General and Emergency Assistance
If you would like to inquire about or apply for General or Emergency Assistance, see our Contacts at the top of this page (or under the 3-lines corner menu on a mobile device).
Assistance from other agencies may be available depending on the criteria. A general place for a variety of programs can be found at www.findhelp.org.
Food
Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefit formerly known as food stamps) at Illinois Department of Human Services.
Good Samaritan Ministries offers a food pantry. Call (618) 457-5794 for details.
University Baptist Church offers a food pantry at 700 South Oakland Street, Carbondale, IL. Call 618-457-0323 for details.
Victory Dream Center offers a food pantry at 607 East College Street, Carbondale, IL. Call (618) 351-8018 for details.
Rent or Mortgage
Apply for assistance with rent at Illinois Housing Development Authority – Rental Housing Resources.
See Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention and Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program at Illinois Housing Development Authority, and IHDA Mortgage.
Medical
Apply for a medical card at Illinois Department of Human Services.
Mental Health
Mental health intake (at no/reduced fee with a medical card) is available at Centerstone, 2311 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, IL. Call 877-467-3123 for an initial appointment.
Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Apply for assistance with energy bills in the autumn of each year at Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council www.weeoc.org or call 618-965-3458.
Clothing
University Baptist Church offers a clothes closet at 700 South Oakland Avenue, Carbondale, IL. Call 618-457-0323 for details.
Free phone
A free smartphone and service is offered at www.assurancewireless.com.
Discounted internet service
The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program‘s monthly discount on broadband services ended on June 1, 2024 due to a lack of additional funding by Congress.
Free smoke alarms
Free smoke alarms can be requested at Fire Station #1, 5420 Old US Highway 51, Carbondale or call 618-549-0213. The volunteer firefighters will install the smoke alarms. You can also contact Debbie Stanley at 618-521-1454.