Stay Warm this Winter with a Free Space Heater

If you’re struggling to stay warm, there are charities and organizations that may be able to give you a free space heater or free electric blanket. We have found a mix of government programs, charities and nonprofits, and local programs that may be able to help you.

As always, services vary by location and supplies may be limited. You may need to reach out to several of these organizations in order to get the help that you need. Think of this guide as the best place to start when you need help staying warm.

Government Programs

No matter where you live in the United States, there are programs that may be able to help you conquer the cold. Whether it’s by providing a free space heater or by improving the energy-efficiency of your home, these programs can help you be more comfortable when it’s cold outside.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP is a federal grant that normally pays utility bills, but their “Crisis Assistance” program specifically provides emergency funds to repair or replace broken heating equipment when you need it.

Read More

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP is a program that modifies your home to make it warmer and more energy-efficient. If your heating system is old, dangerous, or inefficient, they can often install a brand-new unit for free.

Read More

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants

This program provides funds to very low-income homeowners in rural areas to remove health and safety hazards. Since a lack of heat is a major safety hazard, these funds may be used to buy or repair heating systems.

Read More

Utility Companies

You might be surprised to learn that your energy provider could offer you a free space heater or electric blanket! For example, Memphis Light Gas and Water has given away free heaters and blankets every year for the last several years.

While this service isn’t universally available, an increasing number of utility companies are recognizing the need to support their customers amid soaring energy costs. It’s definitely worth checking with your local energy provider to see if they have such programs in place, as they can be a valuable resource in helping you stay warm and manage your energy bills more effectively.

These programs are usually income limited, exclusively for customers with low incomes and high energy bills. Each company sets their own rules, so you’ll need to reach out to your utility provider to see what they offer.

Charitable Organizations

In addition to the standard government programs, there are several different nonprofits and charities that may be able to assist you with free space heaters, including:

Community Action Agencies

If you need a free or low‑cost space heater, blanket, or emergency fuel, your best contact points are often your local Community Action Agencies. Every county or parish in America has one of these. I recommend that you call your local Community Action Agency with two specific questions:

1. “Do you have any current programs that may provide a space heater, blanket, or other winter heating help?”
2. “If not, can you refer me to another organization in my county that might?”

Nonprofit Leaders

Salvation Army is a popular organization that sometimes offers heating assistance. They operate on a local basis, so this service may not be available in all areas. You will need to contact your local Salvation Army chapter to see if they have free space heaters available in your area.

St. Vincent de Paul is another well-known nationwide charity that may be able to assist with heating. Just like Salvation Army, this one operates on a local basis so you will need to contact your local office to see if this is a service they provide.

Christmas Programs

There are many Christmas programs that offer assistance with free gifts, toys and more during the holidays. Some of these programs may offer free space heaters, too! These include Blue Santa in Leander, Texas, which provides families with new blankets and a space heater.

Don’t forget — literally anyone can write a letter to Santa and make a request through USPS Operation Santa! It doesn’t matter where you live or how old you are. Anyone can submit a letter to this program, but not all wishes are granted.

Find Christmas programs in your area here.

Wish Granting Organizations

There are dozens of different wish-granting organizations out there. While some are internationally recognized for providing world-class destination adventures, others are smaller in scope and only provide help with basic needs.

For example, Twilight Wish is an organization that helps grant wishes for seniors. Their Simple Need program may be able to help you get a free space heater, electric blanket or other supplies that can help you stay warm.

Find more wish-granting organizations here.

211

If all else fails, you can call the United Way’s resource helpline at 211 to see if there are other nonprofits in your area that may be able to assist you. We’ve listed the ones we have been able to independently confirm below for your convenience.

Local Free Space Heater Programs

The best way to get free space heaters, electric blankets and more is to look at the local nonprofits and charities in your community. That’s because local agencies are usually better suited to solve local needs.

Florida

Elder CareServices in Big Bend provides free space heaters to low income seniors. In order to get help, you need to live in their service area, which covers Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Homes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, and Washington counties.

You can apply for this program by contacting Elder Care Services directly or by calling their Regional Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337 for assistance.

North Carolina

Warmth for Wake in Wake County can provide a free space heater or up to two cords of free firewood to those who need it. If you prefer firewood, they may be able to deliver it to you! In order to be eligible for this program, you must be a low income resident of Wake County, North Carolina.

You can apply for this program by contacting the Wake County Health & Human Services Department between October and March.

Tennessee

MLGW’s Power of Warmth Program in Memphis can give you a free space heater or electric blanket if you qualify. You must live in Shelby County, be disabled and/or low income, at least 60 years old, and have a MLGW account.

If you meet the requirements, you can apply online. Applications open at the end of November and remain open until supplies run out.

Texas

There are several programs in Texas that may be able to help you get a free space heater. The program that you need to contact will depend on where you live within the state.

Blue Santa in Leander is a Christmas assistance program that provides free blankets and space heaters when donations allow. You can get more info about this in our post about free Christmas help in Texas.

Dallas County Health and Human Services may be able to give you a free space heater through their Weatherization Assistance Program if you need one. In order to be eligible for this program, you need to have a gross income that is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and be a US citizen. Certain people who are not citizens, like noncitizen US nationals and legal residents, may also qualify. It appears that you can apply online but the Dallas Morning News recommends that you call (214) 819-1909 for assistance as well. Information and applications are available in both English and Spanish.

Hidalgo County Community Service Agency gives away free space heaters every year. You may be able to get help from them if you are a low income resident of Hidalgo County and at least one member of your household is either disabled, a senior, or a child under age 6. You’ll need to contact them for details.

Vermont

Department for Children and Families has a statewide program that may be able to provide a free space heater or other heating service for low income families who qualify. In order to be eligible, you must have a household income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. You must also be experiencing a winter heating crisis that involves your home’s primary source of heat. You can apply for this program by contacting your local Community Action Agency.

Important Safety Reminders

Space heaters can be helpful, but they also create serious fire and injury risks if used the wrong way. Always follow these basic safety rules:

1. Keep a 3‑foot safety zone. Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, furniture, and paper.
2. Use a proper outlet – no extension cords. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and cause fires.
3. Never leave a heater running unattended. Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
4. Put the heater on a flat, stable surface. Place heaters on the floor, not on tables, shelves, or soft surfaces where they can tip over.
5. Check for safety features. Try to only use heaters that have automatic shut-offs if they tip over, a thermostat or temperature control, and that have been properly tested for safety.
6. Inspect cord and plugs regularly. Stop using the heater if the cord is frayed, cracked, or hot to the touch.
7. Do not use fuel‑burning heaters indoors unless they are designed for it. Kerosene or propane heaters can produce dangerous carbon monoxide. Only use them indoors if the manufacturer clearly says it is safe and you have good ventilation and working carbon monoxide detectors.
8. Keep heaters away from water. Do not use electric heaters in bathrooms, near sinks, or anywhere they might get wet.

Relief Recap

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get a free space heater to stay warm this winter. The programs discussed in this article can help you receive a heater, electric blanket, firewood, or even something as elaborate as a heat pump to help you stay cozy when it’s cold outside. Follow the application instructions in this list or call 211 for more ways that you can get assistance. Stay cozy!