Those who are undergoing financial difficulties can reach out to non-profit organizations and charities for assistance. Organizations that help individuals or families with their bill payments have basic requirements such as income or family size. Most charities that provide financial assistance offer countrywide services. Applicants are advised to review the eligibility for each program.
Modest Needs
Modest Needs is a non-profit organization based in New York City and serves individuals and families living in all 50 states. The organization is dedicated to helping those who are self-sufficient but in need of emergency financial assistance cover their immediate expenses. Modest Needs provides four types of grants: Self-Sufficiency, Back-to-Work, Independent Living and Non-Profit Grants. Modest Needs remits payments to creditors for expenses incurred by their clients. Applications for financial assistance are determined based on family size and income. Individuals or families seeking assistance can submit their application online. Modest Needs does not provide immediate financial assistance.
Ways to Work (WTW)
Ways to Work is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and provides short-term, low-interest loans to individuals or families across the country. The organization is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and is dedicated to assisting low-income families with poor credit histories. Ways to Work provides a substantial amount of loans for individuals wishing to purchase used vehicles. WTW loans can also be used for other expenditures such as auto repair, mortgage payments or child-care assistance. Auto loans are offered at 8 percent interest rate for the purchase of a car costing between $4,000-$6,000. The goal of WTW's auto loan is to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency through job security.
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities is a non-profit organization with local agencies throughout the country. The organization provides advocacy, training and financial support as well as disaster assistance for victims. Local agencies provide emergency assistance services by providing financial assistance to cover the cost of medical bills, mortgage or rent and utility bills. In addition, the agency also provides clothing, medical assistance and other forms of emergency financial assistance based on need.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation
United Healthcare Children's Foundation provides financial assistance to children who are medically uninsured as well as children who lack a comprehensive medical coverage. The foundation provides grants to qualified applicants of up to $5,000 or based on a family's adjusted gross income. To qualify, applicants must be under age 17; children under federally funded programs such as Medicaid are ineligible.
