Finding Help in Your Community: How to Use FindHelp.org
by Austin Leon, CFC Case Manager
Many people do not realize how many free and low-cost resources are available in their community. These programs can help with things like food, housing, transportation, medical care, behavioral health care, caregiving, and other needs.
One helpful website is FindHelp.org. This free website allows people to search for local services by entering a ZIP code. You do not have to be a patient at the Clearwater Free Clinic to use it. Anyone can use FindHelp.org to look for help for themselves, a family member, a friend, or someone they care for.
What Is FindHelp.org?
FindHelp.org is a free online tool that helps people find support services in their area. After entering a ZIP code, you can search for different types of help, such as:
Food assistance
Housing support
Utility bill assistance
Transportation
Medical care
Mental health services
Dental care
Prescription assistance
Job support
Legal help
Childcare
Senior services
Support groups
FindHelp.org can be used in Pinellas County, across Florida, and in many other areas throughout the United States. This makes it useful even if you are trying to help a family member who lives in another county or state.
How You Can Use It
FindHelp.org is easy to use. You can go to the website, type in your ZIP code, and choose the type of help you are looking for. You can also search by key words, such as “food,” “rent,” “transportation,” “caregiver,” or “veterans.”
Each listing usually includes information about the program, who it serves, how to contact the organization, and what steps may be needed to apply. Some programs may have income rules, age limits, location limits, or waitlists, so it is a good idea to call the organization directly to confirm details.
Help for Family Members and Caregivers
Many people use FindHelp.org to look for help for someone else. This may include an aging parent, a child, a spouse, a friend, or a loved one with a disability or illness.
Caregivers may be able to find resources such as:
Caregiver support groups
Respite care
Meal delivery programs
Transportation to appointments
Home care resources
Senior services
Disability support programs
Help with medical equipment
Financial assistance
Caring for another person can be stressful. Having one place to search for support can make the process a little easier.
Resources for Veterans
Veterans and military families may also find helpful programs through FindHelp.org. Depending on where someone lives, the website may show resources for:
Veteran housing support
Food assistance
Transportation
Mental health counseling
PTSD support
Job training
Legal help
Peer support groups
Substance use recovery services
Financial assistance
Some veterans may qualify for programs they do not know about. FindHelp.org can be a helpful starting point for finding both veteran-specific programs and general community resources.
Support for People With Chronic Illnesses
Living with a chronic illness can affect more than a person’s physical health. It can also make it harder to afford medications, get to appointments, prepare meals, work, or manage daily tasks.
FindHelp.org may help people find:
Medication assistance programs
Transportation to medical appointments
Disease-specific support groups
Medical equipment resources
Meal programs
Home care services
Counseling services
Financial help
Disability-related services
These types of supports can help people manage daily life while they continue to work with their medical providers.
Other Examples of Help You Can Search For
FindHelp.org can also be useful for many other situations. People may use it to search for:
Parenting support
Pregnancy resources
Domestic violence services
Grief support
Substance use treatment
Clothing assistance
Internet or phone assistance
Education programs
Youth programs
Reentry services after incarceration
Immigration and legal resources
The available programs will depend on the ZIP code used in the search.
A Helpful Place to Start
FindHelp.org does not replace direct support from a case manager, social worker, healthcare provider, or community agency. However, it can be a very helpful first step when someone does not know where to begin.
Whether you are looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, FindHelp.org can help you explore resources in your area. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start, and this website can make that first step easier.