Housing, Utilities & Financial Support
← Back to Resource DirectoryBroward 2-1-1
This 24-hour helpline acts as a central entry point for residents seeking crisis intervention, health information, and human services. Every call is answered by a trained counselor who provides emotional support and connects individuals to local resources for food, housing, mental health, and emergency financial assistance. The service is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages to support anyone facing life challenges, big or small.
Phone: 954-390-0493
Website: 211-broward.org
Broward Family Success Administration
The Broward Family Success Administration connects individuals and families in Broward County with programs and services that support stability and self sufficiency. It helps residents access assistance with housing, food, financial support, childcare, employment resources, and other essential needs through a coordinated system of care. The program focuses on strengthening families by linking them to community based services and helping them navigate available public assistance options.
Phone: 954-357-5025
Website: broward.org/FamilySuccess
Broward Homeless Helpline
The Broward Homeless Helpline provides 24 hour assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing in Broward County. The helpline offers crisis intervention, connects callers to emergency shelter, and helps coordinate access to housing programs and supportive services. It serves as a central point of entry for the local homeless assistance system, helping people quickly find resources and begin the process of securing stable housing.
Phone: 954-563-4357
Website: taskforcefl.org
Broward Water & Wastewater
Broward Water and Wastewater Services provides drinking water treatment, wastewater collection, and sewer system maintenance for residents and businesses in Broward County. The utility is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable water delivery and proper wastewater management to protect public health and the environment. It also handles billing, service connections, repairs, and customer support related to water and sewer services.
Note: Many municipalities run their own water and sewer departments.
Phone 954-831-3250
Website: Broward.org/WaterServices
Camillus House
Located in Miami-Dade, Camillus House provides a full continuum of care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Services range from food and clothing to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, alongside specialized programs for human trafficking survivors and behavioral health.
Phone: 305-374-1065
Website: camillus.org
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami provides comprehensive social services across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. Support includes emergency financial aid for rent and utilities, food assistance, senior and veteran programs, immigration services, and behavioral health counseling.
Phone: 305-754-2444
Website: ccadm.org
Centro Campesino
Centro Campesino is a nonprofit organization that supports farmworker families and low income residents in South Florida by providing access to affordable housing, financial education, emergency assistance, and community development programs. The organization works to improve economic stability through services such as homeownership counseling, rental assistance, disaster recovery support, and workforce development. It also advocates for underserved communities by connecting individuals to resources that promote long term self sufficiency and improved quality of life.
Phone: 305-245-7738
Website: centrocampesino.org
Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations
COFFO provides emergency and self-sufficiency services to migrant farmworkers and the rural poor. As Florida’s designated emergency agency for farmworkers, they offer aid for rent, utilities, food, and disaster relief. Long-term support includes BIA-certified immigration legal services, citizenship classes, vocational training, job placement, and assistance with SNAP/Medicaid applications.
Phone: 305-246-0357
Website: coffo.org
Covenant House Florida (Broward Shelter)
This 24/7 shelter provides a safe haven, crisis intervention, and transitional housing for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth (ages 18–24), including pregnant and parenting young adults and their babies. Beyond providing immediate essentials like food, clothing, and medical care, the shelter offers trauma-informed counseling, life skills training, and education and career navigation to help youth achieve long-term independence.
Phone: 954-561-5559
Website: covenanthousefl.org
Electrical Emergencies & Downed Power Lines
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting downed power lines, sparking electrical equipment, or dangerous outages. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line and never touch a person or object in contact with a line.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911 immediately.
Florida Power & Light
1-800-468-8243
FPL Outage Map & Status Tracker
Feeding South Florida
Feeding South Florida is the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving Miami-Dade and Broward. They provide immediate food assistance through a network of partner agencies and mobile pantries. Key services include home delivery for seniors, specialized programs for veterans and children, SNAP/Medicaid application assistance, and workforce training through their community kitchen.
Phone: 954-518-1818
Website: feedingsouthflorida.org
Florida Commission on Human Relations
The FCHR is the state agency authorized to enforce the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Fair Housing Act. It investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, as well as cases of whistleblower retaliation. The Commission handles allegations based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. If a violation is found, the agency can facilitate mediation, conduct a full investigation, and issue a determination to help victims seek legal or administrative remedies.
Phone: 1-800-342-8170
Website: fchr.myflorida.com
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicaid offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The program covers essential medical services and can assist with private health insurance costs based on income and eligibility.
Phone: 850-300-4323
Apply for Assistance Online
Florida Public Service Commission
The PSC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities. They handle disputes regarding billing, service quality, and improper shut-offs.
Phone: 1-800-342-3552
Website: FloridaPSC.com
Florida Reemployment Assistance Program (Unemployment Benefits)
Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Program provides temporary financial support to eligible workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and are actively seeking new employment. Benefits are typically paid weekly for a limited period and are based on prior earnings, with claimants required to file regularly, report job search efforts, and meet ongoing eligibility requirements. The program also connects individuals with job training and workforce services to help them return to work as quickly as possible.
Phone: 1-833-352-7759
Website: floridajobs.org
Food Stamps (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits for low-income individuals and families to purchase healthy food and groceries. These benefits are delivered via an EBT card and are designed to increase food security and supplement the household's nutritional budget.
Phone: 1-866-762-2237
Apply for Assistance Online
Florida Temporary Cash Assistance
TCA provides short-term financial aid to low-income families with children and pregnant women in their third trimester. The program focuses on family stability and self-sufficiency by covering basic needs like rent, food, and clothing. Eligibility is based on income and assets, and most adult recipients must participate in work activities through local workforce boards. Specialized assistance is also available for relative caregivers of children.
Phone: 850-300-4323
Apply for Assistance Online
FPL Electricity Assistance
The FPL Care to Share program offers emergency financial assistance to customers in crisis who are unable to pay their electric bills or need essential repairs to their meter cans. Administered through local nonprofit agencies, the program provides up to $500 in bill assistance once every 12 months to help eligible households avoid service disconnection.
Phone: 1-800-226-3581
Website: fpl.com/help/assistance.html
Free / Low-Cost Healthcare Locator
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) provides a comprehensive database to help uninsured and underinsured individuals locate clinics that offer medical, dental, and pharmacy services. These member clinics are community-based non-profits that provide a safety net for those who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
Phone: 703-647-7427
Find a Clinic
Gas Leak Emergency Reporting
Immediate emergency contacts for reporting the smell of natural gas (rotten eggs), hissing sounds near gas lines, or damaged gas pipes. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the area immediately on foot and do not use cell phones or light switches until you are a safe distance away.
Life-Threatening Emergency: Dial 911
TECO Peoples Gas: 1-877-832-6747
Florida Public Utilities: 1-800-427-7712
Florida City Gas: 1-888-352-5325
Note: Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or turn off gas valves.
Gateway Community Outreach
Gateway Community Outreach focuses on preventing homelessness and alleviating hunger through intensive 90-day case management. They provide emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgages, and utility bills (water and FPL), along with food, baby supplies, and clothing vouchers. Operating through several satellite locations, they offer immediate stabilization for residents in crisis while connecting them to long-term resources for self-sufficiency.
Phone: 954-725-8434
Website: gcoflorida.org
Hospital Billing Support
Hospital visits can cause significant hardship. Check with your local hospital to see what financial assistance programs may exist and/or what financial payment plans can be arranged.
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale
This agency provides safe and affordable housing opportunities to low-income residents of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. It manages public housing units, tax credit properties, and oversees thousands of Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) to help families achieve self-sufficiency. The authority also offers specialized support through programs like the Family Self-Sufficiency initiative to help residents work toward financial independence.
Phone: 954-556-4100
Website: hacfl.com
Lotus House Women’s Shelter
Lotus House is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women and children in Miami. They offer a sanctuary that provides holistic support, including trauma-informed residential care, job training, health clinic access, and specialized services for youth to help them transition into stable, permanent housing.
Phone: 305-438-0556
Website: lotushouse.org
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious home-delivered meals, safety checks, and social interaction for seniors (60+) and homebound individuals. In South Florida, local agencies administer the program, offering meals at no cost or on a sliding scale based on income eligibility.
Broward County:
Phone: 954-731-8770
Meals on Wheels South Florida
Miami-Dade County:
Phone: 786-469-4707
Miami-Dade County Meals on Wheels
Medicine Assistance Tool
A centralized web-based search engine that helps patients, caregivers, and providers identify and navigate the various financial assistance programs offered by biopharmaceutical manufacturers.
Phone: 571-350-8643
Website: medicineassistancetool.org
Miami 2-1-1
Operated by Jewish Community Services of South Florida, this 24/7 helpline connects Miami-Dade and Monroe County residents to essential health and human services. Trained counselors provide crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and referrals to a database of over 4,000 resources, including food assistance, housing, and legal help. The service is free, confidential, and available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Phone: 305-631-4211
Website: 211miami.org
Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services
Miami Bridge is Miami-Dade County’s only 24/7 emergency shelter serving runaways, homeless youth, and kids in crisis (ages 10–17). The organization focuses on family reunification, providing trauma-informed counseling, case management, and an on-site Miami-Dade County Public Schools program to ensure youth do not fall behind academically. They also provide community-based prevention programs to help families resolve conflict before a crisis escalates.
Phone: 305-635-8953
Website: miamibridge.org
Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services
CAHSD provides a wide range of social safety net services to stabilize individuals and families. Key resources include Head Start and Early Head Start, elderly home care and meals, and emergency energy assistance (LIHEAP). They also manage domestic violence shelters, substance abuse treatment, farmworker support, and home weatherization programs for low-income residents.
Phone: 786-469-4600
Miami-Dade County Website
Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust
The Homeless Trust oversees the county’s Continuum of Care, funding and coordinating housing and services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It operates the Homeless Helpline to provide emergency shelter placement, outreach, and prevention assistance. Additional services include permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and specialized programs for veterans, youth, and survivors of domestic violence.
Phone: 1-877-994-4357
Website: homelesstrust.org
Miami-Dade County Violence Prevention and Intervention Division
Miami-Dade Violence Prevention and Intervention is a county-run program that provides comprehensive support for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related crimes. Through both residential and non-residential services, the program offers crisis counseling, safe shelter, legal advocacy, emergency financial assistance, and referrals to community resources. It also operates a 24/7 helpline with call and text options, ensuring victims can access help safely and confidentially. By coordinating with local agencies and community partners, the program aims to protect survivors, promote recovery, and prevent future violence across Miami-Dade County.
Phone: 786-469-4600
Division Website
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department provides drinking water, wastewater, and sewer services for residents and businesses across the county. It manages water supply, billing and account services, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency response for issues such as water main breaks, sewer backups, and service outages. The department also oversees water quality monitoring and conservation programs to protect public health and the environment.
Note: Many municipalities run their own water and sewer departments.
Phone: 305-665-7477
Emergency: 305-274-9272
Official Website
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Florida provides emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, food pantries, community meals, and clothing. They also offer emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness alongside specialized support for veterans, seniors, and disaster survivors.
Phone: 1-800-725-2769
Website: salvationarmyflorida.org
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
This organization provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Their programs focus on holistic recovery, including specialized nursing care, transition assistance for education and careers, and integrative wellness initiatives like animal therapy. By assigning one-on-one case managers, they ensure long-term stability and connection for those navigating the journey from injury to community reintegration.
Phone: 760-725-3680
Website: thefund.org
Sunshine 811 (Call Before You Dig)
Florida’s free notification service to prevent damage to underground utilities. State law requires anyone digging to contact 811 at least two full business days before starting any project, including landscaping, fence installation, or construction.
Phone: Dial 811
Website: Sunshine811.com
Wait Time: You must wait 2 full business days (excluding weekends and holidays) for utilities to be marked with paint or flags before you begin digging.
Note: Private utilities (such as lines from a meter to a house, or pool heaters) are generally not marked by this service and may require a private locator.
The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) is a public-benefit corporation designed to bypass the complex middleman system of the pharmaceutical industry. By working directly with manufacturers and charging a flat, transparent markup, they offer over 2,300 medications at prices that are often lower than typical insurance co-pays.
Website: costplusdrugs.com
Women In Distress of Broward County
Women In Distress is the state-certified domestic violence center for Broward County, providing victims with confidential emergency shelter, safety planning, and crisis intervention. The agency offers comprehensive support services, including individual and group counseling, victim advocacy, and legal assistance with injunctions for protection. All programs are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages to support survivors and their children.
Phone: 954-761-1133
Website: widbroward.org