211 NH
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in New Hampshire. You can also call 866 444 4211.
Official page: 211nh.org
Find Help Near You in New Hampshire
Private help lines for New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local community action agency. 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 Manchester, CAPHR, formerly Southern New Hampshire Services, at 603 668 8010 can tell you about help with rent and bills. New Hampshire Housing at 603 472 8623 also offers information for renters. Ask what is open now.
Official page: caphr.org, nhhfa.org/contact
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. 603 Legal Aid at 603 224 3333 and New Hampshire Legal Assistance at 603 668 2900 offer civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify.
Official page: 603legalaid.org, nhla.org/contact-us
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. The Fuel Assistance Program helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: energy.nh.gov/consumers/help-energy-and-utility-bills/fuel-assistance-program
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 New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: humanrights.nh.gov
What does New Hampshire Housing offer renters?
New Hampshire Housing provides rental resources across the state. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental assistance programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: nhhfa.org
How do I find my local community action agency?
Dial 211, or use the agency finder on the CAPNH website.
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 make the visit go faster. 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 New Hampshire
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.
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
District offices serve residents across New Hampshire. They handle SNAP and other help, and can point you to local services. The support line is 800 852 3345.
Official page: dhhs.nh.gov/about-dhhs/locations-facilities
New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program
Help paying winter home heating bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies. Call to find your local agency.
Official page: energy.nh.gov/consumers/help-energy-and-utility-bills/fuel-assistance-program
603 Legal Aid
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify across New Hampshire, including housing, family and benefits problems.
Official page: 603legalaid.org
New Hampshire Legal Assistance
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in the Manchester area, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: nhla.org/contact-us
New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: humanrights.nh.gov/contact-us
New Hampshire Housing
Information for renters and homeowners in New Hampshire, including rental assistance and homebuyer programs.
Official page: nhhfa.org/contact
Community Action Association of New Hampshire
Local community action agencies across New Hampshire help with heating bills, emergency needs, housing and job support. Find your local agency on its website.
Official page: capnh.org
Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Manchester.
Official page: manchesterhousing.org/contact
CAPHR (formerly Southern New Hampshire Services)
Community action agency providing energy assistance, housing support and community services in Hillsborough County.
Official page: caphr.org
NH DHHS District Office (Nashua)
State office for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, cash help and child support in Nashua.
Official page: dhhs.nh.gov/about-dhhs/locations-facilities
Community Action Program Belknap Merrimack Counties
Help and community referrals for people in Concord and Merrimack County.
Official page: capbm.org/Contact-Us
Community Action Partnership of Strafford County
Help and community referrals for people in Dover, Rochester and Strafford County.
Official page: straffordcap.org/contact-us
Southwestern Community Services
Help and community referrals for people in Keene and Cheshire County.
Official page: scshelps.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 Rochester
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.
Or say you're behind on rent in Nashua. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local DHHS district office or community action agency and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
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, 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 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in New Hampshire
Find Help in New Hampshire: Where to Start with 211, SNAP Help and Legal AidEmergency Shelter Tonight in New Hampshire: Manchester, Concord and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in New Hampshire: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in New HampshireFree Job Help and Job Training in New HampshireFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Help in New HampshireDomestic Violence Help and Safe Housing in New HampshireVeterans Help in New Hampshire: Housing, Health and Crisis SupportHelp for Youth and Young Adults in New Hampshire: Housing, Crisis Lines and Job CorpsGetting ID and Important Papers Back in New HampshireLow Cost Phone and Internet Help in New Hampshire: Lifeline and Free AccessFree Legal and Tenant Help in New Hampshire: Eviction, Benefits and HousingHow to Make Blessing Bags in New Hampshire: Safe Food, Warm Gear and Help Cards
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.