Assistance programs in Jackson County and Carbondale, Illinois
If you live in Jackson County — in Carbondale, Murphysboro, or a nearby town — and you are short on rent, out of food, or facing a utility shut-off, this page shows you where to get help. It lists the local charities and government offices that help with emergency bills, food, shelter, health care, and legal problems. Each listing gives a phone number and address, with a short note on what the group does. Read the notes so you can call the right place first.
For emergency help with rent, food, or a place to stay, Good Samaritan Ministries in Carbondale is the main starting point. For help with heating and electric bills, contact Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, which runs the energy assistance program for the county. Shawnee Health provides medical and dental care no matter whether you can pay. If you are not sure where to start, dial 2-1-1 to reach someone who can point you to the closest program.
Start here — key numbers
- Shelter, food & emergency help (Good Samaritan): (618) 457-5794 — a shelter, meals, a food pantry, and one-time help with rent or utilities.
- Heating & electric bills (Western Egyptian E.O.C.): (618) 684-3341 — the county's energy assistance program.
- Domestic violence, 24 hours (The Women's Center): (800) 334-2094 — safe shelter and a crisis line that never closes.
Emergency financial help and basic needs
Good Samaritan Ministries - Serving the Carbondale area since 1985
Good Samaritan is the main safety net in Jackson County, and a good first call in a crisis. Its emergency assistance program offers one-time help with rent or utility bills to keep people housed. It runs an emergency shelter that is open around the clock, along with transitional housing for people working toward stability. A soup kitchen serves meals every day to anyone who is hungry. Good Samaritan also runs a food pantry, which operates out of University Baptist Church at 700 S. Oakland Avenue.
- Shelter & emergency help: (618) 457-5794 | 701 S. Marion Street, Carbondale, IL 62901
- Food pantry: (618) 457-0323 | 700 S. Oakland Avenue, Carbondale, IL 62901 | https://goodsamcarbondale.com/.
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council
Western Egyptian is the community action agency for Jackson County. It runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps pay a portion of your heating and electric bills. You do not need an overdue bill or a shut-off notice to apply, and renters can qualify too. Emergency help is available if your heat has already been disconnected. The agency also offers furnace repair, home weatherization, and Head Start for young children. It serves Jackson, Monroe, Perry, and Randolph counties. (618) 684-3341 | 342 North Street, Suite B, Murphysboro, IL 62966 | https://weeoc.org/.
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois
The Salvation Army serves Jackson County residents from its Southern Illinois office in Marion. Depending on funding, it may help with food, rent, utilities, and clothing. It is worth a call when other local funds have run out. Because the office covers many counties, call ahead to confirm what is available and how to apply. Reach the Southern Illinois office by dialing 2-1-1, or see the NHPB Jackson County Salvation Army assistance page for further details on the agency.
State benefits (SNAP, cash, Medicaid): Apply for food stamps, cash assistance, and health coverage through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The fastest way is online at the state benefits site (https://abe.illinois.gov/access/) or by phone at (800) 843-6154. The local Family Community Resource Center is at 342 North Street, Murphysboro.
Housing and Section 8
Need a place to stay for a crisis, not a long-term voucher? See Good Samaritan Ministries in the section above for emergency shelter and transitional housing.
Jackson County Housing Authority
The housing authority runs public housing apartments and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. A voucher helps you rent a private home while you pay a share of your income toward the rent. Waiting lists open and close from time to time, so call or check the website before you apply. When a list is open, you will need photo IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income for everyone in your household. (618) 684-3183 | 300 N. 7th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966 | https://jcha-il.org/.
Food assistance
Good Samaritan Ministries (listed above) runs a daily soup kitchen and a food pantry, and the Salvation Army may also help with food. The pantry below is another option.
Murphysboro / Jackson County Food Bank
This pantry provides free groceries to families and individuals in need. It is generally open on weekday mornings. Call ahead to confirm the current hours and to ask what to bring. (618) 684-8258 | 906 N. 14th Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966
Free and low-cost health care
Shawnee Health
Shawnee Health is a community health center that turns no one away. It provides primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health, and a pharmacy. Fees are set on a sliding scale based on your income, so care stays affordable even without insurance. Clinics serve Jackson County in both Carbondale and Murphysboro. Call to become a patient or to schedule a visit. (618) 519-9200 | Carbondale: 400 S. Lewis Lane as well as Murphysboro: 7 Hospital Drive | https://www.shawneehealth.com/.
Abundant Health Resource Clinic
This clinic offers free medical care and case management to low-income and uninsured people in the area. It is meant for those who do not have insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or another way to get care. Call ahead to check what services are offered and when. (618) 529-9459 | 441 E. Willow Street, Carbondale, IL 62901
Domestic violence and crisis help
The Women's Center - Serving southern Illinois since 1972
The Women's Center helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It runs a safe emergency shelter in Carbondale for anyone fleeing abuse, along with free counseling. Its crisis hotline is answered any hour of the day or night. Staff also help with orders of protection and provide legal and medical advocacy. Help is free and confidential. (800) 334-2094 or (618) 529-2324 (24-hour hotline) | 610 S. Thompson Street, Carbondale, IL 62901
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid gives free civil legal help to low-income residents and seniors across southern Illinois, including Jackson County. Its lawyers handle matters such as eviction and housing, public benefits, consumer problems, and family law. It does not take criminal cases. You can apply by phone or online. The Carbondale office covers the region. (618) 457-7800 or (800) 642-5335 | 509 S. University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Carbondale, IL 62901 | https://lincolnlegal.org/.
Please note: Programs, phone numbers, and the help each group offers can change without warning. Funding for aid often runs out before the end of a month. Always call ahead to confirm what is available and what you need to bring. This page is a free guide and is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed.
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