Charities and non-profit organizations that help with bills.
Below you will find a curated list of national non-profit organizations and charities that may provide financial help or free material items. Charities, including some that may be in your community or that operate as national organizations, will often be able to help with rent, transportation or they give out free food and offer utility bill assistance. Other national non-profit charity organizations will provide support with health care expenses, food and so much more. Get details below on national and local charities and non-profit organizations that provide assistance, with links to specific contact information.
The programs offered to low-income families will vary as funding is limited - often based on donations. Some charity organizations will also provide job training or employment opportunities or address barriers to transportation, such giving out free gasoline and help pay for a car in order to get you to that job. Free clothes and items for work, even a computer, will be provided too by many non-profit organizations that have a local operation. The main types of support from non-profit charity groups include the following.
Interested in what other people from across the US are saying when it comes to getting help from a charity or non-profit? Or have questions or want to look for other charitable programs that may help? Visit our Charitable Assistance Program discussion forum to see real experiences from across the U.S and get local community replies.
List of charities that often provide emergency financial help to pay bills
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When it comes to financial help from a charity, or anything dealing with finances, it is always good advice to be mindful of scams. While we at NHPB only list valid, verified sources, also feel free to check otter resources such as Charity Navigator “Best Charities by Cause” (website: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/best-charities/) or Charity Watch (website: https://www.charitywatch.org/top-rated-charities) among others.
Catholic Charities USA has over 400 hundred locations nationwide however it is estimated that thousands of local parishes partner with the main organization. No matter what your background or religion is, this charity organization may be able to provide financial help or other resources in a crisis. They focus on reducing poverty and strengthening families over the long term. Food, housing, emergency financial help with bills, clothing, and much more is offered. Find more details about Catholic Charities financial assistance.
Churches, which often have charitable “arms” or foundations provide a wide variety of assistance. Faith based groups offer emergency rent help, food, assistance to help people get their electric on, and more. Almost all churches, regardless of the person’s faith, do their best to help the vulnerable, though resources are often limited. A church near a family can be used for financial help, as they are increasing the number of programs administered near you. Locate assistance from churches.
Community Action Agencies, which are local public-non-profit organizations, provide numerous types of help to people in or near poverty. There may be money to help pay utility bills, job training to address underlying poverty, and other services. Other common programs from a community action include budgeting, information on government grants (including that pay for housing), and more long term stability services. Social workers and volunteers at many community action non-profits contain a wealth of knowledge on local resources. Find a list of resources and learn how to get assistance from community action agencies.
Episcopal Church is a national organization, but the services run by each local parish vary. The charity supports the vulnerable and families living in poverty. Volunteers can provide basic needs such as personal hygiene items, clothes, furniture, hot meals, or food. Some of the parishes of this charity may also have more extensive support, even involving health clinics held by volunteers or emergency loans to use for car repairs. Continue with details on services from Episcopal Church.
Foundations that are non-profit or charitable operate programs that provide families with direct financial assistance. Foundations can be operated by a corporation, group of volunteers or other groups - many utility companies even have foundations that help pay energy costs. There will be hardship funds for rent and mortgage payments as a focus of a non-profit foundation is often around housing - basic needs. Read more about financial help from foundations.
Free diapers for infants and newborns can be given out by the National Diaper Bank Network (TDB). This is a national charity that provides and distributes free diapers or wipes to lower income families. The supplies are offered through existing local service providers, including daycare centers, soup kitchens, food pantries, social service agencies, shelters and more. Call 203-821-7348
- Additional non-profits and charities across the nation provide free diapers and supplies such as baby wipes and even samples to low income families. Many partner with leading manufacturers such as those that make Pampers or Huggies. Find an agency in your area that distributes free diapers.
Funeral expense help from charities or free burials can be offered. Learn how to get help to pay for a cremation or to save money on burial costs. A non-profit organization known as Funeral Consumer Alliance can provide information on how to save money on caskets, burials, and other funeral bills. Most states also have other organizations that can help the low income, the uninsured, and families of the indigent pay for burials as well. More details about on help with funeral costs.
 Heating oil and home fuel from charities can be provided for free. A number of non-profits help the disabled and older adults over 60 with heating oil. Examples include corporations such as Exxon charitable foundations, National Grid and regional utility companies as well as other foundations. This program, in cooperation with thousands of local fuel assistance agencies and heating oil dealers in almost 20 states, provides delivery of free home heating oil to those who need help across the Northeast, Midwest and other cold weather states. Get details about free home heating oil near you.
Jewish Federation of North America is a national charity organization that distributes funds to non-profit sites around the country. Most locations then use that money to provide assistance to struggling or working poor families of all religions, races, and ages. There can be emergency assistance for rent, homeless prevention, energy bills, and more is offered. The federation will also help coordinate job training and workforce development. More about Jewish Federation financial assistance.
- International Association of Jewish Free Loans is similar to above, with some overlap. Regardless of religion, this charity organization can provide borrowers with access to funds for addressing an emergency. The loans will be interest free, which means there are no financing charges. Read about the Association Free Loans.
Love in the Name of Christ, or LOVE INC, provides many services. The charity organization operates from dozens of sites and can provide families access to a Clearinghouse. This will offer them referrals to church based solutions, such as a homeless shelter, food, meals, housing, and transportation. Some churches or charities they partner with may have cash assistance available for expenses, such as medications, rental payments, or overdue utility bills. Find assistance from Love Inc.
Lutheran Services in America coordinates with hundreds of local human service groups and charities to provide help to the less fortunate. Lutheran Social Ministry provides a number of social services to the elderly, low income, unemployed, and disabled. The non-profit charity organization partners with community organizations and local municipalities to coordinate services. Programs will provide basic needs such as housing, medical care, meals, free food and financial resources for critical bills. Find a local branch of Lutheran Services.
Ministries from UMC - United Methodist Church has wide ranging programs. The ministries may help with solving transportation needs (such as auto repairs or rides to work), hunger ministries provide free food or meals, and they also partner with housing organizations as well as local clinics to address local medical needs. Locate details on the United Methodist Church.
National Assistance League operates across the country, the local centers focus on meeting the needs of that community. So called chapters that may be near you provide a number of basic needs. A common program offered nationally is Operation School Bell, which is free school clothes, books, and items to students. The charity also has holiday programs for the elderly or single moms. A number of other programs are available and may include dental care, meals, day care for kids after school, and other support. Locate local resources from Assistance League programs.
Net Wish is a national non-profit that was created by a private individual. The organization provides emergency grants and free money to qualified individuals to help them pay critical bills in an emergency. Priority is given to the elderly and families with children. More details on Net Wish grants to help pay bills.
Non-profit law firms are in most states. The volunteer lawyers provide free advice, in person or phone consultations and legal representation. The organizations are funded by the federal government and they can help with civil cases. Attorneys from the pro-bono firms address housing issues, credit and debt collection issues domestic lawsuits, and much more. Read more details about free legal advice.
Operation Homefront helps veterans and military members. The non-profit charity organization provides emergency financial assistance, counseling, and other aid for military personnel. It helps those who are currently in the service, as well as ex- military. In addition they can also assist families of service members as well as wounded soldiers. Continue with Operation Homefront.
Saint Vincent de Paul and their local conferences are options. Regardless of your religion or background, this national charity organization may be able to offer funds. Each parish provides immediate financial help for paying bills or basic needs. While funding is limited, qualified low income families faced with a crisis may get assistance. Tens of thousands of volunteers, or Venetians, work with this charity organization. They also provide free basic needs such as food and clothing, access to thrift stores, furniture and more. Read more details on the St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs.
Salvation Army emergency services are extensive. They have local social service centers across the nation, including thrift stores / Family Stores at many locations. The Salvation Army helps support basic human needs. The organization will provide a safety net to anyone who has nowhere else to turn if those people need help paying bills. Some of the financial help or free stuff provided by the Salvation Army charity include clothing, food, electric bill help, rent assistance and counseling. The Salvation Army also has many case workers that help clients get long term support. People need to contact their local chapter for more information and find details on local Salvation Army Family Emergency Services.
Good Samaritan Ministries / Centers will generally be faith based groups. There is not one official network of charities that are part of it, but rather dozens of local agencies as well as hospitals operate as Good Samaritan Centers. They will offer support to the less fortunate, and it ranges from financial help to pay for basic needs to health care or food and transportation. More details about Good Samaritan Center services.
Seniors Centers and Agency on Aging centers are wide ranging in what they offer. A local agency on aging office provides free services, can coordinate charity care, and focuses on offering assistance to individuals over age 55. They help low-income elderly people, retirees as well as older adults with a disability or even caregivers. Learn more about older adult programs and find senior assistance programs.
United Way helps people find help. The United Way is involved in providing information on hundreds if not thousands of non-profit organizations as well as local charity programs. They have databases of national charities and non-profits. The free 211 telephone service can clients to local housing resources, food, seasonal help, substance abuse assistance, Christmas toys, financial aid for bills and so much more. In fact hundreds of services may be offered and learn more about United Way assistance programs.
Urban League - Provide services, counseling, job programs and indirect financial assistance to the low income, minorities and working poor. The non-profit focuses on housing, medical needs, employment and education. Find Urban League assistance programs.
Volunteers of America helps the less fortunate rebuild their lives and get a new start. In addition to long term self-sufficiency, some short term financial help and other material resources may be provided (if available) by the non-profit on a limited basis. Housing, emergency support, job training, and many other services are offered. The charity programs from VOA also focus on veterans, the homeless, and seniors. More on Volunteers of America.
The YMCA offers services for the entire family, with a focus on children, people in poverty and job seekers. Assistance will help ensure that low income families are able to properly feed their children, including over the summer and holidays. Some of what may be offered, depending on location and state, includes affordable day care, free meals and snacks for children, job search assistance, and after school programs. The YMCA also helps parents gain new skills or find a job, as well as arrange for day care for their children. Get details on the YMCA charity organization.
YWCA resources are focused on helping women, their children, single parents, and those that are struggling. The non-profit charity provides services such as affordable day care, job training, transitional housing that is safe yet affordable and more. The goal of the charity is to empower women and help them gain self-sufficiency. Some programs are also available for victims of domestic violence or veterans. More about YWCA services.
Free health care from charities
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Cancer focused foundations and non-profits help patients. There are organizations such as Cancercarecopay and others that provide financial help to people who need assistance with paying hospital costs, accessing medications and medical bills. A focus is on helping people, as well as their families, that are hit with expenses that result from a cancer diagnosis. Read more on where to get help with cancer bills.
Charity health care services may be provided. Many hospitals, doctors, and medical providers offer some form of free medical or dental care to the very low income or uninsured. There are non-profit clinics, doctors or dentists that volunteer to help the poor as well as hospitals with charity care programs. Many local charities offers free healthcare, including prescription medications, dental care, x-rays and lab tests. Read more about free medical care.
Community medical and local healthcare centers operates in most local communities. Free medical care is provided for lower income, uninsured families using an all-volunteer healthcare staff with a few salaries workers. These centers, many that are part of Federally Qualified Health Centers, give immunizations, basic check ups, assist the homeless and offer support from free health care centers. There is emergency or preventative healthcare. Adults, kids, and patients with no insurance or Medicaid can use the centers. Locate a free charitable clinic near you.
Dental Care from charities is an option. Assistance is coordinated by a national non-profit organization, including Dental Lifeline Network, teaching colleges, as well as other groups. The free dental programs, including things such as extractions or teeth cleanings, are provided by thousands of dentists as part of the Dental Lifeline Network and other charities. Read more about free dental care.
Eyeglasses and exams are given out. Find a listing of several non-profits, such as Lions Club, and charities that provide either free or low cost eye exams. There are also eye doctors and retailers that offer free prescription glasses as part of charitable giveaway events. Some agencies will even provide contact lenses. Read more about free glasses and exams.
Free prescription medications from non-profits are wide ranging. There are several programs that offer discounted and/or free prescription medications. They include Dispensary of Hope, Together RX Access, NeedyMeds, and Patient Advocate Foundation not to mention drug company foundations. Vouchers may also be provided to people with a low-income or no insurance. Find more details on free prescription drugs.
Hospital charity care - The affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that hospitals provide (1) charity care to low-income patients as well as (2) not allow families to go into medical debt. State and federal government regulations require this. If you plan on receiving care from this charitable program that is part of ACA, patients need to get approval in advance of your scheduled medical treatment or surgery. A discount program also enables lower bills and costs for the both the underinsured and uninsured. Read more about Affordable Care Act charity care programs.
Medical organizations, that are non-profits, operate in both local communities as well as nationally. Many help pay for certain types of conditions, such as charity care for people with cancer or that are terminal, transportation to a national hospital, or they help in others ways. Locate medical non profit organizations.
Modest Needs is a charitable organization that helps with securing a variety of grants, including funds for medical bill assistance. Grants can provided can be used to support qualifying individuals. Some of what else can be provided includes self-sufficiency grants, back to work funding, independent living grants and more. Learn more here about Modest Needs - https://www.modestneeds.org.
Financial assistance for parent housing costs can be provided by foundations and non-profits, such as Bridge of Hope, Nurturing Network and others. There is often temporary or long term rent assistance, with a focus on single moms. The groups don’t want the child to be homeless, so the parents are supported with some groups even coordinating housing placement. However others can also benefit. Find more details on rental assistance for single mothers.
Homesharing is an exchange type program. A homeowner will offer accommodations in exchange for sharing a portion of the monthly rent. Or the homeowner or apartment owner may charge no rent if the person looking for a home offers support services such as shopping, caring for pets, or household tasks. These services are run by non-profits and locate local Homesharing services.
Habitat for Humanity helps low-income families get a home (by building one) or even fix one. The non-profit also has thrift stores and consignment shops that sell low cost stuff. The volunteer run groups will help build a home, fix roofs or porches for seniors, and offer other housing programs. Call (800) 422-4828 or find more contact details here https://www.habitat.org/contact.
Charity organizations for free food, meals, household stuff and groceries
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American Red Cross, and their local branches, provide emergency disaster relief to families impacted by fires, floods, hurricanes, or natural disasters. The support can include homeless shelters, free vouchers for clothing or motel rooms, hot meals, and free food. The national charity may also provide other forms of assistance, such as financial aid to military families, health or safety classes, grants and other community services. Find details about Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Clothes are given out, with some services nationally too. Many charities, both locally and nationally, give out for free clothes for work, school or other needs. Distribution centers may also have items including personal hygiene items, clothes for everyday use, and necessary professional work or school clothing. Vouchers and gift certificates may also be available so people can obtain stuff for free. Locate local, charitable and free clothing closets.
- Charity thrift stores are another option. Places such as Goodwill, Salvation Army Family Stores, churches, consignment shops and many other places operate as non-profits. The sell stuff at bargains and some give out free goods for people in a financial hardship. Locate charity thrift stores near you.
Christmas and other holiday focused charities operate nationally. They do their best to help low income families, children, the lonely and vulnerable by giving free items and other forms of support. A number of services may be available, and learn how to get Christmas toys and gifts for free.
Feeding America is the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity. Every year, the Feeding America assistance network helps provide free food, groceries or meals to tens of millions of people. There is also help in acquiring long term relief, such as food stamps, surplus commodities and other resources. They have a network of hundreds of food banks serving people in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and also Puerto Rico. Phone number is 800.771.2303, or find locations of the charities food distribution centers. Find details on Feeding America food banks.
Free, heavily discounted or bulking buying groceries from non-profits with a social cause are option. There are organizations such as Misfits Market, Too Good To Go and others that offer services nationwide and locally. There are no applications, qualifications, income restrictions, or minimums. Find details on how to get cheap groceries.
Food from non-profits and government programs operated by charities is wide ranging. Get information on government programs such as WIC, SNAP food stamps, the and more. Many non-profits help people apply for these benefits and they can be combined with other charitable options. In addition, a number of regional non-profits agencies provide free or reduced priced meals and food boxes to people of all background and incomes. Get a list of all the food assistance programs.
Local food banks, soup kitchens and charity run free pantries are also of course an option. Millions of Americans receive free food from pantries and food banks every year. The non-profit centers, soup kitchens and charity organizations are located in every state, and are committed to helping to end hunger. More details about food banks and pantries.
Furniture banks and a non-profit network of distribution centers provide low-income families or people with little or no money the items they need. They give out free household stuff, vouchers and items such as kitchen appliances, bedroom or family room furniture, items for a job including a desk and more. Find more information about furniture vouchers.
School supplies are given out. Parents can obtain free items for their child and teachers may also be given classroom goods. Many charities use donations from the public in an effort to ensure children have clothing, binders, pens, pencils, backpacks, and even winter attire. Locate free school supplies.
Free transportation programs from charities
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Churches and charities and faith based groups help with transportation needs. From time to time churches, especially those that are part of Saint Vincent De Paul, UMC or groups such as Volunteer Caregiving, may have a small amount of funds to help pay for car repairs or gasoline. Assistance is usually offered regardless of someone’s religion. More on gasoline and car repairs from churches.
Donated cars and financing from non-profits help people get a free vehicle or low-cost funds to pay for one. Most of the cars need to be used for work or job training. Agencies provide donated or new vehicles to struggling families in need of transportation, provided they are willing to work and become self-sufficient, tax-paying members of the community. While the cars (or trucks) will be used, it is sometimes possible to get a free car for a job or income producing position and learn more details on free car assistance programs.
Free car repairs are arranged by several national and regional charities, churches, and non-profits. They can provide individuals with low cost or free automobile repairs. People or low-income households will need to apply nd the services are usually targeted at people who need their car for work. Get free car repairs and learn about programs.
Gasoline vouchers for free -are also available from some non-profits/ while only offered for a small number of reasons, such as for a job interview or doctor appointment, the Salvation Army, Catholci Charities and other groups may have limited funding to provide free gasoline vouchers. Other non-profits may assist as well as with free fuel cards for a crisis. Learn more about how to get free gas.
Ways to Work is an non-profit organization that provides people with low interest rate auto loans. They mostly help families and individuals who can't secure loan funding or at traditional lending institutions or banks. The loans can be used to help a family or individual purchase a new or used car, pay for car repairs and maintenance. The funds can also assist with other transportation expenses from time to time and learn more about Ways to Work auto loans.
Credit card or medical debt - free consultations from non-profits
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Free credit counseling is offered nationwide and locally to income qualified people. Several non-profit agencies can help individuals improve their finances and arrange budgeting, debt relief plans and credit services. Non-profit credit counselors from places like MMI can help individuals get out of debt, repair credit scores, provide bankruptcy advice, and even offer free foreclosure counseling. They offer remote or free phone consultations. These organizations will usually charge clients a small fee for their services. However, if your income is low enough, then the debt reduction and other financial services may be offered for free, as a charity type service. Find more details on credit counseling agencies.
Mortgage relief and financial help is also offered by various not for profit agencies, charities, and government programs. This will usually include free counseling, referrals, and assistance in applying for state or federal government resources. There is both foreclosure advice as well as government sponsored mortgage assistance programs. More on Mortgage help.
Mortgage help and free non-profit housing counseling
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Non-profit organizations that are approved by HUD help low income families who are behind on their mortgage or even property taxes. It is free to request info and support from these locations. Homeowners will be put in touch with HUD certified housing counselors. People in need will explore programs such as loan modifications, mediation, refinancing, and other foreclosure prevention solutions. Read more HUD foreclosure counseling.
Free home repairs, or loans to pay for them, are options In addition to receiving mortgage or financial assistance from non-profit organizations per above, there are also numerous programs for fixing or updating a house. There are repairs offered by charities, churches and other non-profit agencies that will either provide direct cash grants or very low interest loans that will pay for home repairs. Click here to learn more on these free home repair.
Volunteer free home repairs from charities are another option. Many local charities (or faith based groups) have volunteers that help do yard work, fix a home, or make minor repairs. There are free plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, painters, people that do yard work, movers work and other repair type services. Find volunteer for free plumbing, movers, handyman and charities.
Education and employment services from non-profits near you
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Dress for Success works to promote the economic independence of struggling or disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, career development tools, and a network of support. Most focus on women but some programs may help men too. The goal is to help people be successful in both work and in life. Look here for details on Dress for Success free clothing.
Free job training from non-profits is an option. The United State Department of Labor created the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Services are provided by local non-profits and are available for the unemployed, low income, seniors, and youth. Organizations can provide them with job training, tutoring, apprenticeships and skills that are needed in the workforce. More on Workforce Investment Act.
Goodwill Industries provides career counseling, job placement and training programs, GED workshops and more. The national non-profit coordinates resources that can help people find both temporary and permanent jobs. Increase your skills, and get assistance in finding a job. The agency will help single parents stay in school by offering them low cost childcare, tutoring, career planning, counseling, and also informal parenting classes as well. Find national and regional Goodwill training programs.
Conclusion - Charities and non-profits do help low-income families
Financial assistance from a charity organization will also issued with conditions, and is usually offered as a last resort when a family is faced with a crisis. The demand for help is very high, and since resources are limited, many charities prioritize programs for families with children, seniors, single mom and the disabled. They are a great place for referrals and staff can be used as resources.
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