Fresno County assistance programs.

Utility bill assistance

The Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, known as EOC, has received millions of dollars in federal government funding to help provide utility bill assistance to struggling and low to middle income families across the county.  They are trying to get the word out that energy bill help is available. Fresno County EOC employees are offering customers a "discount" on paying their monthly energy bills. The county is signing families up for the the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

They are trying to provide assistance to 20,000 homeowners, and they have helped only about 4000 so far. So they are trying to help 16,000 more. Those who qualify for aid will receive anywhere from $240 to up to about $400 dollars a year to help pay electric, gas, and heating bills.

In addition, the organization offers the Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (HEAP/ECIP), which were created to help low to moderate income Fresno County residents. The program will provide up to $390 towards their energy bill, or provides them with wood, propane or oil. Dial (559) 263-1010 to learn more.

Social Service Programs

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno is one of the leading local agencies and offers several social service programs. It is a non-profit organization that serves families and individuals in need by providing, among other services, free food, immigration, rent help, payee support, refugee, social service, senior service programs, and financial assistance for paying utility bills. (559) 237-0851.

Poverello House, which can be reached at (559) 498-6988, is a private, nonprofit charity organization that serves the low income and destitute by providing meals, medical and dental care, day shelter, clothing, drug rehabilitation and other social service programs.

 

 

 

Kerman Social Services promote self-sufficiency for the low income by assisting low-income families who experience severe hardships or a crisis and who are unable to pay for their necessary energy bills or needs. Dial (800) 933-9677. Also try calling Kingsburg Social Services ((559) 897-7961), Orange Cove Social Services ((800) 933-9677), or Reedley Social Services ((800) 933-9677).

Rent, electric, water bill, and other assistance in Fresno

Kingsburg Community Center, which can be reached at (559) 897-7961, provides emergency utility bill assistance, access to a thrift store and food pantry, and may have funds for rent assistance.

Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at (559) 263-1135. This energy assistance program provides funds in a crisis, can help people avoid a disconnection, and can provide money to pay regular monthly bills.

Other agencies that provide utility and energy bill assistance include Sanger Community Center ((559) 263-1135), Victor Lopez Community Center (which is located in Orange Cove and can be reached at (559) 263-1135)

Fresno Temple Corps Community Center provides low income and other qualified residents with PG&E assistance, water bill utility payments, rent/mortgage payments, food, Brown Bag program (seniors), hair cuts, prescriptions and medications, some clothing and furnishings and Sunday evening Soup & Salvation. (800) 933-9677.

Find other housing and Fresno rental assistance programs.

Get free legal help

Central California Legal Services, Inc. is a non-profit law firm that provides free legal advice to the elderly and programs low-income individuals. Among the services offered include advice on utility service disconnections, help for persons for domestic violence, health access, illegal terminations, elder abuse prevention, tenant/landlord, free legal foreclosure assistance, education law, consumer debts and taxpayer assistance. Click here to learn more, or call them at (559) 570-1200.

Health care services for children

Two agencies that provide free health care for children include the Children's Hospital Central California (phone (559) 353-3000) and also the Children's Health Initiative for Fresno County (CHI). The first option, the hospital, provides free high quality, comprehensive medical and health care services to the children that live in Fresno and Central California, regardless of their ability to pay for their medical bills. On the other hand, the Children's Health Initiative for Fresno County (CHI) helps ensure that all uninsured children who live in Fresno County have access to affordable medical and health coverage, and also a medical home.

Additional medical care programs

Another local clinic that offers both adult and pediatric programs is the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission. The clinic offers high quality medical services to low-income, uninsured, and under insured individuals and children in the county. Receive both general care, as well as access to some specialty programs. (559) 263-1010.

Find additional ways to save on and get help with medical and hospital bills in Fresno. Several other community clinics operate in the area, and they are committed to offering high quality yet affordable medical care to anyone who needs help. Locate more Fresno clinics and health centers.

 

 

Debt and foreclosure help

A non-profit consumer counseling agency, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions which was formerly known as ByDesign Financial Solutions dba Consumer Credit Counseling, offers both debt and housing help as well as foreclosure counseling. (559) (877) 877-1995.

If you are struggling with paying your credit card bills or medical debts, the agency can offer you options. Learn about debt management plans, consolidate your debt, and reduce your interest rates. You can meet one on one with a counselor to explore solutions. More on credit card debt assistance programs.

The firm also provides mortgage and foreclosure counseling. A mortgage counselor will work with the homeowner to see if it is possible to save their home. All options will be reviewed, including both federal government mortgage programs and California foreclosure prevention programs.

Free food

Community Food Bank (phone number (559) 237-3663) provides temporary emergency food assistance to low income and other needy individual throughout Fresno County. Every $1 spent equals 8 meals.

Another local non-profit, Evangel Home, Inc., offers people facing eviction as well as homeless women and children by providing them with free food, short & long-term shelter, and counseling. (559) 264-4714.

Clovis Family Service Center ((559) 298-6797), Glory Bound Ministries ((559) 266-8812), and the Potter’s Church (phone (559) 221-0636) are just a few other local churches and organizations that provide assistance.

Find more Fresno food pantries that are focused on helping families and individuals across the community.

 

 

Money and cash grants for paying bills

The Fresno Salvation Army runs the family service center. This program offered by the agency helps meet the needs of struggling families and individuals by offering emergency groceries and food, funds for paying rent & utility assistance; meal programs; character building programs, rehab, holiday gifts and meals, transitional housing, and seasonal programs. (559) 233-0139.

Head Start for children

Children up to the age of five can apply to the Head Start program and receive access to a number of free social service programs. The components of the program can vary widely, but in general they can provide educational experience, dental and medical care, and pre-kinder garden programs and resources. Every year the non-profit organizations that run Head Start across Fresno County California help hundreds of children and their families with these and other needs. Click here for more information on the Head Start and early Head Start program in Fresno California.