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Assistance programs in Pinellas County and St. Petersburg area.
Find how to get financial help paying bills from churches, charities, and government organizations. Pinellas County organizations provide grant money to help with utility bills or rent to free groceries, gas vouchers for low income working parents, housing, and debt relief. There is also free stuff like back to school supplies and daycare vouchers. Get financial assistance near where you live in Clearwater, Pinellas County, St. Petersburg and other cities.
Learn how to apply for grants or loans to pay bills below. A number of assistance programs are also for senior citizens and the working poor in Pinellas County FL. There is also everything from free social services to job placement, mortgage relief as well as free Christmas gifts for kids. Both emergency financial aid and free items are available in the region.
Financial help to pay bills in Pinellas County
The Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. (POC) is a non-profit Community Action Agency that has been in operation since 1968. They partner with state, federal, local and private charity organizations to offer assistance programs to Clearwater FL and Pinellas County families. Some of what is offered are noted below. However, there are other financial resources. Contact them at 501 1st Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Their phone number is (727) 823-4101 or (727) 937-9393.
- Emergency Services and Crisis Program - People facing a crisis can get limited financial assistance and grant money on a one-time basis. The free money can be used to pay utility and electric bills, rent/mortgage payments, food, clothing, and other emergency situations.
- POC Federal Credit Union - The organization also provides affordable financial services, such as low interest loans. There is information on savings accounts, certificates of deposit, counseling, money orders, and more for low-income members.
- Residents may be eligible for low cost loans to help with paying bills as an options. Pay for car purchases and repairs for work or educational needs. Funds can be used for housing, medical costs, job related tools and uniforms, or child care. The focus is on long term self-sufficiency. Low interest car loans from Ways to Work may be another option.
- Other resources are offered by POC as well such as Chore Services for the elderly and disabled. The focus is always on helping people work towards self-sufficiency. More on Pinellas Opportunity Council programs.
- Free school and education supplies are provided. This can be for kids, teens, students or even adults going back to learn. The purpose is to help individuals and families who are striving for self-sufficiency by providing them gift cards, free backpacks, notebooks, and other supplies for the low-income. Find details free school supplies.
There are many housing focused resources as well. Most of the non-profits, agencies, and programs below can help with utilities, food, rent, and more. To find additional locations in St. Petersburg Florida and the region that focus on rental assistance, read more on Pinellas County and St. Petersburg rent assistance.
- Low income and Pinellas County transitional housing programs are available for struggling families. Resources can assist residents on the verge of eviction and the homeless. As part of these programs, the participant can receive a place to stay while they look for employment or save money to pay the rent. Numerous programs are available in St. Petersburg and other area. Find more information short term housing Pinellas County.
- Affordable as well as free rent apartments are for the poor. Some immigrants or seniors that need home, supportive care may use these housing units too. Many are HUD approved. Find more on getting apartments for free.
Pinellas County, Health & Human Services Department is located at multiple offices. Low and moderate income families can get grants and help for paying mortgage, rent or utility bills. There are SNAP food stamp applications, Medicaid and other government aid. There are also programs for the disabled, the sick, and additional energy assistance for the elderly when funds are available. ACCESS Florida is a tool to use. Read more on Florida foreclosure programs.
- Social services can help pay bills and housing costs. The Pinellas County case workers also help people also deal with the underlying cause of the financial hardship. So receive advice on debt management and mortgage assistance too. Burial and cremation assistance is offered, and read more on free funeral help.
There are multiple offices, including at 2189 Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL 33765. Call (727) 464-4200. Other site is at St. Petersburg office is at 647 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. For information, dial (727) 464-4200 Or learn more on emergency assistance in Pinellas County.
Pinellas County Urban League has a number of assistance programs. Low income energy assistance and weatherization programs help the low-income with paying their home cooling and utility bills, as well as even the occasional winter heating bill. On the other hand, the weatherization program provides Pinellas County residents with energy saving updates to their home as well as home repairs and energy conservation measures. Or learn more on government weatherization services.
- The Urban League also runs the Job Placement Assistance Center. The organization is committed to improving the quality of life of residents, and having steady employment is one of the keys to this. Contact them to learn more about employment services. The location is 333 31st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Contact the Pinellas County Urban League at 727-3272081 to learn more or apply.
High Point Neighborhood Family Center, which can be reached at (727) 533-0730, may be able to provide rent, power bill and housing assistance. There may also be free basic needs ranging from small appliances to pots and pans, some furniture and other goods. The financial help is for Clearwater renters who have an eviction notice. The charity is at 5812 150th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760
Oldsmar Cares is a local non-profit agency which provides rent, summer cooling and utility bill assistance. There is also a free food pantry and a clothes closet. Seniors in Pinellas County can also get a feww AC unit (as resources allow) during the summer. The charity will have possible rent help, all at no cost to those in need in the Oldsmar Florida area. Dial (813) 415-7373
St. Petersburg and Clearwater Salvation Army - The agency helps the low income and people at risk. Financial assistance can be provided to help stabilize a family’s situation. Programs offered include rent help, money for utilities, and homeless prevention services.
- There are low cost items and free stuff for low income families too. Pinellas County residents can turn to the Salvation Army Thrift Store for support too. Among other social services the Pinellas County provides includes food, free clothes, or gas vouchers for a job. There are also low cost items sold from the thrift store to anyone from Pinellas County FL.
- One of the resources in high demand is Christmas, seasonal and holiday assistance, including Adopt a Family. There are also free school supplies as well as uniforms. Food, meals, clothing, and other emergency aid is provided from on site social workers. Read more Salvation Army in Pinellas County.
Tampa Area Salvation Army may be an option. It is a regional faith based charity. A variety of social services are offered by the Salvation Army's Tampa Area command center. They offer low income a wide range of assistance programs that can help families and individuals overcome hardship. For example, find ways to get help with housing expenses including rent, limited funding for utility bills, and more. They can even refer people to other local agencies if in face they can’t directly aid the applicant. Call 813-226-0055.
Isaiah's Inn / Place provides rental assistance to full time, employed parents. They help single moms and dads with housing costs. They are based in Clearwater Florida. Credit and budget counseling may also be available along with funds to pay a security deposit. The location is 4824 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Call the agency as (813) 769-7892.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Helpline (South County) maintains a telephone help-line. It can help residents looking for financial help or that are looking for information on money for free to pay bills. The church can offer referrals for assistance with food, clothing, information on mortgage and foreclosure programs. Or get free vouchers for furniture or cash needed for the payment of utility bills.
- A CARE center is also available on site for meals, clothing, and hygiene needs. St. Vincent also focuses on veterans and their housing needs by offering deposit help, aid from SSVF, and details on benefits. Dial (727) 825-0725, or more on Pinellas County St. Vincent de Paul.
Another government agency to call is Pinellas County Community Development Department. It is based in Clearwater Florida, and help is available for home repair loans. The organizations provides rent help, eviction prevention, and funds for utility bills. Any support is combined with case management. There may be minor AC or HVAC repairs, information on FL utility company payment plans and landlord-tenant mediation. Dial (727) 464-8210. The location is 600 Cleveland St #800, Clearwater, FL 33755. Phone: (727) 464-8210.
Pinellas County Catholic Charities - The primary low income program they offer is known as Friends in Need. It will help families obtaining their most basic needs. This means Catholic Charities may be able to help with housing, shelter, free food, or energy bills. The organization also runs a health care clinic and provides immigration services.
- There is also the Catholic Charities, regional ESG Homeless Prevention. The agency may have emergency financial assistance and cash grants. There may be limited funds for a mortgage payment too or hotel vouchers for single moms in Pinellas County.
The main address is 1213 16th St. N. Saint Petersburg, Florida 33705, dial (727) 893-1313. Their services are available across the region, including in St. Petersburg. More on Catholic Charities in Pinellas County.
St. Giles Manor of Pinellas Park Florida will offer low income housing to senior citizens and the elderly. They will need to pay a portion of their income towards monthly rent expenses. A church sponsors this. Call (727) 541-5741.
St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and their Ministry of Helping Hands provides financial help, or loans, to parish residents. There may be free basic needs as well including clothing, rent help, food, or may to pay past due electric bills. There are also funds for low-income families or single people to pay for other basic utilities, including water. Address is 1507 Trotter Road, Largo, Florida 33770-4366, telephone (727) 584-2318.
Boley Centers and the City of St. Petersburg HOME Voucher Program runs the TBRA, Tenant Based Rental Assistance. Applications are from the Boley Center. It can provide rent, utility bill and deposit assistance for eligible households. They need to be at or below 50% of the median family income, is limited in scope, and will only satisfy a small number of applicants from the city. Location is 445 31st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 or call (727) 821-4819.
Homeless Emergency Project is for homeowners, renters, and homeless people. The non-profit can help eligible clients in the form of short-term financial assistance. When funding allows, there free grant money for a mortgage, utility bills, or past due rent on an apartment. In addition, the agency operates low income and transitional housing, including for single parents and veterans in the region, including St. Petersburg.
- Other assistance from HEP in Pinellas County includes free food and personal hygiene items. Or the Pinellas County organization arranges free legal aid for stopping evictions, as well as grants for paying the rental or utility deposit on a new home or apartment. Call (727) 442-9041, or continue with Homeless Emergency Project housing programs.
Caring and sharing - Disability Achievement Center is a non-residential center for independent living. The agency will assist people of all ages and disabilities gain or maintain independence in their homes. Core services provided are Information and Referral, Peer Mentoring, Independent Living Skills, and Youth in Transition.
- The supporting services from the center include Medical Equipment Recycling Program (MERP), Consumer Equipment and Modification Assistance. There is also support for Employment Services, and Deaf as well as Hard of Hearing Programs, including free hearing aids. Office is at 12552 Belcher Road South, Largo, Florida 33773. Call (727) 539-7550
Daystar Life Center St. Petersburg offers a program known as Basic Needs Assistance. As funding allows, it can offer free clothing, food, medications, and very limited amounts of utility bill assistance. For people who need help getting to work or an interview, the non-profit may offer free gasoline vouchers and/or bus tokens. The goal is to help people get to work, and locate a free voucher to get gas.
- The agency can also assist clients in obtaining identification in the form of Florida ID, a birth certificate, or a Driver's license. Location is 1055 28th Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, telephone (727) 825-0442, or click more information on Daystar Life Center assistance.
Clearwater Housing & Economic Development Assistance assists both new and current homeowners. Look into down payment assistance, housing rehabilitation loans, or free energy conservation services. There is also free foreclosure counseling and budget classes for individuals seeking homeownership. They also help seniors in Pinellas County with property taxes. Phone (727) 562-4030, or the office is at 600 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755.
Pinellas Metropolitan Ministries is a leading social service agency. As resources allow, they may have free food from the Box of Hope, hot meals, clothing, and emergency financial aid for housing or rent. Transitional housing and applications for benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or energy bill assistance may also be available on site at the Access Center. Locate assistance programs from Metropolitan Ministries.
Crossroads of Tampa and Pinellas - They provide housing and other solutions to veterans and the disabled. Females can receive shelter from ATHENA House, Supportive Services for Veteran Families will provide money in an emergency for rent, and there is also extensive case management, outreach and referrals available to agencies in Pinellas County. Read Crossroads assistance programs.
Directions for Living has a permanent housing program. As resources allow, it can provide a safe living environment for families and individuals in the region as part of HUD Housing First. Partner groups, including churches, may offer clients free medical services, referrals and case management. The goal of the housing is to give people time to gain stability. Telephone (727) 524-4464, (727) 893-1707 or (727) 688-1918.
People that Love Church may have small amounts of funds for paying electric or cooling bills. The applicant needs to have a disconnection notice. A major focus is on helping senior citizens and disabled adults in Pinellas County. Location is 817 5th Avenue North in Saint Petersburg. Call (727) 820-0775 or (727) 820-0775.
Get help from utility companies in Pinellas County. Many people in St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Florida do not know that most utility companies offer grants, weatherization, and financial assistance. Read more on energy assistance programs.
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas supports both the elderly as well as disabled. A wide variety of services are offered, including Meals on Wheels, free stuff such as medical equipment or wheelchairs, food and more. They also support caregivers, arrange respite, and help address medical needs. Locate other details on healthcare for seniors over the age of 60.
- There are even recreational trips planned for the elderly and free home wellness checks. The non-profit is at 9549 Koger Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. It supports the entire county, and dial (727) 570-9696. Or more on assistance from Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.
General assistance is available at Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) offers numerous services and resources including Head Start Child Development Center or information on low-cost summer camps for kids. Or get applications to Child Care Food Program, as well as P.E.P.P.I. They also help people SNAP or other benefits save money and even learn about what surprising products SNAP will pay for.
- There are also free cash grants, Guardianship Program, Youth Shelters and Family Crisis Counseling Program. Low-income homeowners can get information on mortgage assistance programs. Or explore Housing, Employment, Refugee and immigration services. Call 813-676-9471 or (813) 875-1408.
Pinellas County vouchers for paying bills or for free stuff
Free clothes, basic needs, furniture and other material goods are offered from St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Florida clothing closets or furniture banks. Churches, charities, and not-profits provide vouchers and free items to children from low income families and others who are struggling. Another option is to shop at a thrift store for lower priced goods. Other items provided can include free Christmas supplies, school items, backpacks, free furniture and more. See Pinellas County free clothing closets, furniture and school supplies.
- Summer and fall free school supply programs are another option. Foundations, non-profits, and other groups give kids free school supplies, backpacks, sneakers, and other goods to students, including those that are living in poverty or homeless. Locate free back to school supplies in Pinellas County.
Free holiday programs, ranging from Thanksgiving to Christmas and others, can help the less fortunate in Pinellas County. Children may receive free Christmas presents or toys and seniors a hot meal. Other charities in the region may pass out food boxes, serve a meal or hold special Christmas events. More on free Christmas assistance Pinellas County.
Pinellas County free food assistance programs help feed people with little or no money. RCS is an organization that runs the largest distribution network in Clearwater and Pinellas County Florida area. The agency is the largest distributor of free food, hot meals and groceries to those in need. In total, the group thousands of individuals monthly at RCS’s warehouse and through dozens of sub-sites located throughout the county. Call 727-584-3528
- Health and nutrition classes as well as shopping classes can help Pinellas County families save on their food or groceries. There are also coupons and websites that families can turn to for resources. As one example, locate websites for free coupons.
- There are several dozen additional food banks, soup kitchens and distribution centers in the region. Click here for alternate locations on free food pantries in Pinellas County.
Receive free health care Pinellas County. There are multiple clinics that help the homeless, people with no insurance or those on Medicaid or Medicare. Both dental and medical is offered as well as additional services, such as free behavioral health and dental extractions. Find listing of free community clinics in Pinellas County.
- There are other programs too. The free care is wide ranging in Pinellas County. They help people as well that have an income that will exclude them from receiving state or federal government assisted programs yet the income they have is not high enough to pay for insurance or private healthcare. Find other free health care resources.
- Medications are given out too, including for cancer, ADHD, or diabetics. This includes insulin pumps, transportation to a clinic and other services. As an example, find assistance for diabetics.
Free legal consultations are arranged by Bay Area Legal Services. The volunteer attorneys may be able to help. They have free consultations with a focus on low-income and elderly residents in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. The lawyers address civil needs. Some of what they can help with includes family law, including divorce, foreclosures, custody and domestic violence. Or get help with individual rights, senior advocacy; fair housing; and consumer law and issues. Click here to read more, or call them at 813-232-1343. Or find free lawyers legal aid in Florida.
Help with debt, mortgage relief and credit counseling in Pinellas County
If you are struggling with paying your debts and bills, Clearpoint (formerly the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Central Florida & The Florida Gulf Coast, Inc.) is the largest nonprofit organization in the region. The non-profit dedicated to financial wellness in the St. Petersburg and Tampa area. Through a wide variety of programs, including comprehensive professional consumer credit education, reduction and debt management plans they help with unpaid bills.
- The non-profit also offer foreclosure and mortgage help, confidential counseling and help for medical bills. The organization provides qualified clients the empowerment, encouragement, and success they need to take charge of their finances and expenses throughout various stages of life. Dial 1-800-251-2227 (CCCS). Or find additional ways to get debt help.
Another agency to try is the Tampa - Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. They promote home ownership, economic development, refinancing of home loans and repairs. Call (727) 442-4155. They also partner with Florida HUD counseling agencies.
- Or if these agencies can’t help you then you still have more options. They can range from additional non-profit counseling agencies up through law firms that offer pro-bono legal aid and advice. Every year homeowners receive loan modifications and are signed up into foreclosure prevention programs. Most of the services offered are provided at no cost to qualified homeowners. Find more Pinellas County foreclosure prevention agencies.
Additional programs for the low-income in Pinellas County
Emergency help is offered by other places as well. The Pinellas County United Way has a free referral service too, which can be reached at (813) 274-0900. The programs will help people get the stuff they need for their family or funds to pay the bills.
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