Assistance programs in Miami and Dade County.
Low-income families in Miami-Dade County will get financial help for paying their utilities, rent or mortgage as well as free stuff or social services. There is also case management to address the hardship, or free items such as food, school supplies or Christmas gifts for students, or free gas vouchers for working families. Locate financial help near you in Miami-Dade County FL, with the main charities, churches, and government agencies including ACCESS benefits listed below.
Everything from help with rent or security deposit expenses to free credit counseling, light or air conditioning bills help, free car repairs for low income families, and even immigration services are available as well as other forms of emergency financial aid in the greater Miami area. Find where and how to apply for emergency grant money, low cost loans and social services below.
Find free emergency grant money from Dade County Community Action
Low and moderate income families can get assistance from the Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department. Immediately below is a list of the programs they offer, and at bottom is information on other charities and non-profits. The community action agency is a non-profit organization that is determined to help families as well as individuals by delivering services, including financial assistance, that helps low and moderate income residents.
There may be free grant money, ESL classes, job classes, debt reduction and more for individuals and families with short term needs. The grants and counseling can also help them gain self-sufficiency and economic independence over the long term by using a comprehensive list of programs that address a number of these individuals needs. The resources they offer are below.
- Miami Dade County Community Action Agency’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
This is a federally funded program that assists low and moderate income residents with paying their gas, heating, and electric bills. Also, if you are a customers who is in imminent danger of having your electrical services disconnected, you should contact the Care to Share Program, which is located at CAA Neighborhood Service Centers. Contact info is below.
- Housing Assistance Network of Dade (HAND)
The Miami Dade County Community Action Agency has various assistance programs that are available for individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless. It can provide temporary grants for paying rent or utility bill assistance to prevent them from becoming homeless or losing their utility service.
- Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program
Additional resources that can be used for rent help are offered from the Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (EFSA) program, which is is utilized to assist Miami and Dade County families and individuals who are in need of emergency assistance with issues regarding payment of rent, utility bills, and even mortgage payments. It also provides temporary shelter and food aid. Assistance can also be provided to pay a security deposit or to help prevent an eviction.
- Foreclosure prevention, mediation, and programs to stop a foreclosure.
Miami and Dade County have implemented a new foreclosure prevention program. It can also stop a foreclosure that may already be in progress. Find Miami-Dade foreclosure help.
- Weatherization services available
If you need to permanently lower your energy bills, the Miami Dade County Community Action Agency’s Energy Programs Division has multiple services that are available to assist homeowners with making their homes more energy efficient. It can result in lowering your utility bill by up to 35%.
- Single Family Home Rehabilitation Program
A recurring, major concern of low-income homeowners in Florida is trying to ensure their home is updated and modernized. They often need to keep up with necessary but costly home repairs and updates. This is particularly true of older homes with outdated plumbing/heating systems, weathered roofs, worn siding, drafty windows, or outdated electrical wiring. The Home Rehabilitation Program can provide cash grants that can be used to fix and updates homes.
- Free Child Care and Head Start
A variety of services are offered for children under 5, including Head Start and free child care. They can provide health care, medical services, food and nutritional supplements, and other aid to both families and their children five years of age and younger.
- Free Food
They have partnerships and listing of charities, non-profits, pantries, and organizations to call or stop by at for free food. Locations can provide nonperishable items, hot meals, baby formulas or diapers, and more. Get a listing of and read more on Miami free food pantries.
- Housing
The agency may be be able to coordinate interest free loans for home repairs or other needs, which may even include for paying rent as a last resort. The elderly in Dade County are some of the main beneficialness for home updates, improvements, and straight forward repairs.
Contact them. Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department is located at 701 NW 1st Court, Miami, Florida 33136. However they have several offices around the area. Or call them at 786-469-4600. Find details on assistance from Miami-Dade community action agency.
Financial assistance for bills, rent, food and other financial aid
Miami and Dade County Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program can help tenants, homeowners, as well as the currently homeless. This is a federal government funded program that is intended to provide short term rent help as well as legal aid, such as foreclosure help, deposit help or landlord-tenant mediation.
- The assistance offered by the program is temporary, and it usually lasts from three months to 18 months, the goal of the program is to target families and individuals who are most in need of help. Applicants can be families living in poverty to immigrants, Spanish speakers as well as senior citizens. The tenant will need to be able to return to self-sufficiency and get back on their feet within a few months.
- In Miami, the Dade County Homeless Trust is administering the program. They can be reached at 1-877-994-4357. The agency is expecting the program to fund rental assistance, rehousing, or even mortgage payments for a number of families each year. However grants from the federal government are limited..
- The amount of financial aid offered is extensive. In addition to both rent and relocation services, the assistance program pays other housing-related costs such as security deposits, utility payments, money for energy expenses or water bills, and even moving as well as storage costs.
The currently homeless in Miami-Dade County can also receive support. The programs will provide emergency support, such as vouchers for a motel or placing a single mom or domestic violence survivor into a transitional housing program. So various resources can both stop evictions and rehouse families living in poverty. Click more eviction and rehousing in Miami.
Catholic Charities Emergency Services, which is located in Miami, offers eviction prevention, food, utility help and rent programs for struggling families throughout Dade County. Other resources provided to low income families in Dade County are extensive.
They range from food, groceries and home delivered meals for seniors, to child care and development programs. Social workers from Catholic Charities can also help people by referring them to government assistance like LIHEAP or food stamps. To learn more about all of the assistance programs offered, click here or dial (305) 759-3050. Or find Miami Dade County Catholic Charities assistance programs.
Dade County United Way is a referral agency. The organization partners with and funds a multitude of non-profit companies, churches and charitable programs that other local agencies manage. The United Way-funded assistance programs provide short term aid to individuals and families in financial crisis through a combination of mortgage, rent, foreclosure prevention, utility and food vouchers. Some of the services offered and funded by the Miami United Way include:
- Financial education and budgeting.
- Transportation programs, including cars repairs, vouchers for gasoline and other resources. More on free car repairs for low income families.
- HUD approved counselors to guide a homeowner through the foreclosure process, and offer access to mortgage and foreclosure programs.
- Debt management and reduction programs. Hundreds of consumers had their debts eliminated last year.
Contact the United Way of Miami-Dade at (305) 860–3000 to learn where and how to apply for help.
Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (EFSA) is run by various agencies, including Goulds, Accion, and Liberty City Community Enrichment Centers, runs the Emergency Food and Shelter Assistance (EFSA) which is utilized by those in need and it can assist families and individuals in need of emergency assistance with issues regarding payment of cooling and utility bills, housing expenses and rent payments and also provides temporary shelter and food to those in a crisis. Dial (305) 233-2121.
Miami based Camillus House (305-374-1065) can provides emergency rental assistance for those with an eviction notice and who are facing homelessness.
Miami Beach Housing Authority - The agency provides emergency rental assistance to low income residents of Miami Beach Florida who are facing eviction. Applicants for the housing aid must be disabled, elderly or parents with dependent children. (305) 532-6401
M-DC Housing Agency - Section 8 - Certificate Voucher Program. They run the federal government housing section 8 program in Miami Florida. Call (305) 403-3222. This program will limit the amount of money a family needs to pay towards rent as 30%.
Several non-profits and government agencies have created a host of rental and housing assistance programs for low income residents and families in the greater Miami area. There is also free legal aid as well as eviction defense from attorneys. Find a listing of the options and programs. Find help with rent in Miami area.
The Housing Assistance Network of Dade County Florida (HAND) provides assistance for paying rent, debt and credit repair, security deposit. There may also be loans or grants for utilities (including gas, water and electric, but not phone or cable bills), legal assistance, and funds for moving and storage expenses. This is one of the counties main eviction prevention programs, and learn more on HAND rent assistance
In addition to the various agencies listed here, there are other more general services for tenants that are struggling. Find other rent programs. Phone (877) 994-4357.
COFFO, which is based in Homestead, offers emergency assistance which may include financial assistance for paying rent and expenses which lead to the prevention of evictions, provide temporary emergency lodging, grants for the prevention of utility cut off, transportation, medical bill assistance and emergency food vouchers. (305)247-4779
Citrus Health Network – Families with an eviction notice can receive short term rental assistance as part of the Housing Assistance Network of Dade. Qualified low income residents of the county can get help in finding and paying the security deposit, or first month’s rent, on a new apartment or home. All funds and loans issued are first come and services to qualified tenants. Address is 4175 West 20th Avenue, Hialeah, Florida 33012, dial (305) 825-0300, or continue Citrus Health assistance programs.
City of Miami, Economic Development runs the STRMU program. This stands for Short-Term Rental, Mortgage and Utility Bill assistance. It is only for income qualified HIV+ individuals and/or their immediate family. Also get referrals to medical care, free food, and other support services. 444 SW 2nd Avenue and phone is (305) 285-3217
City of Miami Beach Office of Community Services - Offers referral services, information on government programs, rent assistance, utility bill assistance, and free food assistance. (305) 673-7491
Immigrants and families living in poverty often turn to local churches in Miami-Dade County for help. The faith based organizations assist Spanish speakers, immigrants or refugees, and Cubans as well. The resources can available in the region include help in locating and paying for housing to shelter, free food boxes or maybe a volunteer driving a person to a job interview. Learn how to turn to church for help.
HUD emergency solutions grant is one possible resource for tenants or the homeless. The Miami Services for the Homeless administers it (when it is allocated), and there may be funds for paying housing expenses. It can include back rent, or the homeless may access shelters or assistance to pay the security deposit on a low income apartment in Dade County. Continue Miami Services for the Homeless.
Florida City/Homestead Neighborhood Service Center - Senior meals program, Consumer credit counseling, and rent and financial assistance is provided to qualified people. (305) 247-2068
JCS, which is based in Miami Florida, offer utility and rental utility assistance, and funds are provided under the federal government emergency food and shelter program. Limited food vouchers from Publix are also available. Dial (305) 899-1587
M-DC CAA - Coconut Grove - Self Help Community Service Center offers several services for the needy. The agency runs the Head Start child day care and education program. Assistance for seniors includes Senior Employment program and telephone reassurance for homebound elderly. As funding allows, they may have additional financial aid and grants to buy food, pay rent and utilities. They also offer government programs such as EHEAP and VITA services. Referrals are also offered to other Dade County organizations.
- 3750 South Dixie Highway, Miami, Florida 33133, dial (305) 446-3311
- 17801 Homestead Avenue, Miami, FL 33157, telephone (305) 254-5804
TAMCO Foundation - Embracing Florida's Wounded Heroes can help veterans who have been severely wounded and disabled while serving the country. Explore programs such as Career Transition Services, emergency financial assistance and more. 4830 West Kennedy Blvd, Suite 650, Tampa, FL 33602, telephone (813) 472-1574
Volunteers of America runs several low income housing units and apartments in the Miami area as well as across Florida. They focus on homeless prevention and help seniors, the disabled as well as veterans with their housing and employment needs. The VOA in Florida may also have referrals to non-profits or government programs that can help pay for housing costs such as a security deposit and other expenses. Read more Volunteers of America Florida.
Alliance for Aging, Inc. can help senior citizens, the elderly, and even their caregivers. They are the leading non-profit agency in Miami-Dade County for assisting older residents. Some programs they administer are available by referrals and other resources are run by them directly. Examples of services administered include the Senior Community Service Employment Program / SCSEP, free meals and food, and transportation. Seniors can also get information on addressing their health care needs, including what Medicare will cover and discounted prescription medications. More on assistance for seniors in Florida.
Help for seniors and the disabled in from the non-profit Miami Elderly and Disability Services. This agency offers a number of programs that includes groceries, delivered meals, transportation, and part time employment opportunities.
- Dade County Meals on Wheels brings a hot meal to a clients home, including for holidays.
- Home care can include assistance with shopping, cleaning, and similar activities.
- Care Planning solves basic needs such as transportation, access to medical care, and more.
- Numerous other services are administered. Click Miami Elderly and Disability Services.
Society of Saint Vincent DePaul - This organization will provide services to low income, unemployed, and people facing a crisis, regardless of their income. While they operate several different assistance programs, a focus is on emergency rent assistance, homeless prevention, medical assistance, and legal advice. The organization also operates several thrift stores that can provide clothing, food, and other household goods. Click here for details on Saint Vincent de Paul in Miami.
Braive Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) - Phone (305) 644-1200. This non-profit provides grants and financial assistance for all South Florida counties to assist veterans, OEF/OIF service members, and their families who face financial hardships, unanticipated and emergency needs related to their deployment and service. The agency is Miami Florida based.
Free clothing, furniture and basic needs - Resources and non-profit agencies, including clothing closets, furniture banks and thrift stores, can provide individuals as well as lower income families in Miami Florida with free items including work attire, school supplies, shoes, furniture and more. Other items available can include personal hygiene items, household goods, toys, and Christmas assistance. If you do not qualify for these services, then the public can shop at a thrift store for low cost goods. Continue Miami free clothing closets, furniture banks and school supplies.
- Students can get free supplies. There are annual events that giveaway goods each year in Miami. Non-profits provide free school supplies, give haircuts, pass out snacks or food and more. Assistance is for immigrants, non-English speakers, and any kids from a struggling households. More on Miami-Dade free school supplies.
Operation Sacred Trust – The non-profit, which is based in Hollywood Florida, offers emergency assistance, with a focus on housing needs, to veterans. Other support includes case management, outreach, transportation services, and funds for child care. Free legal aid, home repair loans, and more is offered. The housing resources includes rent help, moving assistance, money for a security or utility deposit, and eviction prevention services. Many other resources are available too. (855) 778-3411.
The City of Miami Department of Community and Economic Development receives Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. Some of this money goes to operate the HAND program. The HAND program provides temporary rental assistance to very low-income persons who are at-risk of homelessness or that may currently be homeless. Certain eligibility requirements apply. Dial (305)416-2080 or 1-877-994-4357 for more information.
Legal Services of Miami - Attorneys from this non-profit focus on homeless prevention, which includes help for tenants facing eviction and foreclosure services for homeowners. Low income families applying for government benefits, such as SSI disability, Medicare, or section 8 vouchers, can also get help with the process or any denials. Other free legal aid from the Dade County firm includes Military Legal Advocacy, support for children, veterans, and others. More on Legal Services of Miami-Dade County.
Salvation Army Corp Centers - The non-profit charity organization provides short term financial aid (as funding allows) while case managers work with clients on long term stability. Dozens of services are offered in Miami and southern Florida. Get help with basic needs such as rent, utility bills, and food.
Several shelters and transitional housing units operate in the region. Other Salvation Army resources in Dade County include holiday assistance, vouchers for medications, clothing, and job training. There are also clothes, uniforms, and free back to school supplies. Read more Salvation Army assistance in Miami.
The Head Start Program is one of the main federal government programs for young children. It is run by the Miami-Dade Community Action Agency and offers child development services for low income children and families. Children can receive education, medical, dental care and food. Most Head Start centers also process applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and rent payment assistance as well. 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, call (305) 438-4161
Naranja Center is a partner of the Dade County Human Service Department. They provide a number of services ranging from food and clothing to funds for paying security deposits from the regional Housing Assistance Grant program. Other assistance administered is Meals of wheels, home repairs for safety issues, and Care to Share for paying electric bills. Locate Naranja Center emergency programs.
Free Christmas, Thanksgiving and Holiday assistance - Charities and non-profits run programs, provide food and free gifts, and offer other support around the holidays. Senior citizens, children, immigrants, and low income families truly benefit from these activities. Read Miami Dade County free holiday assistance.
City Of Miami Community Development - (HOPWA) program is for patients and their families with AIDs or HIV. Apply for short-term, emergency rental/mortgage or utility bill assistance. Clients of HOPWA can be homeless, facing eviction, or need additional housing assistance while awaiting public benefits. 444 SW 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33130. Call (305) 416-2080
Charitable food pantries and USDA government programs for feeding the low income are widely available in Dade County. There are dozens of distribution centers (such as churches or pantries) that offer free boxes or groceries or that serve a hot meal. In addition, children, the elderly, and families living in poverty can apply for SNAP food stamps or WIC vouchers to buy groceries, and other resources are available as well. Find food pantries in Miami and Dade County.
Faith based groups, including the Samaritian Center, provide emergency help. The Miami-Dade County churches that are part of this network may help working poor, immigrants, the unemployed, and homeless with the following.
- Care for children, including pre-school, summer camps, and after school support.
- A church has very limited social services, whether it is money for rent or paying an electric bill, gas vouchers, free food, or shelter. They also pass out free coupons for local shopping.
- Meal services, especially for the homeless and refugees in Miami.
- Care for seniors, and volunteers may help them shop, fix their home, or watch over them.
- Other services are offered too, and get a referral to a Miami-Dade County church.
M.U.J.E.R., located at 28905 South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida (phone (305) 247-1388). Assistance is offered to victims of sexual, domestic violence, and/or child abuse. The non-profit agency provides comprehensive services and assistance programs from its One Stop Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. Some of the resources offered include shelter, rent, and housing assistance, as well as utility bills. In addition, get individual counseling.
New moms and dads, as well as pregnant women, can seek help for their baby. Non-profits such as Respect Life provide everything from free infant formula to diapers, ultrasounds, and pregnancy tests. Both material aid (furniture, cribs, etc.) is combined with counseling and financial support for the child. Continue with Dade County and Miami baby assistance.
SSVF in Miami-Dade County, also known as Supportive Service for Veterans, is also for military members. It promotes housing stability. Some of what is available includes transitional housing, grants to pay rent, and more. Case managers and specialists from the Veteran Crisis Line also assist the less fortunate and struggling in the region. Location is 11285 SW 211th Street, Suite 208, Miami, Florida 33189. Main phone (786) 227-5842
Coalition of Dade County Farmworker Organization offers programs that are targeted at immigrants, seasonal farmworkers, and the very poor in southern Florida and across the state. Some of what is available includes basic needs and referrals.
Across Florida the agency has information on transitional housing, shelter, and referrals. Case managers from the coalition will also coordinate educational workshops, such as ESL, and help qualified residents locate employment in Miami-Dade and other nearby locations. Other resources are available too, such as immigration support. Find Florida farmworker programs.
Culmer/Overtown Neighborhood Service Center, located on 1600 NW Third Avenue in Miami, can provide grants and cash for the disabled. Assistance includes rent help, emergency food commodities as well as Head Start. (305) 438-4161
Dade County low income and temporary housing programs can help families and individuals facing imminent eviction. Shelters also can take in the homeless. People from the community will not only get a place to stay, but they will be able to work with a social worker on finding a new, affordable home in the area. Also learn about government and non-profit programs for paying rent or security deposits. Other aid is offered to Miami residents as well. Click housing programs in Miami-Dade.
Human Services - This is the government organization that provides cash assistance and social services to the low income and needy. Assistance is wide ranging, and includes housing assistance, food, funds for energy bills, and much more. More Miami public assistance.
Joseph Caleb Neighborhood Service Center is another location for the disabled. Free food, groceries, electric bill assistance if you are disconnected. 5400 NW 22nd Avenue in Miami. Call (305) 636-2200
Crisis programs - Families who are faced with a crisis can explore programs offered Community Service Centers as well as social services across Miami-Dade. A number of assistance programs are offered to help families deal with a crisis. Get help for paying rent, electric bills, food, and more. The primary objective is to help people who are faced with a crisis pay their bills and expenses in an emergency. Find emergency assistance in Dade County.
Mortgage help and foreclosure counseling
A local agency known as Foreclosure Counseling will offer Miami-Dade County homeowners with foreclosure prevention programs through financial education and information. They also offer foreclosure counseling and remedies of eminent foreclosures also provided. Some of the information provided can be on options such as the Florida hardest hit fund. (786) 369-1652
MDEAP - Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) runs a financial assistance program that has as it goal helping low to moderate income residents in Miami Dade County purchase their first home. The non-profit agency may be able to provide qualified applications with closing costs or house down payment assistance in the form of a loan/mortgage that will be 0% interest, no payment. 19 West Flagler Street, Suite M106, Miami, FL 33130, (305) 372-7600
Receive free foreclosure counseling from CNC (305) 642-3484 and/or Miami Beach Community Development Corporation (305.538.0090). This agency provides information and mortgage assistance to avoid foreclosure through the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP). They can refer people to programs such as Florida foreclosure mediation. More on Florida Mortgage mediation.
Countrywide and Bank of America customers can get help from a center in Miami that is run by BOA. Thousands of individuals across the nation may be able to qualify for assistance from the centers. More on Bank of America mortgage help in Miami.
Health, dental and free medical care
Low income, people with no health insurance or limited insurance can get access to high quality, free or discounted medical care from Citrus Health Network ((305) 825-0300). The clinic helps residents of West Miami-Dade County and also the City of Hialeah. Numerous doctors, nurses, and other professionals provide high quality service.
On the other hand, Community Smiles helps low income and people with limited or no health insurance and offers them access to dental care programs. (305) 324-6070
Borinquen offers numerous health care assistance to patients regardless of their ability to pay for their medical bills. (305) 576-6611. There are also discount cards for prescriptions, including from Good RX price discount cards.
M-DC has numerous clinics around Miami-Dade County that offer numerous health and medical services. Dial (305) 575-5401
Camillus Health Concern - A clinic that offers adult primary care, dental care, pediatric services, women's preventive health services, prescriptions, and more. Call (305) 577-4840
Several other non-profit clinics, hospital, and medical professionals offer low cost/free health care for the uninsured, low income, and unemployed in the Miami area. Get details on Miami-Dade free community clinics.
Get help finding a job
Suited for Success runs its own program and partners with other organizations to provide job training and professional work attire. The primary mission of Suited for Success is to ensure that qualified women, men, and youth throughout in Miami-Dade County become self-sufficient over the long term, and that they have the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency over the long term. (305) 979-4599
Utility and cooling bill assistance
If you have had a reduction in income, Miami-Dade County's Department of Human Services provides qualified families with up to one month of electric or utility bill assistance through the Florida Power and Light (FPL) Care to Share Program. If you apply and are determined to be eligible for aid, you can receive up to $250 relief on your FPL electric bill. Call the agency at 786-331-5348.
Debt reduction, housing counseling and free credit services in Miami-Dade County
Two of the leading not for profits to call are listed below. However people struggling with paying debts or bills, and homeowners who need housing advice do have other local agencies to try for help. Find more Miami credit counseling agencies.
Apprisen Financial Advocates/CCCS is a non-profit that specializes in the areas of budgeting, foreclosure assistance, savings, credit, housing, debt management and consolidation, and bankruptcy advice. They have counselors that will assist individuals with foreclosure avoidance counseling, mortgages and buying a home in the area, and can refer people to programs run by lenders such as Bank of America assistance programs. Miami Florida (800) 355-2227.
Consumer Credit Counseling is another HUD certified non-profit, and they provides counseling, mortgage delinquency counseling and education in money management and debt reduction. Helps people gain or regain financial stability by preparing a budget, reducing debts, finding a solution to mortgage delinquencies, and a repayment plan to resolve debt problems. Call (305) 893-5550.
City of Miami resources
There may be even more resources for the city of Miami itself (in addition to those above). This can include housing, grants, charitable aid and more. Click here for details.
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