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Assistance Programs in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Area, Florida
Tampa and Hillsborough County residents in Brandon, Plant City, Riverview, Temple Terrace, and communities throughout the county have access to emergency financial assistance, rent and utility help, senior services, and more through a broad network of government programs, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations. This page covers verified resources organized by service type, with current phone numbers and addresses.
Metropolitan Ministries is the Tampa Bay region's largest nonprofit provider of food, shelter, and family support services. The Hillsborough County Community Resource Centers administer LIHEAP energy assistance, rent and deposit help, and other county-funded programs at four locations across the county. Feeding Tampa Bay operates one of the largest food distribution networks in West Central Florida from its new Causeway Boulevard headquarters.
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- Energy bills (LIHEAP), rent help, deposit assistance (county program): Hillsborough County Community Resource Centers — (813) 272-5220
- Food, shelter, family crisis support, outreach (largest regional nonprofit): Metropolitan Ministries — (813) 209-1200
- Emergency rent, utility, family services, seasonal programs: Salvation Army Tampa Area Command — (813) 549-5285
- Family crisis assistance, food, housing, immigration services: Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg — (813) 631-4370
- Food bank, mobile grocery, SNAP outreach, Trinity Café: Feeding Tampa Bay — (813) 254-1190
- Food bank, counseling, financial assistance, senior services: Tampa Jewish Family Services — (813) 960-1848
- Senior services, Medicare help, elder helpline, caregiver support: Senior Connection Center — (813) 740-3888 or 1-800-963-5337
- CalFresh / SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, cash assistance: DCF ACCESS Florida — (866) 762-2237
- St. Vincent de Paul emergency aid (food, bills, referrals): SVdP Hillsborough County — (813) 977-7057
- Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 (First Contact) — free, around the clock, covers all of Hillsborough County. If you need dedicated rent payment help, see the Tampa area and Hillsborough County FL rent assistance page. For details about meals and food, see Hillsborough County and Tampa area free food banks.
County Government & Community Action Programs
Hillsborough County administers several federally and state-funded assistance programs directly through its Community Resource Centers, which serve as the county's designated community action points for low-income residents.
Hillsborough County Social Services — Community Resource Centers
Hillsborough County operates four Community Resource Centers that serve as the central access point for county-administered assistance programs. All locations share a single call center number. Income documentation and proof of residency are required; program availability and eligibility vary by funding source. Programs include:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal energy bill assistance for qualifying low-income households. Priority given to seniors aged 60 and over, households with children under six, and persons with disabilities. Funding is limited; apply early when each cycle opens.
- EHEAP (Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program): Energy bill help specifically for households with a member aged 60 or older experiencing a heating or cooling emergency.
- Emergency rental and deposit assistance: One-time help for qualifying households facing eviction or needing a security or utility deposit to restore services.
- Family Development: Long-term case management and self-sufficiency planning, including referrals to childcare, job training, vocational education, and employment services.
- HUD-approved housing counseling: Foreclosure prevention, mortgage assistance, and financial guidance for homeowners.
- Free tax preparation (VITA): Volunteer-prepared federal and state returns for qualifying low- and moderate-income households during tax season.
Contact information - Call Center: (813) 272-5220 for all sites. Four locations: Lee Davis (3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33605), Plant City (307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City 33566), University (13605 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613), West Tampa (2103 N. Rome Ave., Tampa 33607). https://hcfl.gov/residents/human-services/financial-assistance/find-a-community-resource-center.
DCF ACCESS Florida — Tampa Service Centers
The Florida Department of Children and Families ACCESS program administers state and federal benefit programs for Hillsborough County residents. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person at local service centers. Programs include SNAP food benefits (food stamps), Medicaid health coverage, TANF cash assistance for qualifying families with children, and the Refugee Assistance Program. Contact: In-person: 9393 N. Florida Ave., Tampa FL 33612. Phone: (866) 762-2237. Online: https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance.
Emergency Assistance & Crisis Services
- The organizations below provide the broadest direct emergency services to Hillsborough County residents facing rent, utility, food, or other basic needs crises.
Metropolitan Ministries
Founded in 1972, Metropolitan Ministries is Tampa Bay's largest locally rooted nonprofit serving homeless and at-risk families across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. The organization's downtown Tampa Family Support Center is the primary access point for Hillsborough County residents. All services are open regardless of religion or background. Programs include:
- Family Support Services: Case management and financial assistance for families facing housing instability, including utility bill help, moving costs, and deposit assistance for qualifying households.
- Food: The Metro Market distributes groceries from the Family Support Center. The BrigAIDe mobile outreach team also distributes food at partner sites throughout the county. Trinity Café (operated in partnership) provides free hot meals 365 days a year at two Tampa locations.
- Emergency shelter: Emergency housing for single women and mothers with children. Residential programs in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
- Outreach (BrigAIDe): Street outreach team engages unsheltered individuals throughout the Tampa Bay area and connects them with shelter, services, and housing.
- Education and job training: Adult education, employment coaching, and workforce development for residents in residential and community-based programs.
- First Hug: Home visitation and crisis stabilization case management for families with children from birth to middle school age in Hillsborough County.
- Bloom Again Thrift Store: Accepts and redistributes donated clothing, furniture, and household goods (2101 N. Florida Ave.).
Contact: (813) 209-1200 (Family Support Center) | 2301 N. Tampa St., Tampa, FL 33602. https://www.metromin.org/.
The Salvation Army Tampa Area Command Est. 1865
The Salvation Army's Tampa Area Command provides emergency financial assistance, food, shelter, and seasonal programs throughout Hillsborough County. Services are available regardless of religion. Programs include:
- Family Services: Emergency help with past-due rent, mortgage, and utility bills. Case managers assess household needs and coordinate with partner organizations for additional resources. Possible gas vouchers or transportation for an interview may be provided. Call ahead to confirm current funding and appointment availability.
- Food pantry and hot meals: Free groceries and daily communal meals for individuals and families in need.
- Red Shield Lodge: Emergency shelter for adults in the Tampa area. Call for current bed availability and intake procedures.
- Pathway of Hope: Intensive individualized case management for families working toward long-term stability, going beyond one-time emergency assistance.
- Seasonal programs: Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children, back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving holiday meals, and disaster relief.
Contact: (813) 549-5285 | 1100 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604. https://tampa.salvationarmyflorida.org/
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg Est. 1968
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg has served the Tampa Bay area since the diocese was established in 1968, providing social services to all residents regardless of faith. The Tampa office coordinates services for Hillsborough County. Programs include:
- Friends in Need: Emergency financial assistance for qualifying households facing housing or utility crises. Case manager assessment required; limited funding means not all applicants receive assistance.
- Foundations of Life: Comprehensive family support services including case management, life skills education, and access to community resources for households working toward self-sufficiency.
- Immigration legal services: Affordable immigration assistance for naturalization, adjustment of status, family reunification, and other immigration matters for Hillsborough and Pinellas residents.
- St. Andre Free Clinic: Free primary medical care and health services for low-income uninsured residents of rural southern Hillsborough County through volunteer providers.
- Tampa Hope: Outreach and support services for homeless individuals in the Tampa area.
Contact: (813) 631-4370 | 2021 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612. https://www.ccdosp.org/
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Hillsborough County
St. Vincent de Paul operates through a network of parish-based conferences across Hillsborough County, providing neighbor-to-neighbor emergency assistance regardless of faith. Local conferences provide emergency help with rent, utilities, food, and household goods on a case-by-case basis as funding allows. Case managers may also connect clients with additional resources and long-term self-sufficiency support. Call the main number to be connected to the nearest conference serving your community, or visit the NHPB sub-page for additional details. Contact: (813) 977-7057. Read more on the NHPB St. Vincent de Paul Tampa and Hillsborough County programs page.
Tampa Jewish Family Services Est. 1980
Tampa Jewish Family Services serves all residents of the Tampa Bay area regardless of faith, providing food, financial assistance, and counseling from its location at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC. Programs include:
- Community Food Bank: Free emergency food bags and groceries for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Distributions held at multiple locations across Tampa Bay; appointments preferred. Call (813) 960-1848 to schedule.
- Financial Assistance Program: Limited emergency financial help for qualifying households facing urgent basic needs. Offered through case management; call for current availability.
- Psychological and Social Wellness Center: Affordable counseling services, including individual, family, and group therapy, from licensed clinicians at two Tampa Bay locations.
- Senior services and Meals on Wheels: Programs supporting older adults with food delivery, benefit navigation, and social connection. Local transportation to a medical appointment may sometimes be arranged
Contact: (813) 960-1848 | 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606. https://tjfs.org/
United Way Suncoast — First Contact 2-1-1
United Way Suncoast coordinates the regional 2-1-1 information and referral service, known locally as First Contact, covering Hillsborough County and surrounding counties. Dial 2-1-1 at any time to be connected with a trained specialist who can identify local assistance programs for housing, food, utility, medical, mental health, childcare, and other needs. The service is free, confidential, and available around the clock in multiple languages. https://www.firstcontact.org/get-help
Tampa Crossroads, Inc. Est. 1977
Tampa Crossroads has provided behavioral health, housing, and employment services to Hillsborough County residents since 1977. The organization focuses on adults navigating homelessness, veterans' needs, disability-related employment barriers, and mental health or substance use challenges. Programs include:
- Veterans Assistance Center (VAC): Targeted case management, housing placement, and supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Operates in partnership with the James A. Haley VA Hospital through the SSVF program, with assistance for back rent, utility bills, and related housing expenses.
- Eco Oaks Affordable Housing: Platinum LEED-certified affordable housing development in Tampa providing reduced-rent apartments to income-qualifying individuals, including veterans and people with disabilities.
- Athena House and Rose Manor: Residential programs providing structured, supportive housing for women and others in transitional recovery from addiction or mental health challenges.
- Career Center (Vocational Rehabilitation Employment): Employment services for adults with disabilities referred through the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, including job coaching, placement, and on-the-job support.
- BeWell Behavioral Wellness Center: Outpatient substance abuse and mental health counseling, assessments, anger management, and recovery groups on a sliding-scale fee basis.
Contact: (813) 238-8557. 5120 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33603. Website: https://tampacrossroads.com/
Food Assistance
Metropolitan Ministries, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities all operate significant food programs — see entries above. The organizations below focus primarily on food distribution across Hillsborough County.
Feeding Tampa Bay Est. 1982
Feeding Tampa Bay is the Feeding America-affiliated food bank serving a ten-county West Central Florida region, including all of Hillsborough County. Feeding Tampa Bay does not distribute directly to individuals from its warehouse; it works through a network of partner pantries and mobile distribution sites. Programs available to Hillsborough County residents include:
- Mobile grocery distributions: Free produce, protein, and shelf-stable groceries distributed at rotating neighborhood locations throughout Hillsborough County. No income documentation required at most sites. Schedule searchable by zip code at the website.
- Partner pantry network: Feeding Tampa Bay supplies hundreds of food pantries and soup kitchens across the county. Use the pantry finder at the website to locate the nearest one.
- Trinity Café: Free, full-service restaurant meals served 365 days a year at two Tampa locations (2801 N. Nebraska Ave. and 2202 E. Busch Blvd.). No requirements to receive a meal.
- FoodPlus: Assists residents in applying for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and other food-related benefit programs.
- FRESHforce: Job training program in warehouse, CDL, and culinary fields for residents experiencing food and economic insecurity.
- United Food Bank and Services: A Feeding Tampa Bay partner serving Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County residents with grocery distribution and limited additional assistance. (702 E. Alsobrook St., Suite H, Plant City FL 33563; call (813) 764-0625 before visiting.)
Contact: (813) 254-1190 | Causeway Center: 3624 Causeway Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619. https://ftb.org/
Senior Services
Senior Connection Center, Inc. Est. 1981
Formerly known as the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Senior Connection Center has served seniors and caregivers in Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Highlands, and Hardee counties since 1981. It is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for Hillsborough County, coordinating services funded through the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Florida. Programs include:
- Elder HelpLine: Free information and referral service connecting seniors aged 60 and older and their caregivers with in-home care, meal programs, transportation, legal aid, housing, and other local resources. Call 1-800-963-5337 (toll-free) or (813) 740-3888.
- HINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders): Free, unbiased Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental insurance counseling by trained volunteer counselors. No cost, no sales, no affiliation with insurance companies.
- Long-term care coordination: Telephone screenings and in-home assessments connecting older adults and people with disabilities with home-based services to remain safely and independently at home.
- Caregiver Support (TCARE): Customized support program for unpaid family caregivers of adults aged 60 and older, providing guidance and resources to reduce caregiver burnout.
- Health and Wellness programs: Free community-based classes including Tai Chi, Matter of Balance, Living Healthy With a Chronic Condition, and other evidence-based programs.
- Veteran Directed Care: Program for eligible veterans allowing them to self-direct their own home care services and hire their own workers.
- Elder Abuse Prevention: Outreach, education, and community coordination to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors.
Contact: (813) 740-3888 | Toll-free Elder HelpLine: 1-800-963-5337 | 8928 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619. https://seniorconnectioncenter.org/
Additional Programs & Specialty Resources
Hillsborough County Veterans Services
Hillsborough County maintains a Veterans Services Office that helps county veterans, survivors, and dependents file VA disability and pension claims, access VA healthcare and education benefits, and connect with local and national veterans programs. An annual Veterans Stand Down event provides homeless veterans with key services. Contact: (813) 272-5060 | 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602. https://hcfl.gov/residents/human-services/veterans
Dress for Success Tampa
Dress for Success provides professional clothing, career coaching, and employment readiness tools for women seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce in Hillsborough County. Services include free interview clothing, work attire, and connections to job search resources. Call ahead for intake appointment details. Verify before visiting: Confirm hours, and intake procedures by calling ahead. Phone: (813) 259-1876.
Volunteers of America Florida Est. 1918
Volunteers of America of Florida has served the Tampa Bay area for more than a century as one of the state's largest faith-based human service organizations. The organization's Tampa programs focus on housing, veterans, disability services, and behavioral health for Hillsborough County residents. Programs include:
- Permanent Supportive Housing (Hillsborough): Stable housing combined with on-site mental health treatment and supportive services for adults experiencing homelessness, particularly those with serious mental illness or co-occurring conditions. Located in Tampa north of McKay Bay.
- Veterans programs: Housing assistance, case management, and supportive services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, in partnership with the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and federal SSVF funding.
- Behavioral health and mental health services: Individual and group counseling, substance use treatment, and co-occurring disorder support for qualifying adults.
- Disability and senior services: Support programs for older adults and people with disabilities, including case management and community integration assistance.
Contact: (813) 972-3480. 12410 Volunteer Place, Tampa, FL 33612. Website: https://www.voaflorida.org/
Community Discussion
If you want to read experiences of other struggling Tampa and Hillsborough County families, how they get by and maybe find other resources, check out the moderated orum for Hillsborough County assistance programs. You will find real live experiences from people in the community.
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