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Assistance Programs in Seminole County and Sanford, Florida.
Seminole County families in Sanford, Casselberry, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, and Winter Springs have access to emergency and long term help. This page covers resources for financial help as well as food, rent assistance including eviction prevention, utility help and more. The main county programs, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community action groups for the area may be able to help struggling residents.
Some of the leading options include the following. The Seminole County Community Services Department operates the county's Prevention Assistance Program, which provides government-funded help with rent, utilities, and dental care for income-qualifying residents. The Sharing Center in Longwood is widely regarded as the county's largest nonprofit social services hub, with Seminole County's largest free food pantry, a homeless respite center, and a family crisis financial assistance program. The Salvation Army Seminole County provides emergency food, rent and utility help, and seasonal programs from Sanford. HOPE Helps in Oviedo serves the county's eastern communities with food, case management, and financial assistance. Christian HELP in Casselberry prevents homelessness through career coaching and food distribution. Other organizations are also noted below.
Start Here — Find Help Fast - including by area in the county
- County government emergency help — rent, utilities, dental (Seminole County residents): Seminole County Community Services — (407) 665-2300
- Food pantry, family financial assistance, homeless respite (Longwood): The Sharing Center — (407) 260-9155
- Food pantry, rent & utility help, case management (Oviedo / E. Seminole): HOPE Helps — (407) 366-3422
- Food, rent & utility help, family services, seasonal programs (Sanford): Salvation Army Seminole County — (407) 322-2642
- Emergency homeless shelter (only shelter in Seminole County): Rescue Outreach Mission — (407) 321-8224
- Emergency financial aid, food, social services (broad Central FL): Christian Service Center — (407) 425-2523
- Free/low-cost primary care, dental, behavioral health (sliding scale FQHC): True Health — (407) 322-8645
- Free healthcare for the uninsured (Longwood / Seminole County): Shepherd's Hope — (407) 876-6699
- Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 — free, available around the clock, connects callers to local assistance in Seminole County and surrounding areas. If you need rent payment help, see the NHPB emergency rent help in Seminole County page. As another option, if facing hunger, see free food pantries in Seminole County.
Emergency Assistance & Broad Crisis Services
These organizations may offer immediate crisis with rent, utilities, food, or basic household needs and are not sure where to turn first.
The Sharing Center
Founded in 1986, The Sharing Center is widely recognized as Seminole County's premier nonprofit social services hub, operating from Longwood and serving all Seminole County communities. Programs include:
- The Pantry: One of the largest free food pantries in Seminole County. Clients select from a range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, bread, and household items. Clients may visit The Pantry up to five times per year for assistance, plus additional visits at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Family Support Program (formerly Families in Crisis): Emergency financial assistance for rent/mortgage and utilities for Seminole County residents facing an unexpected hardship such as job loss, illness, or accident. Case managers work one-on-one with applicants. Applications, required documentation, and income eligibility details are available on the website. Call ahead to confirm current availability.
- The Oasis: Seminole County's only drop-in respite center for people experiencing homelessness. Provides free showers, laundry service, computer access, housing guidance from a trained case manager, mail service, phone charging, and haircut services.
- ProjectRISE: A comprehensive adult workforce development and employment program helping unemployed or underemployed individuals secure stable employment and transition out of poverty.
- Mental health counseling: Free individual and group counseling sessions addressing substance abuse, homelessness, and other challenges for clients.
- Village Shoppes thrift program: Gently used clothing and household goods to support clients starting over.
- On-site auxiliary food pantries also operated at Seminole County and Orange County Health Departments.
Contact: (407) 260-9155 | 600 North Highway 17-92, Suite 130, Longwood, FL 32750. https://thesharingcenter.org/
HOPE Helps, Inc.
HOPE Helps serves qualifying Seminole County residents from its Oviedo location, with a focus on preventing hunger and homelessness for families and individuals who are working but in financial crisis. The organization requires Seminole County residency. Services include:
- HOPE Choice Pantry: Free nonperishable food, fresh produce, meat, and bread distributed on select weekdays and Saturday mornings. Available to registered clients on a regular basis. Call ahead for current schedule and registration requirements.
- Resource Center: One-on-one case management for households in crisis, including financial assistance for rent/mortgage and utilities (subject to available funding), help applying for food stamps (SNAP) and other public benefits, job search assistance and resume support, and financial literacy education.
- HOPE's Emergency Network Service: Coordination with partner agencies to connect clients with specialized emergency resources beyond HOPE's direct services.
- Kids of HOPE Enrichment Program: Supplemental food provided to families with school-age children during the thirteen weeks of the year when school meals are not available.
- HOPE Chest Thrift Store: Accepts and distributes donated clothing, household goods, and school supplies.
- Financial Freedom Series: Free financial literacy education workshops for clients and the broader community.
Contact: (407) 366-3422 | 812 Eyrie Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765. https://www.hopehelps.org/
The Salvation Army Seminole County Est. 1865
The Salvation Army has served the Seminole County community for more than 50 years, providing emergency financial assistance, food, and seasonal programs to individuals and families in crisis. Services are available to Seminole County residents regardless of religion. Programs include:
- Emergency financial assistance: Direct payment to vendors on behalf of clients for past-due rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas) to prevent eviction or disconnection. Call for current availability and appointment requirements.
- Food pantry: Free groceries for qualifying households. Clients should call ahead to confirm current pantry schedule and documentation requirements.
- Angel Tree Christmas program: Annual holiday gift assistance for children of qualifying families throughout Seminole County.
- Back-to-school supply assistance and other seasonal support programs for families.
- Pathway of Hope: Individualized case management for families seeking long-term stability and self-sufficiency, going beyond one-time emergency aid.
- Community Center programs: After-school programming and open-play activities for youth and community members.
Disaster relief: Emergency assistance for Seminole County residents affected by natural disasters or community emergencies.
Contact: (407) 322-2642 | 700 W. 24th Street, Sanford, FL 32771. https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/sanfordfl/
Christian Service Center for Central Florida Est. 1971
The Christian Service Center provides comprehensive emergency and homeless services to the Central Florida region, including Seminole County residents. The organization has evolved into the Orlando area's primary Comprehensive Day Services Center, focused on getting clients healthy, employed, and housed. The Family & Emergency Services (FES) program provides immediate crisis assistance to those facing an unexpected financial hardship. Services include food, clothing, financial assistance for rent or utilities, prescription medication assistance, transportation help, and case management to develop an action plan and connect clients to additional resources. Contact the organization directly to confirm current service availability for Seminole County residents and which location to visit.
- Call before visiting: The Christian Service Center's three current locations are in Orange County (Downtown Orlando, Ocoee, and Winter Park). Seminole County residents are served; call to confirm the nearest intake point for your situation. Phone: (407) 425-2523. https://www.christianservicecenter.org/
Christian HELP Employment & Resource Center (a different agency then above)
Christian HELP has been serving Seminole County and surrounding communities from its Casselberry location since 1991, with a mission of preventing homelessness by helping people find stable employment while meeting immediate food and household needs. Programs include:
- Grocery Services (food pantry): Large-format free grocery distribution available to Seminole County residents on select weekday mornings. Clients select from a variety of items including fresh meats, produce, bread, canned goods, and hygiene products. First-time visitors should bring a valid photo ID and proof of Seminole County residency. Call ahead to confirm current schedule.
- Career coaching (1-on-1): Free individualized employment coaching available for as long as needed. Career coaches work alongside job seekers on resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and job search strategy. Appointments are virtual; apply through the website.
- Job fairs: Through its division, Central Florida Employment Connections (CFEC), Christian HELP hosts multiple large job fairs each year connecting job seekers with regional employers.
- Virtual job readiness workshops: Online classes covering key employment topics including resume creation, interviewing, and professional networking.
- Christmas Blessing: Seasonal holiday assistance program for families in need.
- Online community resource guide: Connects clients and the general public with a wide range of local assistance programs.
Contact: (407) 834-4022 | 450 Seminola Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707. https://www.christianhelp.org/
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Orlando Est. 1986
St. Vincent de Paul Orlando is a Catholic lay organization with 24 local conferences (chapters) operating across nine Central Florida counties, including Seminole County. The organization serves everyone in need regardless of race, religion, or background. Assistance is provided through local church-based conferences, each operating independently in their community. Services available through Seminole County SVdP conferences may include emergency financial referrals for rent, medications, or security deposits, material assistance such as clothing and household goods, and connections to partner agencies. Thrift stores in the region accept and redistribute donated clothing, furniture, and household items. For the nearest conference serving your community within Seminole County, contact the main SVdP Orlando number or visit the website.
Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS Orlando)
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Winter Park, Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando serves all residents regardless of faith, background, or income, with programs explicitly covering both Orange and Seminole Counties. JFS operates a six-month intensive family stabilization program and an emergency food pantry, among other services. For Seminole County and City of Orlando residents seeking the Family Stabilization Program, call (407) 644-7593, ext. 250. Programs include:
- Family Stabilization Program (FSP): A free, six-month intensive case management program for individuals and families in Orange and Seminole Counties who are financially unstable or at risk of homelessness. Case managers work with participants on financial management, employability skills, and family stability. FSP participants may access food assistance, financial education workshops, employment skill training, mental health counseling, and legal guidance through the program. One-time emergency financial assistance for rent and/or utilities may be available based on eligibility and funding.
- Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry: Free food available by appointment to Central Florida residents experiencing food insecurity. Clients may receive food assistance periodically throughout the year. Call to schedule.
- RIDE Program: Free round-trip transportation to medical appointments for seniors aged 65 and older in the region, up to a set number of rides per month.
- Mental health counseling: Individual, couples, family, and group therapy sessions through the Counseling, Growth & Development program, available at low or no cost for qualifying clients.
Contact: (407) 644-7593 ext. 250 for Seminole County. 2100 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789. https://jfsorlando.org/
Catholic Charities of Central Florida - Family Stability Program
Catholic Charities of Central Florida operates its Family Stability Program from its main office in Orlando and explicitly serves Seminole County residents alongside eight other counties in the Diocese of Orlando. Assistance is provided based on eligibility assessment by a case manager; not all applicants will receive funding, and the eligibility criteria and amount available vary by funding source. Apply by submitting an intake form through the Catholic Charities website or by calling the number below. Processing takes approximately eight to ten business days. Services include:
- Homelessness prevention: Emergency financial assistance for past-due rent and/or utilities for income-qualifying households facing displacement.
- Rapid rehousing: Case management and financial assistance to help individuals and families who have already lost housing return to stable housing as quickly as possible.
- Case management: Comprehensive assessment and individualized support to address the root causes of housing instability and connect clients with additional community resources.
- Refugee and immigration services: Separate programs for refugees and immigrants, including immigration legal services and comprehensive refugee resettlement support. Contact the immigration line directly for these programs.
- Food assistance: Agape Mission Markets (food pantry network) throughout the Diocese of Orlando.
- Behavioral health and medical/dental clinics: Available at select locations; see the website for details.
Contact: (407) 658-1818 (main / financial assistance). 1819 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807. https://cflcc.org/
County Government Assistance Programs
Seminole County Community Services — Community Assistance Division
Seminole County's Community Assistance Division provides direct financial assistance to income-qualifying county residents who have experienced an unexpected financial hardship within the last 90 days. Applications are submitted through the county's online Participant Portal; residents without computer access may use the Application Center at the physical address below on a walk-in, first-come basis. Note that assistance cannot be received more than once within a two-year period, and Section 8 or HUD housing recipients are not eligible for the rental or utility programs. Processing typically takes several weeks. Programs include:
- Prevention Assistance (Rent/Mortgage): One-time financial help for qualifying households facing eviction or mortgage delinquency due to a documented unexpected hardship. Assistance will not exceed three months of past-due rent or a set maximum, whichever is less.
- Prevention Assistance (Utilities): Emergency help with past-due electric, water, or gas bills for qualifying households facing disconnection due to a documented hardship.
- Deposit Assistance: Help with security and utility deposits for households experiencing homelessness or in imminent danger of homelessness. Applications subject to closure when waiting list becomes full.
- Dental Assistance: Financial help with dental procedures including extractions, fillings, root canals, dentures, partials, crowns, and X-rays for income-qualifying adults. Requires a referral from a licensed Central Florida dentist and priority is given to elderly and fixed-income households.
- Indigent Care: Financial assistance for emergency medical services at Central Florida Regional Hospital for very low-income uninsured households. Applications are made through hospital case management on the patient's behalf.
- Veterans Services Office: Assists Seminole County veterans, survivors, and dependents with disability claims and appeals, VA healthcare enrollment, education and training benefits, and connections to VA and community resources. Annual Veterans Stand Down event connects homeless veterans with key services.
Contact: (407) 665-2300 | Application Center: 520 West Lake Mary Blvd., Suite 100, Sanford, FL 32773. https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/community-services/community-assistance
Emergency Shelter & Homeless Services
Rescue Outreach Mission is the only emergency homeless shelter in Seminole County, serving men, women, and families. The Sharing Center's Oasis provides daytime respite for the homeless — see its entry above.
Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida
Rescue Outreach Mission (ROM) has been Seminole County's sole emergency homeless shelter since 1986, operating from the historic Goldsboro community in Sanford. The 115-bed shelter serves men, women, and families with children who are experiencing homelessness. ROM operates within the regional Coordinated Entry System and is committed to trauma-informed care, client choice, and community collaboration, with a clear focus on moving guests into permanent housing. Programs include:
- Emergency shelter: Safe overnight accommodations for adults and families experiencing homelessness. Contact the Mission directly about current bed availability and intake procedures.
- Meal program: Regular communal meals for shelter residents.
- Case management: One-on-one support connecting shelter guests with mainstream benefits, community resources, and permanent housing pathways.
- Permanent supportive housing: Assistance for individuals and families ready to transition from emergency shelter into stable, long-term housing.
- Outreach coordination: ROM collaborates with Seminole County, local law enforcement, and partner nonprofits to reach unsheltered individuals throughout the county.
Contact: (407) 321-8224 | 1701 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771. https://romcfl.org/
Free & Low-Cost Health Care
Both organizations below are actively serving Seminole County patients. True Health accepts all patients regardless of ability to pay on a sliding-fee scale. Shepherd's Hope serves the uninsured only, at no cost.
True Health (Formerly Central Florida Family Health Center)
True Help, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has been serving Seminole County since the 1980s. As a federally designated FQHC, True Health accepts all patients regardless of ability to pay or insurance status, using a sliding-fee scale based on household income. The organization has multiple Seminole County locations. Programs include:
- Sliding-fee discount: Income-qualifying patients pay a reduced fee based on household income and family size. Uninsured and underinsured patients are welcome.
- Full-spectrum primary care for adults and children, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment.
- Behavioral health: Psychiatry, individual counseling, substance use counseling, and support groups integrated with primary care.
- Dental care: Comprehensive dental services including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental care.
On-site pharmacy at select locations for patient convenience.
- 340B pharmacy program: Significantly reduced prescription pricing for eligible patients.
- Telehealth: Virtual consultations available for select services.
Seminole County locations include: Sanford (4930 East Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771), Airport (400 West Airport Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773), Casselberry (1120 State Road 436, Suite 1600, Casselberry, FL 32707), and Harvest Time (225 Harvest Time Dr., Sanford, FL 32771). Contact: (407) 322-8645. https://www.mytruehealth.org/.
Shepherd's Hope — Pastor Paul Hoyer Health Center (Seminole County)
Founded in 1997 by community volunteers and faith communities, Shepherd's Hope has grown into the largest free and charitable healthcare clinic in Florida. Its Seminole County location provides many services to uninsured individuals who meet income eligibility requirements. Patients must be uninsured, not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, and have household income at or below a qualifying threshold. Services are walk-in only; call ahead to confirm session availability. Services at the Seminole County location include:
- Free primary care visits: General medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for acute and chronic conditions by licensed volunteer healthcare providers.
- Referrals to specialists: Partner hospitals and specialty practices provide referred diagnostic and specialty care to Shepherd's Hope patients.
- Behavioral health services available at select sessions.
- Wellness programs and health education.
- Telehealth available for select services; call the main line to check availability.
Seminole County location: (407) 876-6699, ext. 238 (morning) / ext. 230 (evening) | Pastor Paul Hoyer Health Center, 600 North US 17-92, Suite 124, Longwood, FL 32750. https://www.shepherdshope.org/
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