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Programs to help pay bills in Duval County and Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is Florida's largest city by area, and Duval County has a broad network of nonprofits, government programs, and faith-based organizations that may help residents. Below is a directory of programs that may help with with rent, utilities, food, and other emergency needs.
For utility bills and LIHEAP energy assistance, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) is the designated community action agency serving Duval County. For emergency cash assistance with rent, utilities, or mortgage, the City of Jacksonville's Social Services Division runs a direct government program with a daily appointment line. Catholic Charities and Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) both provide emergency financial help to residents of all faiths. The Salvation Army is a major provider for food, emergency shelter, and utility and rent funds. Residents at Jacksonville's beaches communities have a dedicated resource in BEAM.
Florida's free statewide helpline 2-1-1 — maintained locally by United Way of Northeast Florida — can connect callers to programs by zip code around the clock. TIP: Most programs, to apply, require proof of income, a photo ID, and proof of Duval County residency. For utility emergencies, have your account number and any shutoff notice ready before calling. Emergency financial assistance appointments fill quickly — call early in the morning when appointment lines open. Resources are subject to funding availability and may have waiting periods.
Quick-Reference: Where to Start
- LIHEAP utility assistance & weatherization: Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) — (904) 632-1470 (Emmett Reed) or (904) 632-1461 (RFK Center)
- Emergency rent, mortgage & utility aid — City program: COJ Social Services appointment line — (904) 255-2469 (opens 9:30 a.m. weekdays). We also have a guide to emergency rent assistance programs in Duval County.
- Emergency financial assistance, food, foreclosure help: Catholic Charities — (904) 354-4846
- Emergency rent & utility help, food, clothing: Salvation Army Social Services — (904) 356-8641
- In the downtown area, for emergency rent & utility help, food, clothing — downtown: DESC (Downtown Ecumenical Services Council) — (904) 358-7955. We also have a guide to free clothes, furniture and school supplies in Duval County.
- Beaches area residents (rent, utilities, food): BEAM — (904) 241-2326
- Seniors (60+), aging services, referrals: ElderSource — (904) 391-6699
- Free statewide helpline / referrals: Dial 2-1-1 or call (904) 632-0600, or use the website at https://nefin.myresourcedirectory.com/ — available 24 hours a day.
- Food distribution: Dozens of local pantries and soup kitchens are available. Find a directory of Jacksonville area Florida food pantries.
Energy & Utility Assistance
Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA)
Serving Northeast Florida for over four decades,
NFCAA is the federally designated community action agency for Duval County and six surrounding counties. It administers LIHEAP, which provides direct payments to utility companies for income-eligible households facing shutoff. Appointments are scheduled through an automated hotline available around the clock and can be made up to 14 days in advance.
The agency also runs a weatherization program that installs free energy-saving improvements in eligible homes, with priority for seniors, people with disabilities, and households with young children. In addition, NFCAA offers case management, job training support, family self-sufficiency coaching, Head Start programs, and referrals to other assistance. Two Duval County service centers handle utility assistance and case management. Website is https://nfcaa.org/.
- Emmett Reed Center: 1093 W. 6th St., Jacksonville, FL 32209 — (904) 632-1470
- Robert F. Kennedy Center: 1133 Ionia St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 — (904) 632-1461
- Main office: 2055 Reyko Rd., Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- LIHEAP scheduling line: (904) 632-1470
JEA — Neighbor to Neighbor Fund & Customer Assistance
JEA is Jacksonville's primary electric and water utility. It maintains a Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, which uses customer and employee donations to help elderly, disabled, and low-income customers who cannot pay their utility bill during a crisis. JEA also partners with local agencies including United Way and Catholic Charities to connect struggling customers with community resources.
- Its Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Program sends crews to income-qualifying neighborhoods to install free energy-saving measures at no cost to the resident. JEA customers experiencing hardship can also inquire about payment plans and budget billing options by calling the main customer service line. Website: https://www.jea.com/residential_customers/community_resources. Or call customer service: (904) 665-6000.
Emergency Financial Assistance — Rent, Mortgage & Utilities
City of Jacksonville — Social Services Emergency Assistance Program
The City of Jacksonville's Social Services Division operates a direct government emergency assistance program for Duval County residents. It provides temporary financial help with rent, mortgage, and utility bills for households facing an unexpected crisis such as job loss, medical emergency, death in the family, or similar hardship. Payments are made directly to the landlord or utility company.
- Eligibility requires that the household income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level, that there is a documented crisis, and that a delinquent notice or shutoff is in hand. Individuals with court-ordered eviction notices receive priority. The program also provides wintertime heating assistance for residents age 64 and older and assistance for residents living with HIV/AIDS.
- Appointments are given on a first-caller basis starting at 9:30 a.m. on weekdays. Appointments typically fill within the morning. Those with a court-ordered eviction notice should call the priority line rather than the standard appointment line. Website is https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/social-services/emergency-financial-assistance-program.
- 1809 Art Museum Dr., Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32207
- Appointment line: (904) 255-2469 (opens 9:30 a.m. weekdays)
- Eviction priority: (904) 255-3360
- Main line: (904) 255-3333
- Senior energy assistance (EHEAP, 60+): (904) 630-2489
Catholic Charities of Jacksonville
Catholic Charities serves residents of all faiths throughout Duval County and surrounding areas. Emergency financial assistance is available for rent, mortgage, utilities, and deposits for households in crisis. A focus is placed on single mothers, women facing domestic violence, seniors, immigrants, and families with children. Services also include case management, employment and job training referrals, refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, workforce development, and a food pantry.
- Catholic Charities operates a drive-through food pantry at its downtown Jacksonville location, generally on Wednesdays and Fridays, until supply is exhausted. Claim tickets are distributed starting in the morning and are limited in number each day. Clients are eligible to participate roughly every two weeks.
- For veterans and veteran families who are homeless or at risk, a dedicated supportive services program provides case management, housing counseling, temporary financial assistance, and referrals. Appointments for emergency financial assistance are accessed by calling United Way's 2-1-1 or (904) 632-0600. Address: 134 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 354-4846 or Veterans housing services: (904) 638-2112. Website: https://www.ccbjax.org/.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC)
Founded 1981, DESC is a faith-based organization located in downtown Jacksonville in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church. It provides limited emergency financial assistance for rent, utility bills, and security deposits for households in crisis. A food pantry and clothing center are also on site. Financial assistance is generally available once within a 12-month period, and residents must not have received federally funded emergency assistance within the last 90 days.
- DESC cannot assist with mortgage payments or with utility accounts enrolled in JEA's My Way program. Appointments for emergency financial assistance are booked through United Way's 2-1-1. Food and clothing are generally available on a walk-in basis on select weekday mornings — call ahead to confirm current schedule. Address: 215 N. Ocean St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 358-7955. Financial assistance appointments via 2-1-1 or (904) 632-0600. Website: https://descjax.org/.
Salvation Army of Northeast Florida — Social Services
Serving the First Coast since 1891. The Salvation Army's Jacksonville Social Services center is a major regional resource for emergency assistance. Services include emergency food from a food pantry, emergency financial assistance for rent and utility bills when funding permits, clothing, and household supplies. The center also operates the Towers Center of Hope, which provides shelter for families and single women, and transitional housing for men.
- Holiday programs include Angel Tree (Christmas gifts for children up to age 12 and seniors 65+), holiday food boxes, and Thanksgiving meals. Back-to-school supplies and other seasonal support are also available. Case managers and social workers help clients develop paths toward greater self-sufficiency. Address is 900 W. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32204. Call (904) 356-8641. Website: https://jacksonville.salvationarmyflorida.org/.
Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM)
Founded 1985, BEAM is a community-based nonprofit serving low-income residents in Jacksonville's beach communities. It covers the zip codes 32233, 32266, 32250, 32082, 32224, 32227, and 32228. BEAM's core service is preventing homelessness by paying overdue rent and utility bills directly to landlords and utility companies. It operates two client-choice food pantries — one in Jacksonville Beach and one in Mayport — and grows a portion of fresh produce in-house through its "Grace Garden."
- Clients must provide a current signed lease, photo ID, and proof of income. For utility bills, a copy of the most recent past-due notice is also required. Main Office: 850 6th Ave S., Suite 400, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Client assistance line: (904) 241-2326 and main office: (904) 241-7437. Website: https://jaxbeam.org/.
The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS)
Serving Northeast Florida since 1917, JFCS serves residents of all backgrounds across Duval and surrounding counties. When funding is available, the agency provides emergency financial assistance for rent, utility bills, and housing costs.
- Services also include individual and family counseling, senior care management, Meals4You (home-delivered meals for seniors and those recovering from illness), child welfare programs, adoption services, and workforce development support. The agency emphasizes helping the most vulnerable — seniors, families in crisis, children in the foster care system, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Address is 8540 Baycenter Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256. Call (904) 448-1933. Website: https://jfcsjax.org/.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Duval County
St. Vincent de Paul operates through a network of parish conferences across Duval County. Assistance is generally provided on a case-by-case basis by volunteer Vincentians who conduct home visits to assess need. Help may include emergency funds for rent, utility bills, food, and clothing. Specific services and funding vary by conference. Some of the active parish conferences in Jacksonville include Holy Family Conference and others across the county. Call the main Duval County Council line for a referral to the conference nearest you, or contact a local parish directly. Duval County Council: (904) 448-1933
Arlington Community Services
Arlington Community Services is a Jacksonville nonprofit providing limited emergency financial help to area residents. Cash grants and assistance for rent and electric bills are generally available, typically up to $100 per household. An on-site food pantry is also open to those in need. Call ahead to confirm current availability and requirements before visiting. Address is 4229 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. Call (904) 503-8496 or (904) 743-7402
Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (LSS)
LSS serves seniors, immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals across the First Coast. Its Steps2Success program provides free career and financial coaching to help clients reduce debt, build credit, and improve household income. The agency also coordinates with Second Harvest / Feeding Northeast Florida to connect clients with food resources. For individuals living with HIV, LSS provides housing coordination and wraparound support. Referrals for financial coaching can be made through the agency directly or via JEA's community resource partnerships. Call Steps2Success line: (904) 448-5995 or Email: [email protected]. Website is https://www.lssjax.org/.
Food Assistance
Feeding Northeast Florida is the regional food bank serving Duval County and surrounding areas. It does not distribute food directly to individuals but supplies a network of more than 150 partner agencies and food pantries throughout the region, including the Salvation Army, the Sulzbacher Center, and City Rescue Mission.
- Residents seeking food can use the "Find Food Now" tool on the Feeding Northeast Florida website to locate a nearby partner pantry, or can call 2-1-1 for a referral. The food bank rescues high-quality food from retail and farm sources and distributes it to partner agencies at no cost. Address is 5245 Old Kings Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32254 (not a public distribution site — visit partner agencies). Call (904) 513-1333. Website: https://feedingnefl.org/.
Senior Services
ElderSource is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Putnam, and Union counties. It connects older adults and adults with disabilities to a broad range of community services. Programs available through ElderSource and its partner network include Meals on Wheels, congregate meal dining, in-home care, and caregiver support and respite.
- They also support LIHEAP application help, Medicare and Medicaid counseling, transportation assistance, and legal services for seniors. ElderSource also operates as an intake and referral hub — calling their information line is generally the best starting point for any older adult navigating county resources. Call (904) 391-6699 or toll-free (888) 242-4464. Website https://myeldersource.org/.
Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid provides free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in Duval County. Services cover a wide range of civil legal issues including eviction defense, foreclosure prevention, consumer debt, public benefits appeals, domestic violence protective orders, and help accessing government programs. Attorneys and legal professionals are available to meet with qualified applicants. JALA is especially useful for residents facing eviction or illegal lending practices. Call to determine eligibility and schedule a consultation. Address is 126 W. Adams St., Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 356-8371. Website: https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/.
United Way 2-1-1 — Referral Hub
The United Way of Northeast Florida maintains the 2-1-1 helpline and searchable online database of local assistance programs. Dialing 2-1-1 connects callers with a specialist who can search for resources by zip code, type of need, and language. The service is available around the clock. It does not provide direct financial assistance but can schedule appointments with partner agencies including DESC, Catholic Charities, NFCAA, and others. It is also the intake point for some programs that require 2-1-1 referrals before assistance can be provided. Texting "Hello" to 211904 opens a live chat option. Website: https://unitedwaynefl.org/get-helps.
Community forum: Real Jacksonville-area residents share their experiences with local assistance programs, ask questions, and offer tips in the Duval County help forum. Registration is free.
Important: Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Call ahead before visiting any agency in person. Some programs book appointments the same morning they open — early calls are essential. This directory is a starting point; for the most current information, dial 2-1-1 or visit nefin.myresourcedirectory.com. This page does not constitute legal, financial, or social services advice.
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