Having a housing environment that is safe, clean and one that you can depend on is key to good health. Being at risk of losing your home or not having a steady place to live is stressful and can impact your physical and emotional health. Have hope. There are resources to help you.  Below are links to get you started.

• HUD Rental Assistance:  https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance
• Housing Help: https://www.usa.gov/housing-help-audiences
• Find Affordable Rental Housing: https://www.usa.gov/finding-home
• Resources If You or Your Family are Currently Homeless or is in Danger of Becoming Homeless: http://nationalhomeless.org/references/need-help/

Getting access to enough food to maintain your nutritional health is critical to you and your family’s health.  And, the worry of having enough food can impact your emotional well-being.The good news is that there is support available:

• • Find Food Bank Resources: https://www.feedingamerica.org
  • See if You Qualify for the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program 
  • Child Nutrition Programs: https://www.nutrition.gov/food-assistance-programs/child-nutrition-programs
  • Locate Food Distribution Programs: https://www.nutrition.gov/food-assistance-programs/food-distribution-programs
  • Browse Programs for Seniors to Get Affordable Food: https://www.nutrition.gov/food-assistance-programs/nutrition-programs-seniors
  • Learn about the WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Program: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-fact-sheet

Finding transportation to get to medical appointments, work or getting things you need can be a real challenge. Depending on where you live, there are many local, regional and national programs to assist you:

• Check with Your Local Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities: https://www.n4a.org/adrcs
• Free Rides for Seniors and the Disabled: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/free_transportation_disabled.html
• Eldercare Locator for Transportation: https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/topic/Transportation.aspx
• Every State’s Medicaid Program Offers Programs for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-medicaid-coordination/fraud-prevention/medicaid-integrity-education/downloads/nemt-factsheet.pdf

Your ability to keep your gas, water, oil or electric utilities turned is a serious concern. You already know these are the basic elements we all need to stay safe and maintain our health. Don’t give up. There are resources available to help you.

• Checkout Need Help Paying Bills: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/need_help_with_electric_bills.html
• Help with Bills Program: https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills
• Locate State Programs, Charitable Programs and Home Energy Programs: https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/help
• State-specific Utility Bill Payment Programs:  https://www.utilitybillassistance.com/html/utility_bill_assistance_progra.html

When your physical and/or emotional safety is at risk due to the way others are treating you or speaking to you there is help.  These are real hurts and insults that can impact your health. There is no shame to get help and it is an act of love to protect yourself and/or your loved ones. Below are several great resources to get your started.  However, if you or a loved-one feels threatened or is being harmed call 911 for immediate help.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
• The National Child Abuse Hotline: https://www.childhelp.org
• The National Dating Abuse Hotline: https://www.loveisrespect.org
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://www.rainn.org
• The National Center for Victims of Crimes: https://victimsofcrime.org
• Violence Against Women – State-Specific Contacts: https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/state-resources

The American Academey of Family Physicians recommends 3 great resources to locate free or reduced-cost services for housing, transportation, food, and so much more at the following: 

• The National 211 Organization: http://www.211.org
• Aunt Bertha: https://www.auntbertha.com
• Cap4Kids: https://cap4kids.org