United Way 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Missouri.
Official page: 211helps.org
Find Help Near You in Missouri
Free, private help lines for Missouri, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Missouri who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local Family Support Division office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In St. Louis, the St. Louis Homeless Services Division can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: 211helps.org, stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/human-services/homeless-services
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Missouri Legal Services connects residents to legal aid offices across Missouri, such as Legal Services of Eastern Missouri or Legal Aid of Western Missouri.
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps qualified households pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: mydss.mo.gov/energy-assistance
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Missouri Commission on Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: labor.mo.gov/mohumanrights
How do I find my local Family Support Division office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder at mydss.mo.gov.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can help your visit or call go smoothly. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Missouri
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local Family Support Division office (Missouri Department of Social Services)
Offices serving all 114 counties and St. Louis City for SNAP, TANF cash help and other support.
Official page: mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/food-stamp-program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Help paying home heating and cooling bills for qualified households, run by the Missouri Department of Social Services through local community action agencies.
Official page: mydss.mo.gov/energy-assistance
Missouri Legal Services
Statewide legal information, forms and referrals to civil legal aid across Missouri.
Official page: lsmo.org
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents in St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: lsem.org
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Civil legal help for qualified low income residents in Kansas City and Western Missouri, including housing advocacy.
Official page: lawmo.org
Missouri Commission on Human Rights
State office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: labor.mo.gov/mohumanrights
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)
Information for renters and homeowners in Missouri, including affordable rental homes.
Official page: mhdc.com
St. Louis Homeless Services Division
City programs for St. Louis residents, including homeless services and community referrals.
Official page: stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/human-services/homeless-services
St. Louis Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in St. Louis City.
Official page: slha.org
Housing Authority of Kansas City
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Kansas City.
Official page: hakc.org
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Joplin
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign a new lease, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Missouri
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.