Food assistance
8 listedAshmore Food Pantry
212 N Oakland Rd, Ashmore, IL 61912, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Blessings Food Pantry
4217 Dewitt Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Charleston Food Pantry
990 W State St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
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Eastern Illinois Foodbank
2405 N Shore Drive, Urbana, IL 61802
Food bank serving Coles County, Illinois. They distribute food through local pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs in the Coles County area. Visit their website or call to find the food assistance nearest you.
Who it is for: Open to families and individuals in need of food.
Maranatha Baptist Church Food Pantry
3400 Dewitt Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Salvation Army, Mattoon - Food Pantry - Food Distribution Center
1300 Richmond Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Standing Stone & Carpenters Table Food Pantry
375 14th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Sunday: Closed
Standing Stone Community Center - Food Distribution Center
375 14th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Diapers & baby supplies
6 listedBlessing Box
411 Jackson Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Embarras River Basin Agency
696 Castle Dr, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Silver Spoons Hits The Spot
510 6th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
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SoupStop
2175 Harrison Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
St. Hedwig's Haus of Hospitality
227 Jackson Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
The Seed Shed
11207 NCR 2570 E, 11207 N 2570 E, Ashmore, IL 61912, USA
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Maternal & infant health
4 listedCharleston Family Planning Center
618 W Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Coles County Family Planning
825 18th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Sarah Bush Lincoln
1000 Health Center Dr Suite 401, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
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SIHF Healthcare - Charleston
626 W Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Healthcare & clinics
5 listedColes County Health Department
753 Windsor Rd, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Health Department/Family Planning
825 18th St #1, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
HSHS St. Anthony's Multispecialty Clinic - Mattoon
101 Coles Centre Pkwy, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
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Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
SBL Mattoon Walk-In Clinic
Emerald Acres Sports Connection, 1201 Wooddell Wy, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Childcare & early education
5 listedCharleston Community Early Learning Center
2206 4th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Child Care Resource & Referral
600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
ERBA Charleston 1 Head Start
697 Windsor Rd, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
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ERBA Charleston 2 Head Start
707 Windsor Rd Ste a, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Roots and Branches
670 18th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Housing & shelter
1 listedColes County Housing Authority
109 Prairie Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Utilities & financial help
19 listedCASA of East Central Illinois
651 Jackson Ave #13, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Catholic Charities
4217 Dewitt Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM · Sunday: Closed
CCAR Industries
1530 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
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Children's Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois
119 W State St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Coalition For People In Need
990 W State St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 4:15 – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 4:15 – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 4:15 – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 4:15 – 5:30 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Coles County Habitat for Humanity
720 N 3rd St, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission
651 Jackson Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Coles County Sheriff's Office
701 7th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative
104 Dewitt Ave E, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Department Of Human Services : Family Community Resource Center
1550 Douglas St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Elevate CCIC, Inc.
700 Broadway Ave E Space #8, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Embarras River Basin Agency
416 S 17th St, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
LifeSpan Center - Coles County Council on Aging (CCCoA)
11021 E Co Rd 800 N, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Mattoon Community Food Center
600 Moultrie Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 1:30 – 3:30 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 1:30 – 3:30 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 1:30 – 3:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
One Hope United | Hope Center Charleston
701 Monroe Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Rural King
1475 18th St, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
The Haven
1812 Western Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Tuesday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Thursday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Friday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Saturday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM · Sunday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
The Salvation Army Mattoon
1300 Richmond Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
United Way of Coles County
National helplines, open to every family
These work anywhere in the United States, most of them around the clock.
Feeding America Food Bank Finder
Find your local Feeding America food bank and nearby pantries anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
SNAP Food Assistance (USDA state directory)
Apply for SNAP (food stamps) to help buy groceries. Use the directory to find your state SNAP office and application.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
USDA National Hunger Hotline
Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm ET
Free help finding food assistance anywhere in the country. Call to be connected with food pantries, meal sites, and benefit programs. Available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
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National Diaper Bank Network
Find a diaper bank near you anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Families in need of diapers
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 24/7; interpreter services available.
Who it is for: Pregnant and postpartum people and their families
Postpartum Support International
Support and resources for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety challenges. Call or text the helpline to be connected with local support.
Who it is for: New and expecting parents
WIC Nutrition Program (USDA)
Free healthy food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding help for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. Find and apply at your local WIC clinic.
Who it is for: Income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
Find a community health center near you that provides care on a sliding fee scale, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Who it is for: Open to all; sliding-scale fees
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Enroll in health coverage for your family, with financial help based on income. Call or apply online; the call center is open 24/7.
Who it is for: Open to all; subsidies based on income
Insure Kids Now (Medicaid and CHIP for children)
Free or low-cost health and dental coverage for children and teens through Medicaid and CHIP. Call to be connected with your state program and get help enrolling.
Who it is for: Children and teens in income-eligible families
Childcare.gov
Find child care options, financial assistance, and your state child care resources anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to all families
Head Start and Early Head Start
Free early education, child care, and family support for income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Use the locator to find a program near you.
Who it is for: Income-eligible families with children birth to age 5
211 (United Way)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential help available 24/7 in every state. Dial 211 to connect with local resources for housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and more.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
HUD Housing Counseling
Free, HUD-approved counseling for renters and homeowners. Get help finding rental assistance, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and locating affordable housing.
Who it is for: Open to renters and homeowners
National Runaway Safeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Help and resources for youth experiencing homelessness or thinking about running away, and for their families. Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
Who it is for: Youth and families
LIHEAP Energy Assistance (National Energy Assistance Referral)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm ET
Free help paying heating and cooling bills. Call to be connected with the energy assistance office that serves your area, or visit EnergyHelp.us to find it.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Call or text 988, or chat online. Help is available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Anyone in crisis; free and confidential
Disaster Distress Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis counseling for anyone in emotional distress related to a disaster. Call or text 24/7.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by a disaster
SAMHSA National Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone; free and confidential
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7 confidential support for children, teens, parents, and anyone worried about a child. Counselors answer questions, talk through difficult situations, and connect you with local resources. Call or text.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone affected by domestic violence. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online to talk with an advocate, plan for safety, and find local help.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by domestic violence; free and confidential
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, available 24/7. Call or chat online to reach a trained advocate.
Who it is for: Survivors of sexual assault; free and confidential
Find Legal Aid (Legal Services Corporation)
Search for the free civil legal aid office that serves your county. LSC funds nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state for issues like housing, custody, benefits, and debt.
LawHelp.org (free legal aid finder)
Find free legal aid and self-help resources in your state for housing, family, public benefits, safety, and more.
Who it is for: Income-eligible individuals and families
CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Free job search help, training and certification info, and resume guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor. Use the Local Help section to find your nearest American Job Center for free in-person employment services.
211 Transportation Help (United Way)
Free, confidential referrals to local transportation help such as rides to medical appointments, bus passes, and gas vouchers where available. If you have Medicaid, also ask your state Medicaid office about free rides to covered medical appointments.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (club finder)
After-school and summer programs for ages 6 to 18, including sports leagues, STEM labs, and meals at many clubs. Use the finder to locate a club near you.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Free, age-appropriate books mailed each month to children from birth to age 5, at no cost to families. Available where a local program operates; use the finder to check your area and register your child online.
Who it is for: Any Missouri child under age 5, regardless of income
YMCA (Find Your Y)
Youth programs, child care, camps, and family activities at local YMCAs nationwide. Use the locator to find your nearest Y and see which youth programs it offers.
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You want to help families in Coles County
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Want to know when this list grows?
We add listings county by county. Once a month we send one email with what is new, what is on the free item board, and the research behind all of it. No account needed.