistance Programs
Housing is becoming so expensive that it may be out of the affordable reach of many low-income families. If you’re having housing issues, these programs can help:
Section 8
If you qualify for a Section 8 voucher from the HUD, you could pay a max of 30 percent of your income towards rent. This makes it easier to pay your landlord on time and save money on the side, plus you’ll have the option to pick where you want to live.
Salvation Army
A quick way to get help paying your rent and utilities is to contact the Salvation Army and ask about their Pathway of Hope program.
Gradient Gives Back Foundation
Would you like an entire year of rent or mortgage payment assistance? You could get it here.
St. Vincent de Paul
While many use this organization for help with food and clothing, others have succeeded in getting rent or mortgage payment assistance.
Utility Payment Assistance
Are your utility bills breaking the bank? Before the lights get shut off, try to see if these assistance programs can step in to save the day:
Dollar Energy Fund
They partner with 40-plus utility companies across the U.S. to help families keep their lights on.
LIHEAP
You won’t have to worry about cooling or heating costs with this government program.
Lifeline
Use this government program to get discounts on your phone or Internet bills.
