When you’re struggling to pay the bills, it’s easy to feel like every door is closed. Too often, families are handed lists of referrals and told to make dozens of calls just to be told there’s no help available. That’s why we’ve put together this list of nonprofits that go above and beyond. These organizations don’t just offer referrals—they provide real, direct help with rent, utilities, medical bills, transportation, and more.
Whether you’re facing eviction, dealing with a shut-off notice, or trying to recover from an emergency, these nonprofits may be able to help.
Modest Needs Foundation
Modest Needs Foundation provides self-sufficiency grants to individuals and families who are working but don’t qualify for traditional government assistance. These grants typically range from $750 to $1,250 and are used for emergency expenses like rent, utilities, car repairs, or medical bills. You can apply online through the Modest Needs website.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities offers emergency financial help to prevent evictions and utility shut-offs. Depending on your local office, you may also be able to get assistance with food, clothing, transportation, and more. Help is available to people of all faiths. Visit the Catholic Charities website and use their “Get Help” tool to find services in your area.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army can assist with overdue rent and utility bills, as well as essential expenses like shelter, transportation, food, and medication. Requirements and available services can vary by location, but most offices will ask for proof of identity, income, and the bill that needs to be paid. Find your nearest office through their website.
Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America supports low income families who are at risk of eviction, utility shutoffs, or other emergencies. Each local office sets its own guidelines, but most provide help with rent, utilities, or medical needs. You can locate help near you on the Lutheran Services website.
Family Promise
If you have children in your household and you’re homeless or facing eviction, Family Promise may be able to help with rent deposits, utility payments, transportation costs, and more. Many locations also offer case management and connections to long-term housing. Search for your nearest affiliate through their website.
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services offers emergency assistance for rent, food, medical bills, and other basic needs. You don’t have to be Jewish to receive help. Most locations require proof of income and an urgent need, such as a shut-off notice or medical emergency. Visit the Jewish Federations of North America site or search for local Jewish Family Services in your city.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul Society provides direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, gas, and other essentials. Because each chapter raises its own funds, available help and limits can vary widely—many chapters cap assistance at $150 to $300. You’ll usually need to show documentation of your financial emergency. Use their website to find your local chapter or ask your local Catholic parish for contact information.
American Red Cross
If you’ve been affected by a disaster such as a house fire, flood, or hurricane, the American Red Cross can help with emergency needs. They offer fast relief for verified disaster victims, including clothing, food, temporary shelter, and replacement of essential items. Visit their website or contact your local office to request help.
The Exodus Project
The Exodus Project helps survivors of domestic violence by providing emergency grants to cover housing, utilities, and other costs related to leaving an abusive situation. To receive assistance, you must go through a local domestic violence shelter or agency that partners with the program. If you’re already working with a shelter, ask if they can connect you.
United Way’s 211 Program
If you’re not sure where to start, dial 211. This free nationwide hotline can connect you with local nonprofits and emergency financial aid programs in your area. In some regions, the United Way itself provides financial assistance. Even if they don’t, their staff can point you to other agencies that do. Visit their website to search for help.
Relief Recap
Navigating a financial emergency is hard enough without having to call dozens of places that never call back. The nonprofits listed here actually provide help—real grants, real payments, real relief. Whether you’re trying to avoid eviction, reconnect utilities, or recover from a crisis, these organizations may be able to step in when no one else can.
I had a really hard time finding assistance when my 38yr old daughter died suddenly. I called some of the organizations listed above and didn’t get a call back. I almost had to abandon her body until someone advised me to use affirm.
I’m so sorry for your loss. That must have been an incredibly painful and overwhelming experience. It’s truly heartbreaking that support wasn’t available when you needed it most. If you or someone else ever faces this kind of need again (and we truly hope not), we do have a guide that may help: https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-help-with-funeral-expenses/. We’ll keep doing our best to improve these resources so no one feels alone during such a devastating time.
You always provide such amazing and real help when needed. Thanks for you thorough knowledge and understanding to our needs, especially the seniors community.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot to know that our work is helping—especially for seniors, who deserve so much more support and care. We’re grateful to have you here.
This is Awesome, Very helpful info! Thanks so much for sharing😊