As financial challenges persist into 2025, many families are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about where to turn and are finding help in hard times. Whether you’re struggling to pay bills, keep up with rent, or find affordable childcare, help is available. Across the U.S., a wide range of organizations and programs are stepping up to support families, many offering free or low-cost services.
Below is a list of trusted national and community-based resources to help you navigate financial hardship. Families often seek help during difficult times. These links cover food assistance, housing, financial counseling, childcare, and more.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
- Feeding America
Helps connect families with local food banks and pantries.
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank - SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries.
www.fns.usda.gov/snap - WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
Provides nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Housing and Utility Assistance
- National Low Income Housing Coalition
Find affordable housing options and rental assistance programs.
www.nlihc.org - HUD’s Rental Assistance Programs
Includes housing vouchers, emergency rent help, and public housing.
www.hud.gov/rent_assistance - LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Assists with heating and cooling bills.
www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/energy-assistance
Financial Assistance and Counseling
- 211 by United Way
Call or search online for local assistance with food, housing, bills, or healthcare.
www.211.org or dial 211 - National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
Get free or low-cost financial advice, debt management, and budgeting help.
www.nfcc.org - Modest Needs
Provides emergency financial grants to cover rent, utilities, or medical bills.
www.modestneeds.org
Child Care and Family Support
- Child Care Aware of America
Find affordable, licensed childcare and subsidy programs in your area.
www.childcareaware.org - Head Start / Early Head Start
Free early education, meals, and support services for low-income families.
www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs
Mental Health and Emotional Support
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Offers support groups, crisis helplines, and free mental health education.
www.nami.org - BetterHelp (Sliding Scale Options Available)
Online therapy with financial aid options for those in need.
www.betterhelp.com - SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Free, confidential help for mental health or substance use issues.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Job Training and Employment Services
- CareerOneStop (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
Find job training, unemployment help, and career centers near you.
www.careeronestop.org - Goodwill Industries
Offers job placement, training, and financial coaching services.
www.goodwill.org
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