Housing, Utilities & Financial Support
← Back to Resource DirectoryBroward 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.
Website: broward.org/FamilySuccess
Phone: 954-357-5025
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.
Website: taskforcefl.org
Phone: 954-563-4357
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.
Website: Broward.org/WaterServices
24-Hour Emergency & Customer Service: 954-831-3250
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.
Website: ccadm.org
Phone: 305-754-2444
Centro Campesino (Farmworker Center)
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.
Website: centrocampesino.org
Phone: 305-245-7738
Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations (COFFO)
COFFO provides emergency social services and advocacy specifically tailored to the needs of farmworkers and low-income rural residents in Miami-Dade County. Through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), they offer critical support including emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, food security programs, and immigration-related assistance to help families maintain stability.
Website: coffo.org
Phone: 305-246-0357
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 (FPL): 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report dangerous conditions or outages.
Outage Map & Status: FPL Power Tracker
Feeding South Florida
Feeding South Florida is the leading hunger relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, providing food assistance to individuals and families facing hunger across the region. As a member of the Feeding America network, it distributes groceries through a large network of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and community organizations, while also offering a Food Locator tool that helps residents find nearby distribution sites by zip code. The organization coordinates emergency food assistance with hundreds of partners to provide fresh produce, protein, and shelf stable goods, offers SNAP application and renewal assistance, and operates specialized programs for seniors and children such as afterschool meals, summer feeding sites, and grocery support to promote long term food security..
Food Locator:
feedingsouthflorida.org/directory-programs/
Phone: 954-518-1818
Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)
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.
Website: fchr.myflorida.com
Phone: 1-800-342-8170
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.
Website: myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance
Phone: 1-850-300-4323
Florida Public Service Commission (PSC)
The PSC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities. They handle disputes regarding billing, service quality, and improper shut-offs.
Website: FloridaPSC.com
Phone: 1-800-342-3552
Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) provides short-term financial aid to low-income families with children and pregnant women in their third trimester. The program helps cover essential costs while participants work toward self-sufficiency, subject to eligibility and a 48-month lifetime limit for most adults.
Website: myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance
Phone: 1-850-300-4323
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.
Website: floridajobs.org
Phone Numbers: 1-833-352-7759
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.
Website: myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance
Phone: 1-866-762-2237
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.
Website: fpl.com/help/assistance.html
Phone: 1-800-226-3581
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.
Find a Clinic: nafcclinics.org/find-clinic/
Phone: 703-647-7427
Gas Leak Emergency Reporting (Local Gas Companies & 911)
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 immediately.
TECO Peoples Gas: 1-877-832-6747 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Florida Public Utilities (FPU): 1-800-427-7712 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Florida City Gas: 1-888-352-5325 (24/7 Emergency Line)
Note: Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself or turn off gas valves.
Gateway Community Outreach
Gateway Community Outreach is a primary resource for Deerfield Beach and broader Broward County residents facing a financial crisis. They provide a "last resort" safety net to prevent homelessness and food insecurity through several emergency programs.
Food Assistance: Operates a food pantry and provides referrals to localized distribution points. You must call before visiting to confirm hours and locations.
Utility Assistance: Offers a grant-based program specifically for water bill and FPL (electric) assistance if your services are at risk of being disconnected.
Rental Assistance: Provides limited emergency cash assistance for rent to prevent eviction. These funds are case-by-case and require proof of need.
Additional Support: Includes help with baby formula, clothing, and financial coaching/counseling.
Website: gcoflorida.org
Phone: 954-725-8434
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 (Meals on Wheels South Florida)
Phone: 954-731-8770
Website: Meals on Wheels South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Phone: 786-469-4707
Website: 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.
Hotline: 571-350-8643
Online: medicineassistancetool.org
Miami-Dade Community Action (CAHSD)
The Miami-Dade CAHSD serves as the county’s primary gateway for low-income assistance, specifically helping residents manage energy burdens and home safety. Their energy assistance programs provide both short-term relief for immediate bills and long-term improvements to reduce future energy consumption.LIHEAP (Energy Bill Assistance): Offers financial aid to help families pay for heating and cooling costs. This includes "Regular" assistance for standard bills and "Crisis" assistance (up to $2,000) for households facing immediate service disconnection.
WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program): Provides free home energy audits and improvements to make homes more efficient. Repairs may include attic insulation, weather-stripping, water heater insulation, and repairs to HVAC systems.
Website: miamidade.gov/socialservices
LIHEAP Phone: 786-469-4640 (Energy Bills / LIHEAP)
WAP Phone: 786-469-4730 (Home Efficiency / WAP)
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer (WASD)
The 24-hour Emergency Communications Center handles immediate utility crises. For non-emergencies, use the Customer Care line or 311.
24-Hour Emergency Line: 305-274-9272
Customer Care (Billing/Service): 305-665-7477
Online: miamidade.gov/global/water
Miami-Dade County's 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
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.
Website: salvationarmyflorida.org
Phone: 1-800-725-2769
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.
Hotline: Dial 811 (or 1-800-432-4770)
Online Request: 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.
24-Hour Hotline: 954-761-1133
Website: widbroward.org