You can live without luxuries like eating out, entertainment, vacations, etc. However, you can’t live without such necessities as housing, food, utilities, and medical care.
The government and many nonprofit organizations know this, which is why they’ve set up emergency assistance programs to help those in need. We’ll look at some of the options you have when times get tough, so you and your family never go without.
Housing Assistance
For most, rent is easily the biggest bill, which also makes it the hardest to pay. Since you need that roof over your shelter, you can’t neglect the rent for too long, or else you’ll end up on the streets.
You can find emergency rent assistance by calling 211. Once you connect with an operator, tell them your housing situation. They can then give you a list of local programs that offer last-minute help with the rent.
The operator may refer you to the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities , as both are known to offer emergency rent assistance. You may also be referred to local religious organizations that sometimes provide rental help. Give Volunteers of America a look as well.
Crowdfunding is another option. It’s where you get help from others to pay your rent through companies like Modest Needs or GoFundMe. Since both leverage the Internet’s power, you could get the help you need much quicker and easier than you think.
When it comes to the government, rental assistance is more long term. They may not offer rental aid right now, but they can provide stability in the future through Section 8 housing vouchers.
Food Assistance
Besides shelter, food is an absolute necessity. 211 can help here once again, as they can tell you about local food distribution sites or programs.
Feeding America can help you find both emergency and long-term food assistance through their network. With over 60,000 food pantries and 200 food banks at their disposal, you’re bound to get fed by contacting them. The nonprofit can also help you sign up for food assistance programs from the government, like SNAP and WIC.
SNAP can give you money every month that can be used at participating stores to buy nutritional necessities. WIC can do the same, but it focuses more on pregnant women and their young children.
Utilities Assistance
Once you have the roof over your head and your family’s fed, you have to keep the lights on. The government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can do just that. They can even offer funding to repair or replace your air conditioning and heating systems.
Beyond the government, you can also get emergency utilities assistance by calling 211 or going through Modest Needs.
Medical Assistance
You can’t forget about your health, although rising medical costs may force you to. 211 can provide emergency medical assistance through its essential needs services, or you can turn to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics.
The federal government can help as well with its Medicare Savings Programs.
Section 8 Assist