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Assistance Programs in Twin Falls County and the Magic Valley, Idaho
Struggling residents of Twin Falls, Buhl, Filer, Kimberly, Hansen, and communities throughout Twin Falls County can access emergency financial assistance, food, utility bill help, housing, shelter, legal aid, and crisis services. The support is available through a network of nonprofits, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. This page covers verified resources organized by service type, with addresses and phone numbers of who to contact.
Note: Some of the primacy agencies to try include South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP) is the federally designated community action agency for Twin Falls County, administering LIHEAP energy assistance, weatherization, food programs, and emergency financial aid. The Salvation Army and Mustard Seed Ministries together provide the county's most accessible walk-in emergency food and financial assistance.
Start Here — Find Help Fast
- Utility bills (LIHEAP), weatherization, emergency rent/food (Twin Falls County CAP): South Central Community Action Partnership — (208) 733-9351
- Emergency rent, food pantry, utility help, lodging, Christmas: Salvation Army Twin Falls — (208) 733-8720 or Mustard Seed Community Services — (208) 733-9515
- Utility help, food, clothing, thrift store (South-Central Idaho): St. Vincent de Paul Twin Falls — (208) 734-9143
- Emergency homeless shelter (Twin Falls): Valley House — (208) 734-7736
- Public housing & Section 8 (Twin Falls County): Snake River Housing Alliance — (208) 733-5765
- Free civil legal help (landlord-tenant, domestic violence, benefits): Idaho Legal Aid Services — (208) 746-7541
- Food, housing, job training, immigration (farmworkers & migrants): Community Council of Idaho — (208) 734-3336
- Food pantry & emergency aid for Buhl and Castleford residents: West End Ministerial Association — (208) 329-2393
- Don't know where to start? Dial 2-1-1 — Idaho CareLine, free, available weekdays, connects callers with local assistance throughout Twin Falls County. You can also text 898211.
Community Action & Emergency Financial Assistance
South Central Community Action Partnership is the primary starting point for federally funded emergency assistance in Twin Falls County. The Salvation Army and Mustard Seed together provide the county's most accessible walk-in emergency support.
South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP) Est. 1965
SCCAP is the federally designated Community Action Agency for Twin Falls and surrounding South Central Idaho counties, established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1965. The agency serves Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties from its Twin Falls headquarters. A second office serves Cassia County in Burley. Programs include:
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Annual federally funded heating bill assistance for qualifying low-income households. Benefit is calculated based on household income, size, heat type, and regional cost factors, and is paid directly to the utility vendor. Priority is given to households with members aged 60 and older, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Applications open each fall and funding is exhausted quickly — contact SCCAP early.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: Free energy-saving home improvements — insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling upgrades — for income-qualifying renters and homeowners. Improves comfort while reducing heating and cooling costs long-term.
- Emergency Food Assistance: SCCAP operates food pantry distributions at its Twin Falls office on select weekday mornings. Call ahead for current dates and hours.
- Family and Individual Stability (CSBG): Case management and limited emergency financial assistance for households facing a crisis with rent, utilities, or other basic needs, funded through the Community Services Block Grant. Call for current availability and eligibility requirements.
- Homeless Assistance / Access Point: SCCAP serves as the county's Coordinated Entry access point. Staff can provide referrals to Valley House shelter and other homeless resources. Call (208) 733-9351 to begin the process.
- Self-Help Housing: SCCAP operates a HUD-funded mutual self-help homeownership program, helping qualifying lower-income families build their own homes in the Magic Valley. Families contribute labor toward construction. Current builds are underway in Buhl.
Contact: (208) 733-9351 | Toll-free: (800) 627-1733 | 550 Washington Street South, Twin Falls, ID 83303. https://www.sccap-id.org/
The Salvation Army — Twin Falls Corps Est. 1865
The Salvation Army operates from its Twin Falls Corps location on 4th Avenue North, providing emergency food, financial assistance, and seasonal programs for individuals and families throughout the Magic Valley. Programs include:
- Food Pantry: Free groceries available Monday through Thursday during midday hours. Quantities and specific available items vary.
- Emergency rent and utility assistance: Financial help for qualifying households facing eviction or utility disconnection. Call ahead to confirm current funding and intake requirements.
- Project Share (energy assistance): In partnership with Idaho Power, a program providing utility bill help for qualifying households during the heating season (generally October through April).
- Emergency lodging: Short-term emergency shelter or lodging referrals for individuals in crisis.
- Seasonal programs: Angel Tree Christmas gifts for children, back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, and holiday food assistance.
- Clothing and household goods: Available through the Corps and referrals to local thrift resources.
Contact: (208) 733-8720 | 348 4th Avenue North, Twin Falls, ID 83301. https://twinfalls.salvationarmy.org/
Mustard Seed Ministries — Community Services Est. 2002
Mustard Seed Ministries is a faith-based outreach of Twin Falls Reformed Church, operating from two adjoining buildings on Main Avenue North since 2002. The Community Services office provides scheduled assistance appointments for Twin Falls County residents; walk-ins are not accepted. All visits must be scheduled by calling the community services line. Programs include:
- Emergency food boxes: Scheduled food box pickup for qualifying households. Bread, produce, and donated grocery items are often also available.
- Financial assistance: Limited direct financial help for utilities, rent, and other living expenses for qualifying clients referred by community agencies. Photo ID and paperwork required.
- Clothing assistance: Clothing and household vouchers redeemable at the Mustard Seed Thrift Store.
- Diapers and baby supplies: Available to qualifying families with infants.
- Basic medical equipment loans: Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and similar items loaned to qualifying residents on a temporary basis.
- Saturday hot lunch: A free hot meal served at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays — open to anyone in the community.
- Mustard Seed Thrift Store: Donated clothing, furniture, and household goods at low cost, located at 702 Main Avenue North (separate entrance). Proceeds fund the ministry's community programs.
Community Services: (208) 733-9515, ext. 1 (call Monday–Thursday to schedule) | Community Services office: 736 Main Avenue North, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Thrift Store: 702 Main Avenue North. https://www.mustardseedtf.org/
Faith-Based Emergency Aid
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Twin Falls Est. 1986
St. Vincent de Paul of South-Central Idaho has served Twin Falls County since opening its thrift store in 1986. SVdP is distinctive for its home visit model — when you call the helpline, two volunteer Vincentians will arrange to visit your home to understand your needs and determine how best to help, rather than requiring you to come to an office. Services are available to all regardless of faith, background, or criminal justice status. Programs include:
- Rent and utility assistance: Emergency help for qualifying households to prevent eviction or utility disconnection, provided through home visits. Payments are made directly to landlords or utilities on behalf of clients.
- Food, clothing, and furniture: Help with essential household items provided through home visits and referrals to the thrift store.
- Prescription assistance: Help obtaining medications for qualifying residents who cannot afford them.
- Reentry assistance: Help with clothing and transitional housing support for individuals recently released from incarceration.
- Thrift Store: Gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods at low cost. Open Monday through Friday.
To request help: Call (208) 734-9143, leave your name, phone number, zip code, and a brief description of your need. A volunteer will try to call back within 48 hours. Contact: (208) 734-9143 | 244 Main Avenue E., Twin Falls, ID 83301. https://stvincenttf.com/
West End Ministerial Association (WEMA) — Buhl
The West End Ministerial Association is a cooperative of Buhl-area churches providing emergency food assistance to residents of Buhl and Castleford. The food pantry distributes food boxes, bread, fresh produce when available, and free jackets and blankets on a rotating schedule. Contact: (208) 329-2393 | 908 Maple Street, Buhl, ID 83316. Call ahead to confirm the current distribution schedule before visiting.
Shelter & Homeless Services
Valley House — Emergency Shelter
Valley House is Twin Falls County's primary emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. SCCAP's Coordinated Entry Access Point (208-733-9351) provides referrals to Valley House for qualifying individuals who need emergency shelter. Call SCCAP first if you or someone you know needs shelter placement. Direct contact for Valley House: Contact: (208) 734-7736 | 507 Addison Avenue West, Twin Falls, ID 83301.
Housing & Rental Assistance
Snake River Housing Alliance (Formerly Twin Falls Housing Authority) Est. 1950
The Twin Falls Housing Authority now operates as the Snake River Housing Alliance, managing affordable public housing in Twin Falls, Jerome, Buhl, and American Falls. The alliance provides income-based rental housing for qualifying low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Programs include:
Public Housing: Income-based affordable rental units at multiple Twin Falls locations. Rent is calculated as a percentage of household income per federal guidelines. Applicants must meet income limits, citizenship or eligible immigrant criteria, and pass a screening process. Wait lists are common; applications are submitted online through the Twin Falls Housing Portal.
Eligibility requirements include household income within the area limits, documentation of Social Security numbers, and meeting the Alliance's screening criteria for lease compliance. Contact: (208) 733-5765 | 200 Elm Street North, Twin Falls, ID 83301. https://twinfallshousing.com/
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)
IHFA administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for Twin Falls County and seven surrounding counties. The voucher subsidy is attached to the participant, not a specific unit, allowing qualifying households to rent from private landlords while IHFA pays a portion of the monthly rent directly to the landlord. Applications and eligibility requirements are available on the website. Contact the Twin Falls branch for applications covering Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties. Contact: (208) 734-8531 | Toll-free: (866) 234-3435 | 841 Meadows Drive, Suite 100, Twin Falls, ID 83301. https://www.idahohousing.com/renters/rental-assistance/
Food Assistance
SCCAP, the Salvation Army, Mustard Seed, and St. Vincent de Paul all operate significant food programs — see their entries above. The organizations and pantries below provide additional food access for Twin Falls County residents. Also see the Twin Falls County food pantries page.
Community Council of Idaho — Twin Falls
The Community Council of Idaho is a statewide nonprofit with a Twin Falls office serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers, immigrants, and low- to moderate-income community members. In addition to workforce training and Head Start services, the Twin Falls office provides emergency food assistance and connects qualifying residents with LIHEAP energy bill assistance and rent emergency programs. ESL education, bilingual services, and transportation assistance may be available for qualifying clients. Call ahead to confirm current programs and hours before visiting. Website: https://communitycouncilofidaho.org/
Free Legal Aid
Idaho Legal Aid Services — Twin Falls Office
Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Idaho residents throughout Twin Falls County and seven surrounding counties. The Twin Falls office serves Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties. Services include representation and advice on housing (evictions, landlord disputes, unsafe conditions), family law, domestic violence protection orders, public benefits access, consumer debt, and more. All Idaho Legal Aid offices are accessible through the statewide legal advice line. Income eligibility is required. Contact: (208) 746-7541
State & Federal Government Programs
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare — Twin Falls
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare administers state and federal benefit programs for qualifying Twin Falls County residents. Programs include:
- SNAP (Idaho Food Stamps / EBT): Monthly food assistance benefits for qualifying low-income individuals and families.
- Medicaid: State health insurance coverage for qualifying low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program): Low-cost health coverage for children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families): Short-term cash assistance and employment services for qualifying families with children.
- Child Care Assistance: Subsidized childcare for income-qualifying working families or those in job training or education programs.
- Adult Protection Services: Investigation and intervention for reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Apply online at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov or in person. Contact: (208) 736-2100 | 601 Pole Line Road, Suite 200, Twin Falls, ID 83301. https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/
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