Assistance Programs | Second Chance Apartments

Call 2‑1‑1 (free, confidential local referrals) or visit www.211.org to find your local center.
Check federal/state eligibility at www.usa.gov (use the Benefit Finder) to see SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP options and links to your state portal.

SNAP (food assistance) — helps buy groceries. Apply through your state benefits site; national info at www.fns.usda.gov/snap.
TANF (cash assistance) — short‑term cash for families with children; find state offices via www.usa.gov.
LIHEAP (energy/utility help) — one‑time heating/cooling bill grants and crisis help; national hub www.liheap.org and HHS/OCS LIHEAP page. For hotline help call 1‑866‑674‑6327.
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) — local programs to prevent eviction; locate via www.211.org or your city/county housing website.
Medicaid & CHIP (health coverage) — apply through your state Medicaid agency or learn more at www.medicaid.gov.
Lifeline (phone/internet discount) — ongoing monthly discount for eligible low‑income households; apply info at www.lifelinesupport.org or **www.usac.org/lifeline**; (usac.org in Bing) help line 1‑800‑234‑9473.
Nonprofit one‑time grants — national groups include www.salvationarmyusa.org, www.catholiccharitiesusa.org, and www.modestneeds.org (Modest Needs grants for working people facing emergencies).

Have these ready: photo ID, proof of address/lease, 2 recent pay stubs or benefit letters, past‑due notices, and SSNs for household members.
Apply to multiple programs (SNAP + LIHEAP + local nonprofit) — funds are limited and applying broadly increases chances.
Document every call: date, rep name, case number, next steps. Persistence and polite follow‑up matter.

Never pay to apply for government or nonprofit help. Legitimate programs do not charge application fees.
Watch for impersonators using charity names; Catholic Charities and others warn about scammers posing as agencies. Verify local agency pages via the national sites above.