Finding help

Agencies are ready to help people in distress find food, money to pay utility bills and money for the deposit on an apartment or rental home. There are even limited funds, usually available from churches or church alliance groups, that can provide emergency rental assistance.

General help

n First Call for Help is a clearinghouse for assistance. Counselors direct people to agencies offering assistance and can discuss the emergency situation to create solutions. Call 334-4357 or toll-free 866-914-4357. The website is www.firstcallforhelpsemo.org.

• The Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau offers a food pantry as well as bread and commodity distribution. In some cases, clothing and limited rental assistance is available. Visit 701 Good Hope St. or call 335-7000.
• The Community Caring Council is a community partnership agency, helping people connect with a variety of services. The council directs a grant to prevent homelessness that is used to help pay deposits on rental units. The council can be reached at 651-3747 or online at www.communitycaringcouncil.org.

Food assistance

n The Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, nutrition program operates from county health departments and provides vouchers to pregnant women and children younger than 5. With proper documentation, the vouchers can be issued the same day as a visit. Income must be below $19,240 for a single pregnant woman and $39,220 a year for a family of four. Contact a county health department for details.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, can provide ongoing help for those who meet eligibility guidelines. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for more information or go to dss.mo.gov/fsd to learn how to apply in Missouri.

Foreclosure prevention

n 4Sight Counseling intervenes with mortgage lenders, helps clients understand their rights in foreclosures and in landlord-tenant issues and offers other housing-related help. Call 334-7995 or visit www.4sightcounseling.org.

Utility bills

n The East Missouri Action Agency and the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp. distribute energy assistance to low-income families. Contact the EMAA in Cape Girardeau at 1111 Linden St., call 334-5533 or 800-392-8663, or visit www.eastmoaa.org. Contact the DAEOC at 800-748-8320 or visit www.daeoc.com.