It all began in 2007, when my young family was two weeks away from being homeless…
…and I began spending hours and hours at the library with our young son, trying to figure out how we were going to survive.
I was desperately searching the Internet for anyone and anything that could help us. It was the first time I encountered words like section 8 and low income apartments. I discovered an abundant number of resources and organizations that would help us get through this time of desperate need. They weren’t always easy to find but they were definitely there.
We ended up getting into a low income apartment in Issaquah, Washington, within two weeks. We didn’t have any money for move-in expenses but we gathered donations and pledges from several organizations – HopeLink, Catholic Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army. Together, these agencies helped us afford to move into our apartment and then helped us stock the kitchen with healthy, life-giving foods.
It was astonishing.
In the years that have followed, I have helped friends and family find help with their needs, too. Whether it’s housing, food, medical coverage, dental care, veterinary expenses, transportation or whatever else, I knew how to help them find what they needed… so I spent a lot of time working up individual resource lists for my friends and family.
Eventually, I realized that I could use my experience as a researcher and writer to help a much larger audience. That’s how Low Income Relief came to be.
I know what it’s like to have nothing.
I know what it’s like to be at your wits end, frustrated and overwhelmed and unsure what you’re going to do next.
And I know what it’s like to finally find help.
I’ve seen the overwhelming healing power of hope.
And I want help, hope and good things for you, too.
That’s why I’m committed to Low Income Relief. I absolutely love researching new resources and reporting on what I find. Although the website has now grown so significantly that I can no longer keep up with individual requests, I am thrilled to be able to help the 80,000 or so Americans who visit this website each and every month.
Thank you so much for making Low Income Relief part of your day!
-Nicole
My name is Danielle Arnott and I was hoping you could locate a4man tent? I am homeless in downtown Puyallup? I am cu sleeping anyplace that’s dry
Unfortunately all my belongings get wet and I have to throw them out. Please let me know asap.
Oh, I’m so sorry, Danielle! I will get right to work looking for that. It should only take me an hour or so to get some resources together for you. I’ll comment back here when the list is done.
Hi Chris,
I’ll pass your good wishes along.
-Chloe
Hi my name is sue I live in Washington state, we have lost everything, house, business, etc. we have been remodeling our house to sell it and get our equity out, well it auctioned off and bank owns it now, we had purchased it , our first home, on a fraudulent land contract! My local police have targeted us now for some reason and long story short , used the condition of the house , to take my kids ! Ages 12 and 14 ! So in addition to everything we own , being auctioned off today because the bill isn’t paid , I’m loosing my kids too! I can’t get them back cause I have no place to live with them ! My partner and I naturally have not been handling the stress well, there was an incident between he and I physically, now they are using that against me too! All but telling me I have to leave him, can’t have kids around him , etc I missed my 72 hour meeting at cps , because they changed the times, supervisor in dept , is only person who communicates with partner , while investigator only talks to me ! They set up two meeting times separate from each other , why ? Then changed my appointment time , I had no phone so I didn’t know if changes! I have court again today , dependency hearing, after telling courts I was contesting it ! I don’t know what to do ! I am feeling hopeless! I just want my kids and to save our things ! Please help me !
Sue,
I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. Please reach out to an attorney, they may be better able to help with your questions. Here is a link to our legal aid directory. I hope this helps.
-Riley
I haven’t found anywhere that can provide a tent yet but I have found some other agencies that might be able to help with housing and other needs. I’m adding them all to the directory now. You can find them by searching for ‘homeless’ and ‘Pierce County’ on the map or just by clicking here.
If you haven’t already, I recommend calling Access Point 4 Housing. This organization coordinates a lot of the housing programs throughout Pierce County and should be able to help you find help. The AP4H number is (253) 682-3401.
I will keep looking and adding items as I find them. I’ve also reached out to a few agencies who may be able to help and I’m waiting for them to respond to my messages. I’ll keep you posted!
My name is Danielle also I read Danielle’s needs in the above text, I realize it was almost a year ago when it was posted but I just seen it this morning. I don’t know if Danielle is still in need of tent, sleeping bag, even outdoor cooking equipment, I have a lot of those items I’m willing to donate to help. I too am in a bind my precious cat needs some dental work, I’m pretty sure she is in pain and it breaks my heart that at this time finances are preventing me from getting the care I know she needs, if you know of a vet in pierce county that does charitable vet care(dental) I would greatly appreciate it. I do not qualify for Care Credit or any financing vet plan, as for my credit isn’t good.regardless if you can help or not , I would still like to donate the above mentioned items to Danielle if needed.
Thanks again.
You are so sweet, Danielle! Thank you! We were able to get the previous Danielle a tent and some other items when she requested them. You can read a bit of a follow up by clicking here. However, if you would still like to donate those items, our friend Patti operates the Homeless Humans of Tacoma street ministry and she’s always looking for donations. Danielle’s tent came from an HHT community donation. 🙂
You can read everything I know about local charitable vet care by clicking here. You may also be able to get assistance from one of these nationwide agencies that offer grants and other financial assistance. I was also able to find a 25% off dental cleanings at Vets for Less and a 20% off coupon for dental cleanings and X-Rays at Afford-a-Vet.
Hi there,
I’m sure you get a ton of spammy submissions so I’ll get straight to the point – I’d love to submit a post for publishing on your site.
If you’re currently accepting posts, please let me know and I’ll send through a few topics that we can agree on. Or else, just let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like written 🙂
Thanks for your time!
Elizabeth Diane, Writer
Hi, Elizabeth! We’d love to consider your guest posts. You can see our guest posting guidelines here. We look forward to working with you!
Hi Nicole can you tell me some WI info on things to sign up for low income people. I live on a fixed income and already have foodstamps but only $15 a month and I also have health insurance. I would appreciate any assistance from you! Thanks
Hi, DeeD! I’m happy to help! You can see all of our Wisconsin posts by clicking here.
Some of our most popular posts in Wisconsin are about what you can do with a Wisconsin EBT card and how to get almost-free Internet from various providers.
A lot of our content is written by request. If you let me know the name of your local library system (or the city you’re in), I can see what freebies they offer for you. I can also investigate low income programs from your local utilities. If you have any other specific needs, please don’t hesitate to ask! We love to research things. 🙂
My little guy name Papi is going through the unthinkable the past week. It all started with him not acting like his normal fun loving self. We took him to the vet right away and they said he was constipated. A few days later his back leg went paralyzed and then a few hours later his full back of his body went paralyzed. We rushed him to the vet hospital and he ruptured a disc and required surgery which is starting at $6,000 and will keep rising with all of the check ups and medicine required. I can’t think of losing him and I am scared to death of the worse. Please help save my best friend. We need as much help as we could get. We value more than just money and could use as much encouragement and prayers!
I’m so sorry to hear about the problems Papi is having! We have a list of agencies that can assist with these kinds of needs but your local United Way may also be able to assist you.
Glad I found your site.
Me to, Evelyn! Thanks for visiting!
Hello I have a question. What discounts can you get with the edd card in orange California and I was just wondering. How do I get help with housing my gf mom burnt down the home we stay at and we have been homeless since December all mine and her stuff is gone and my renter’s insurance for State farm wants a deductible for stuff replaced I don’t know what to do
Hi, Nico! State Farm should cut a check for the amount of your losses, minus your deductible. That’s how it worked when we had a renter’s insurance issue. :/
I am unable to help with housing requests at this time but your local United Way, Salvation Army and Community Action Council should be able to help you find those resources.
For EBT card discounts, check here – https://lowincomerelief.com/ebt
I hope this helps!
Im in desperate need of some help in finding some assistance in Russell county, Kentucky. PLEASE help!!
Hi, Sarah! I’m so sorry things aren’t going well for you. I am happy to research whatever you need but it may take a few months to get that information. Our team of 5 is currently serving 125,000+ people per month and we have a huge backlog of requests, so we aren’t equipped to handle urgent needs at this time. Your local United Way, Salvation Army or Community Action Council is much better equipped to handle urgent needs. I’m so sorry!
Hi Nicole! I was referred to your site by your sister Jessica. I was telling her about the issues I’m having with section 8 and housing and thought you could possibly help me out. I have 2 children and I’m 37 weeks pregnant. My fiancé went to prison in January and we’ve lost everything. My house, my car, all of our stuff is gone. I’m renting out a room until we figure something else out so If it could’nt fit in storage we couldn’t keep it. I do work FT & I’m going to school. Pretty soon I’m going on maternity leave and all my income will stop until I return to work. Anyway you could help me with housing or section 8? I live in DeKalb Illinois. I’ve already applied but haven’t gotten anything yet unfortunately.
Hi, Kristen! I’m so glad that your sister knew about our site and referred you here. We’re an information service, so I can’t provide any assistance directly. However, we can do our best to connect you with resources in your community!
The United Way in Dekalb County is the first place I would turn. You can reach them by calling 211. They do not seem to have a searchable directory on their website. They are experts on affordable housing and local community resources, so I definitely recommend contacting them right away! When you speak with them, be sure to ask about programs that benefit pregnant women, children of incarcerated parents, homeless or at-risk-of-being-homeless families and students. Sometimes, the representatives won’t think to check each category unless you specifically ask.
For Section 8, you’ll need to contact the Housing Authority of the County of Dekalb. They offer low-cost public housing in one, two and three bedroom units. They also administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. If you are able to get Section 8, here’s some helpful info about how you can buy a house with Section 8 vouchers!
I always recommend reaching out to your local Community Action agency, also. In your case, that would be the Dekalb County Community Action Department. This agency is designed to help low income households gain stability. They offer many different services that can help you, including referrals to community resources that I may not have access to. You can email [email protected] or call 815-217-0196 to schedule an appointment with this agency.
I hope this information is helpful to you, Kristen! I’ll keep looking and see what else I can find. 🙂
Wats the contact number to get started for Georgia
Hi, Ashley! I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. Contact number for what?
To Whom it May Concern,
I am the administrator at Children Fairyland who manages the subsidized family membership program. Could you please update the content on your website regarding our subsidized membership? The language is misleading and I have encountered a few visitors who thought they can just show their EBT card to receive a discounted admission.
The link on your website that has the incorrect info is (under Oakland): https://lowincomerelief.com/california-ebt/
Please replace what you have with:
Fairyland’s Community Outreach Program offers a limited number of subsidized family memberships to qualifying low-income families through a direct application process.
The membership is good for one year and the benefits include park admission for each member (up to 2 adults and 3 children), a Magic Key for each child, and discounts to gift shop, café, birthday parties, and summer camp. To submit an application, please download and complete this form. Application may be mailed or dropped off in person.
Thank you,
Vicky Chen
Director of Community Outreach and Education
510-452-2259
Hi, Vicky!
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and help us correct our content. We always want this site to be as accurate as possible. I certainly didn’t mean for it to be misleading, which is why I made sure that people who receive EBT *may* qualify. I didn’t want it to sound like a guarantee.
I’ve updated the text to include the information you’ve provided here. I really appreciate that you took the time to craft such a helpful response!
Have a very wonderful day!
-Nicole
Hey Nicole! I couldn’t figure out how to contact you, buy I wanted to let you know about a company in Seattle called interconnection. They sell basic computer s to low-income people (any state benefits, ebt, cash assistance, medical,others I think) for $59 including cords, monitor, the whole shebang!
Hi Rebecca!
This information is SO SO helpful. Thank you!!! 🙂
I’m going to pass it along to Nicole!
-Chloe
Hi Nicole, I am an employee for the Florida DMV. I am in our training department and have notice some incorrect information on your site that is giving customers false hope in regards to using their EBT cards to get a license or ID. I have tried finding an email address for you but have been unsuccessful. If you could please reach out to me I am willing to provide the correct information that would help customers on your site.
Thank you.
Lindsey McCreary
I have a question about EBT/SNAP SSI and traveling. My friend and I receive benefits in Washington State. We’re getting on in years and can’t take the cold winters anymore. We would like to travel together and spend the coldest months in places like California, Nevada or Arizona. Will we lose our benefits if we don’t “shop at home” after a certain amount of time? If so, how long can a person be gone before they’re cut off? Tried researching with no joy. Perhaps you know and can tell us.
Hi,
I’m not entirely sure of the specifics for that but I think your caseworker would definitely know. You might also be able to contact the 800 number for your benefits.
Here are some things we’ve learned about EBT:
https://lowincomerelief.com/tag/ebt/
-Chloe
Hello, Nicole,
We learned of your site through a call to our organization. While we appreciate the great information for those looking for aid, there are some things that are published regarding our ministry that not accurate and that we are not able to fulfill as you have stated.
How can we work best with you to clarify this information, so that those seeking help are best served? Thank you!
Hi, Geri! I’m so sorry. Please email me directly at [email protected] with the correct information. Thank you!
Please contact me regarding this list.
Michelle,
At Low Income Relief we never email our readers directly. Our correspondence is typically through comments like this one. Is there something I can help you with?
-Riley
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for starting this wonderful website and sharing information that not many low-income people are aware of. I want to share with you some of the services I have used to help save money.
1. Amazon Warehouse – open box deals (like new, very good, etc)
2. Camelcamelcamel – Amazon price tracker that provides price drop alerts and price history charts for products sold by Amazon
3. SeatGeek – Ticket search engine that aggregates ticket listings for live sports, concerts, and theater events
4. Honey – browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout with a single click
Ru,
I’m managing comments for Nicole today, but I will pass this along to her. Thanks for the tip!
-Riley
I am looking for an organization that will send toys and clothing to a family on the Pine Ridge reservation, they live in Wounded Knee. Does your organization help with this matter? If not can you put me in contact with one that does?
Thank you,
Angela Carlson
Angela,
We are an informational website. We do not send out gifts. This is the link to our Christmas resources page. I hope this helps.
-Riley
Hi my name is Kim. I leave in Raleigh NC. I am a 57 year old woman. I have no help, no car, no job. I have hit rock bottom for the first time in my life. I have been trying to find help. I did get an EBT card, Medicaid, and help with water for a one time help and I got help with the electricity up to 600.00. I own a home that is a bit ran down. But it is still home. But my ac/heat unit doesn’t work. So I use a little heater and fans in the summer. My fiancée passed away in July. He helped me out with things. I am looking for employment but I no luck so far. With no car it real hard. But I keep trying. I have three Beautiful children. Two are still in college. None of them are in the position to help. All of my life I have taken care of everyone and everything. I have no regrets. I have been trying to find help and work everyday. Christmas is coming fast and it’s breaking my heart but there isn’t anything I can do. I do not have a dime to my name. I don’t know what else to do but ask for help. No luck so far. Maybe you can help and give me an answer. I honestly don’t know what else to do.
Kim,
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. Here is the link to our Christmas resources. From there you can check for your state and county. If you don’t see your area listed, let me know so I can add it to the research list. Also, check out our series on EBT. I hope this helps.
-Riley
A do not no if yous can help me A had a daughter so was 11 years old 15 November 1995 when a loss her and a have two boys one is 24 and the order one is 30 a do fine it very hard that a am paying back a loans and the banks r taking money off me and a do not no what two do and a do not think that yous we’ll not help me
Dolores,
We are an informational website. What kind of information are you looking for? We have information on Christmas resources. Here is information on Food Stamps. And here is some information on utilities. If you let me know what type of information you are looking for, I can hopefully point you in the right direction. I hope this help.
-Riley
My son has been a lupus patient since 2007 he has had chemo and steroid treatment for stage 4 Kidney.He now has stage3.The problem now is in his bones in his entire legs.2016 left leg told he had to wait until it got worse. It sure did now in right leg also.Cannot find a orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in osrteonecrosis.We live in Hammond Indian 46324 and have blue cross blue shield Hoosier care connect.Doctors are not helping.either is insurance.I have been making numerous phone calls I am not going to lose my son do to neglect from his providers.wishing you or your subscribers can help thank you from both of us.
Elizabeth,
I’m so sorry to hear about your son. That breaks my heart. Unfortunately we don’t have any information on finding healthcare providers. Or you could try 211.org for more resources in your area. I hope this helps.
-Riley
Hi! I amwriting because I am in financial hardship. I need some help with funding because I have no way to get gas for the car or food for me and my family. I do hope you can help us out.
Sincerely,
Elly Wolschleger
Elly,
We are an informational websites that provides local resources to low income families. We do not give funding out to our readers. What area are you looking for resources in?
-Riley
Hi I am on a waiting list for a low income housing apartment. I will not be getting a ‘voucher” my rent is based off my income which is $1,230 a month. I am unable to work, I receive only $15.00 a month in SNAP benefits and I have medicaid and medicare. I am single, never married and was never able to have children. Do I need to be on a program where I receive a voucher, or can I qualify because they take 1/3 of my income and the rent never goes up unless my benefits do? Are these type of apartments under HUD/Section 8?
Nicole,
I’m not quite sure what you mean? You may need to clarify that with your caseworker.
-Riley
I guess i should specify that I am looking to qualify for low income internet with comcast internet essentials
Nicole,
Here is the information we have for Comcast Internet Essentials. Or, just in case, here are some other low income internet options. I hope this helps.
-Riley
I am a Project Manager for a community college district in Orange County. We have a fairly large non-credit program that has no-charge Basic Skills High School completion options (Diploma, Equivalency), ESL, Citizenship, Career Technical Education, etc. Can you share our information with your readers?
Michelle,
Do you have a link to the information that I could review?
-Riley
Hi my name is jacqueline swygart an I’m homeless living in my car but now I’m about to lose it because I don’t have money to pay my car registration fees
Jacqueline,
We have found some information on free car registration here. I hope this helps.
-Riley
Hello I’m a mother of six two of which is special needs. Nov.2018 I was in a bad accident, it became a burden on us. Exhausting everything I had in savings to get around. After receiving my refund I desperately purchased a vehicle. In good Hope’s doe my family thinking it was a reliable transportation. Till recently the repairs is to costly plus I have to move. Bbn is there any way you can help me
Jackie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you are all ok? Here is some information on low cost auto repair. I hope this helps.
-Riley