COVID-19 Community Resource Assistance Programs
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on individuals and families. If you need assistance during these trying times, there are several local community resources that you can look to.
Rental & Mortgage Assistance
The City of St. Louis has allocated $5.4 million of its CARES Act funding to assist City residents with their rental and mortgage payments. The Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Affordable Housing Commission and various housing organizations, has established a rental and mortgage assistance program to help residents who are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. All forms of assistance will be made directly to the landlord/lender. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Keep in mind, submission of an application is not a guarantee that the application process is complete. All applicants who submit this initial application will be contacted by an STL CITY CARES provider who will schedule an appointment to discuss steps for qualification and approval. The maximum benefit is $3,500 per household. Program funding is limited.
For an overview of the program, click here.
International Institute
International Institute has received a portion of CARES Act funding that the City of St. Louis has allocated to rental and mortgage assistance. With these funds, the organization will provide assistance to a number of qualified refugees and immigrants. For details and the application process, please send an email to burgessa@iistl.org or call 314-773-9090 ext. 115. Email is preferred. Visit the International Institute’s website.
Employment Connection
Employment Connection is committed to assisting qualified families with eviction prevention. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call 314-333-5627 or visit their website.
Utility Assistance
The Ameren Missouri COVID-19 Clean Slate program includes $3 million to help residential electric customers with past-due balances pay off their utility bills. Multiple community partners and agencies will participate in administering the program and determining income eligibility. Once the agency determines your eligibility, the program can help you clear the remaining balance on your account after you make a down payment of 25% of your current balance owed.
Once a client selects a preferred agency, the following eligibility requirements must be met:
- Must be a residential electric customer
- Must pay 25% down on the balance due
- Must be at 250% or lower of the federal poverty rate
- Example: A family of four with a household income of $65,500/year or $5,458/month or less may qualify
For more information, click here.
Food Assistance
Operation Food Search and the St. Louis Area Foodbank provide individuals and families with numerous food assistance programs:
- Summer Meal Distribution Programs and food bank locations
- SNAP program enrollment (via phone)
- SNAP program details and updates
- WIC program details and update
For details, visit:
Legal Assistance
If you are looking for information or have questions regarding benefits, eviction or landlord issues, food stamps, healthcare coverage or other non-criminal issues, seek counsel from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM). LSEM provides free legal assistance for qualified low-income individuals. Call 314-534-4200, or complete an online application.
Visit their website for additional information.
Financial Coaching
Prosperity Connection
Prosperity Connection is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote economic success for everyone in the St. Louis region by providing financial education and access to reliable financial products and services. Through free, individualized financial coaching, Prosperity Connection’s team of experts helps people establish reasonable financial goals and achieve them over time. Coaching clients typically focus on goals like:
- Establishing or building credit
- Paying down debt
- Purchasing an asset like a car, home or business
Personal finance classes are also taught by Prosperity Connection staff and volunteers to help participants gain basic knowledge and skills on a range of topics, such as:
- Creating a household spending plan
- Purchasing a home or automobile
- Opening a small business
Classes are held both virtually and in-person at sites throughout the region. You can view upcoming classes and register at www.prosperityconnection.org/excel-center/. Be sure to subscribe to Prosperity Connection’s YouTube channel for valuable recorded classes that fit your needs.
For more information about Prosperity Connection and their services, visit their website or call 314-256-3995.
Additional Resources
St. Louis County Cares
The St. Louis County Cares website has a variety of available resources for individuals, children and families in need. On their Humanitarian Response Program Organization webpage, you will find information concerning housing, utility assistance, technology, child advocacy, senior services and more. Click here for details.
Urban League Emergency COVID Resources
The Urban League of St. Louis provides support programs for assistance with utility, housing, food, weatherization and employment needs.
Check out their website for further details and options for help.
The Urban League of St. Louis provides support programs for assistance with utility, housing, food, weatherization and employment needs.
Check out their website for further details and options for help.
United Way 2-1-1 Community Resources
United Way 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people find a variety of local resources from social service agencies and nonprofit organizations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For a detailed list of community resources available in Missouri and Illinois, click here.