Local assistance programs can help individuals and families find support when they are struggling with everyday expenses or facing an unexpected financial hardship.
Depending on where you live and your circumstances, local programs may offer help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, childcare, employment, and other essential needs. Government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and local service providers may all offer assistance.
In the U.S., benefit finders help people explore government benefits by categories including food, housing and utilities, healthcare, education, disabilities, jobs, veterans, seniors, and cash assistance.
What Local Assistance Programs Can Help With
Available services vary by community, but you may find programs for:
- Food and groceries
- Rent and housing
- Utility and energy bills
- Healthcare and medical expenses
- Transportation
- Childcare and family support
- Senior services
- Disability assistance
- Employment and job services
- Emergency financial assistance
- Homelessness and temporary shelter
- Education and training
- Other essential household needs
Some programs provide direct assistance, while others provide referrals to organizations that can help.
Who May Qualify?
Local assistance programs may have different eligibility requirements. Depending on the program, eligibility can be based on:
- Household income
- Number of people in your household
- Age
- Disability
- Employment status
- Housing situation
- Whether you have children
- Veteran status
- Current financial hardship
- Location or ZIP code
Not every program requires the same income level, and some community resources may have different requirements from government benefit programs.
Check What You May Qualify For
OpenGrants Network can help you explore assistance opportunities that may fit your circumstances.
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Programs vary by eligibility, location, household circumstances, and type of need.
Types of Local Assistance to Explore
Food Assistance
Local food banks, food pantries, community organizations, and government food programs can help eligible households access groceries or other food resources. If you need food assistance, calling 211 can connect people with local food programs and resources.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Local and state programs may help eligible households with rent or housing-related expenses. Community organizations may also provide referrals or emergency support. Contacting 211 or searching state and local rental assistance programs is a common way to find emergency rent help.
Utility Assistance
Some communities have programs that help households with electricity, heating, cooling, or other utility costs. Utility companies may also offer payment arrangements or hardship programs. LIHEAP is one example of an energy assistance program, although eligibility and application procedures are handled through state or tribal programs.
Healthcare Assistance
Depending on your circumstances, local resources may include community health centers, healthcare assistance programs, transportation services, and organizations that help people find affordable medical care.
Transportation Assistance
Some communities offer transportation programs for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income residents, medical appointments, or employment needs.
Senior and Disability Services
Local agencies may connect seniors and people with disabilities with food, transportation, housing, caregiver, healthcare, and other support services.
Emergency Assistance
If you are experiencing an immediate crisis, local organizations may be able to connect you with food, shelter, utilities, emergency housing, or other resources. In most areas of the U.S., dialing 211 can connect you with local social services and emergency resources.
How to Find Local Assistance Programs
- Identify what you need most. Start with food, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, or another specific need.
- Search by your location. Many programs are limited to particular cities, counties, or states.
- Check government benefits. Use official benefit-search tools to identify programs you may qualify for.
- Contact 211. Local 211 specialists can identify community resources and services in your area.
- Check nonprofit organizations. Food banks, community action agencies, charities, and other organizations may offer assistance.
- Ask about referrals. If one organization cannot help, ask whether they know of another program that may be appropriate.
The 211 network describes itself as a source of information about local resources and services, with specialists available around the clock in the U.S.