Food assistance
5 listedCole County Mobile Food Pantry - Food Distribution Center
1315 Fairgrounds Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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.
Missouri Association For Social Welfare - Food Distribution Center
606 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 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.
Salvation Army -Jefferson City - Food Distribution Center
927 Jefferson St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 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.
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The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri
2101 Vandiver Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MO 65202
Regional Feeding America food bank serving central and northeastern Missouri. They supply food pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs throughout Cole County and the surrounding area. Visit their website or call to find the food pantry or distribution closest to you.
Who it is for: Open to families and individuals in need of food.
The Pantry JC
2123 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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.
Diapers & baby supplies
7 listedBuilding Community Bridges Non Profit
213 E Ashley St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 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.
Common Ground Community Building
1015 E Atchison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Monday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM · Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM · Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM · Thursday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM · Friday: 9:00 – 11:45 AM · 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.
Day Solutions Foundation
210 El Mercado Plaza, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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: 7:00 AM – 5:00 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.
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Every Childs Hope
1026 Northeast Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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.
Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc
101 Riverwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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.
Samaritan Center
1310 E McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 5:30 PM · Friday: Closed · 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.
Sisters of the Poor Foundation
1631B W Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65109, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 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.
Maternal & infant health
3 listedMissouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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: 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.
Missouri WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
Free nutrition program for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Provides healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and referrals. Call TEL-LINK or visit the site to find your local WIC clinic.
Who it is for: Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women and children under 5 who meet income guidelines
Nurses for Newborns
Free in-home nurse visits for expecting and new parents across Missouri. Nurses check the health of mom and baby, teach newborn care and safe sleep, and connect families to other resources, all at no cost.
Who it is for: Expecting and new families; no cost
Healthcare & clinics
3 listedCole County Health Department
3400 W Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:30 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.
Find a Community Health Center (Missouri Primary Care Association)
Missouri's Community Health Centers provide medical, dental, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Use the locator to find a center near you.
Who it is for: Open to all; sliding-scale fees based on income
Missouri Institute for Community Health
722 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 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
Childcare & early education
4 listedChild Care Aware of Missouri
Free help finding quality, affordable child care anywhere in Missouri. Specialists provide personalized referrals and information about child care assistance.
Who it is for: Open to all Missouri families
Head Start
605 Cherry St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Monday: Closed · 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: 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.
Head Start and Early Head Start (Missouri)
Free early learning, health, and family support for children from birth to age 5. Early Head Start also serves pregnant women. Use the center locator to find a program near you.
Who it is for: Families at or below the federal poverty level; foster, SSI/TANF, and homeless families may also qualify
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Southwest Early Childhood Center
812 St Marys Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 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.
Housing & shelter
3 listedMissouri 211 (United Way)
Call Dial 211 or 1-800-427-4626Website
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential helpline available 24/7. Dial 211 to reach a specialist who can connect you to food, housing, rent and utility assistance, childcare, healthcare, and other local services.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
Missouri Housing Development Commission
State housing agency that funds rental assistance, homeless services, and low-cost housing through local nonprofits and Community Action Agencies across Missouri. Visit the site to find housing help and your local agency.
Who it is for: Income-based; varies by program
The Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter & Social Services
927 Jefferson St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Call (573) 635-1975 ext. 2Website
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
Utilities & financial help
8 listedCatholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri
1015 Edmonds St, Jefferson City, MO 65109, USA
Monday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Sunday: Closed
CMCA-Cole County Family Resource Center
1515 E High St #101, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 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: 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.
Family and Community Trust
114 B E High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, 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.
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Missouri Community Action Network
3337 Emerald Ln, Jefferson City, MO 65109, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 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.
Missouri Energy Assistance
615 Howerton Ct, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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.
Missouri Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Helps income-eligible households pay heating and cooling bills, including crisis help when you face disconnection or run out of fuel. Apply online or through your local Community Action Agency.
Who it is for: Income-eligible Missouri households
The Salvation Army Corps Community Center
927 Jefferson St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Call (573) 635-1975 ext. 1Website
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 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.
United Way of Central Missouri
205 Alameda Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109, 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
Mental & behavioral health
1 listedNAMI Missouri
Support, education, and resource referrals for people living with mental illness and their families. Call the NAMI HelpLine for non-crisis support and connections to local programs.
Who it is for: Open to all; free
Domestic violence & safety
1 listedMissouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Connects survivors to local domestic and sexual violence programs across Missouri, including shelters, counseling, and court advocacy. Use their map to find a member agency near you. For 24/7 crisis help, call 1-800-799-7233.
Who it is for: Survivors of domestic or sexual violence
Legal aid
4 listedLegal Aid of Western Missouri
Free civil legal help for low-income families in western Missouri, including the Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Joplin areas.
Who it is for: Low-income residents of western Missouri
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Free civil legal help for low-income families in eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis region. Handles issues like eviction, domestic violence, public benefits, and consumer problems.
Who it is for: Low-income residents of eastern Missouri
Legal Services of Southern Missouri
Free civil legal help for low-income families across southern Missouri, with offices in Springfield, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Rolla, and West Plains.
Who it is for: Low-income residents of southern Missouri
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Mid-Missouri Legal Services
Free civil legal help for low-income families in central Missouri, including the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.
Who it is for: Low-income residents of central Missouri
Employment & job training
1 listedMissouri Job Centers
Free help finding work and training across Missouri. Job Centers offer job listings, computers and printers for your search, resume help, and skills-training programs.
Who it is for: Open to all job seekers
Transportation
1 listedOATS Transit
Nonprofit providing affordable, door-to-door transportation in 87 mostly rural Missouri counties for the general public, seniors, and people with disabilities. Call or visit the site to find service in your county.
Who it is for: Open to all ages in served counties
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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