Jonah JacobsEven if you’ve never needed help with housing, food, bills, and other necessities, that probably changed once the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. Since so many are still struggling to stay afloat, the government and nonprofits have stepped up to provide emergency assistance programs to save the day. Here are some of the best of the bunch that you can contact now before things get worse.
Emergency Food Assistance
You can’t survive without food, which is why we begin here. There are several ways to get quick food assistance, so you don’t reach the point of starvation. Perhaps the best is to make a quick call to 211, as you can speak with an operator to find out where you can pick up free food locally.
Another local option for quick food help is to visit the Feeding America website. This organization specializes in emergency food assistance via 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries across the country. Not only can Feeding America help you find free food fast so your short-term worries disappear, but they can help you secure long-term nutritional assistance too through food stamps and WIC.
Speaking of food stamps (aka SNAP), if you’ve never applied for this food assistance program, do so now. The government recently made it easier to become eligible, plus they increased SNAP benefits to help you buy more food each month. And you can even use your EBT card for online grocery delivery via Amazon, Instacart, and other popular avenues.
Emergency Housing Help
With your food situation secured, your next step should be to seek some housing stability, so you’re not constantly moving, feuding with your landlord, or living on the streets. A call to 211 will also offer housing assistance, whether it’s by connecting you to a shelter or local programs that offer help paying the rent.
Several nonprofit organizations offer housing help besides 211. Here are your best bets:
Ask them for help with finding a shelter, so you have a temporary place to stay, if needed. They may also be able to help with paying past-due rent to prevent eviction.
Although it’s not emergency housing help since it can take a while to secure, give Section 8 a look. If you get a housing voucher, you can lower your rent costs in the long term so you can fix your finances.
Emergency Medical Help
Are you worried about medical bills you can’t pay? Before you sacrifice your health, call 211 for emergency medical assistance or get in touch with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics.
Help Paying Your Utilities
While some people can pay their rent on time each month, many are finding their utility bills to be way too high. If this issue sounds familiar due to out-of-control heating and cooling costs, sign up for LIHEAP. It can pay your heating and cooling costs, plus repair damaged equipment. And they can even make your home more energy efficient to lower your monthly utility bills.
