No family should have to face tough times alone. Whether you’re struggling to put food on the table, keep the lights on, or find safe housing, there are organizations right here in Jacksonville ready to help. We’ve rounded up local food banks, financial assistance programs, and community resources so you can find the support your family needs — all in one place.
Need immediate assistance or feeling overwhelmed by options? Dial 211. This confidential service provides information and referrals for a wide range of essential community services, including housing assistance, utility and food support, mental health care, and disaster recovery.
Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, healthcare, and more at findhelp.org (search by zip code).
Click link below to skip straight to the section needed:
Food Pantries
Housing & Shelters
Youth, Families & Education
Utility Bills & Rent Assistance
Employment
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Mental Health & Substance Use
Food Pantries & Assistance
The following programs and organizations help ensure families in need have access to food. Please note that many food pantries require a ticket or registration and limit the number of pickups per family per month. Arrive early if you can.
Feeding Northeast Florida (multiple locations): Feeding Northeast Florida partners with many local organizations and makes it easy to find a food pantry with their simple locator. Their programs and mobile markets operate in churches, school buildings, and established brick-and-mortar sites, and their accurate time map shows you what food distribution options are available and when. Find a food pantry here, or call (904) 513-1333.
SEARCH FOOD PANTRIES BY ZIP CODE
SNAP Assistance: SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds to buy groceries. Click here for information on how to apply in Florida.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services. Find out if you are eligible here, or call 800-342-3556.
BEAM (Jax Beaches): For those in the beaches area, BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) offers a hunger relief program that helps distribute food and groceries. Additionally, they offer case management and financial planning assistance for those experiencing food insecurity. Located at 850 6th Avenue S., Ste 400, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, or call (904) 241-2326.
Barnabas Center (Nassau County): The Barnabas Center combats hunger throughout Nassau County, helping food-insecure individuals and families fill the gaps through our food pantry and food distribution events.
Clara White Mission (downtown Jacksonville): The Clara White Mission hands out boxes of food three times a week to help individuals and families in need, striving to provide well-rounded, healthy options. As a nonprofit, they rely on donations from farmers, retailers, government programs, local organizations, and the community. Types and quantities of product change based on availability, seasonality, and government grants. Upcoming food distribution days are Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 21, and Feb. 18 — with fresh vegetables, fresh meat, and more at Eartha’s Farm & Market (4850 Moncrief Road), 3–6 p.m. Food pantry hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9–10:30 a.m. Located at 613 W. Ashley Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, or call (904) 354-4162.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (downtown Jacksonville): Located in downtown Jacksonville, DESC is in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church and has an on-site Food Pantry and Clothing Center. DESC also offers Emergency Financial Assistance, Case Management, and Work Boots. Located at 215 N. Ocean Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or call (904) 358-7955.
Duval County Public Schools: Eligible students are provided with free breakfast and lunch during the school year. Click here for information on how to apply for free and reduced lunch.
Farm Share: Farm Share‘s valued donors and Florida farmers make it possible for them to distribute healthy and nutritious fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other non-perishable food to Florida families, children, seniors, and individuals in need. Click here for food distribution dates and times in Florida.
Florida State College at Jacksonville H.O.P.E. Food Pantry: The FSCJ H.O.P.E. Food Pantry is dedicated to serving students through providing food and educational programs to assist in the successful pursuit of their academic and personal journey. Students are given anonymous and free access to nonperishable food products made available by generous donations from the community. Click here for food pantry locations and hours of operation.
Food Finder: FoodFinder.org can help you search for food pantries in your area. Click here to search by zip code.
Food for Clay County (Clay County): Food for Clay County provides a central hub to recruit volunteers, solicit food donations, and assist food pantries as requested during times of crisis. See the calendar pinned to the top of their Facebook page for locations and times.
Little Free Pantry: Through Little Free Pantry, the mini pantry movement is a grassroots solution to immediate and local need. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods. Click here to find a pantry near you. There is currently a pantry at Beaches Vineyard Pantry and St. Andrews Blessing Box.
READ: Food Insecurity In Jax: How to Get Help
Max Block Food Pantry (San Jose): Through the LJD Jewish Family & Community Services, the Max Block Food Pantry serves the entire Jacksonville community, providing nutritious emergency groceries to those experiencing difficult times. Food pantry hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 1–3 p.m. Located at 6261 Dupon Station Court, Jacksonville, FL, 32217, or call (904) 448-1933.
Trinity Rescue Mission (downtown Jacksonville): Trinity Rescue Mission provides crucial items such as food, shelter, clothing, hygiene kits, diapers, and more for families in need. Located at 622 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or call (904) 355-1205.
USDA Summer Food Service Program (multiple locations): Summer BreakSpot provides free nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under during summer break. Click here for more information or to find a location.
There are many programs to help children and teens have food before, during, and after school at FeedingAmerica.org.
READ: Kids Eat Free In & Around Jacksonville
Housing & Shelters
Here are several organizations across Jacksonville that offer shelter and transitional housing assistance.
Changing Homelessness: Changing Homelessness serves Northeast Florida and is committed to ensuring that individuals and families are housed permanently and successfully. Click here for a list of important community resources. For more information, call (904) 354-1100.
City Rescue Mission (west Jacksonville): City Rescue Mission exists so that homeless and needy men, women, and families have their lives transformed spiritually, physically, and mentally for productive lifestyles. Located at 426 S. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32254, or call (904) 387-4357.
Clara White Mission (downtown Jacksonville): The Clara White Mission provides housing for veterans while working to help them achieve permanent housing and independent living. Their transitional housing and on-site drop-in day center are facilities focused on providing resources to assist homeless, low-income veterans in need. They also offer a food pantry for families. Located at 613 W. Ashley Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202, or call (904) 354-4162.
Jacksonville Housing: The mission of Jacksonville Housing is to provide safe, clean, affordable housing and effective social services to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. They will encourage employment, self-sufficiency, and, where possible, assist in the transition to other housing alternatives. Since 1994, Jacksonville Housing has provided housing assistance for families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties. For more information, call (904) 630-3810.
Mission House (Jax Beach): Mission House provides individuals experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville Beach with essential services — meals, healthcare, and crisis support — in a compassionate environment that empowers them to take the first step toward stability and self-sufficiency. Located at 800 Shetter Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, or call (904) 241-6767.
The Salvation Army (multiple locations): The Salvation Army of Jacksonville offers transitional housing for families, rent assistance, disaster relief, food assistance, and more. Hope Crossing and Red Shield Lodge offer structured, short-term housing designed to support individuals and families working toward stability and independence. Main facility located at 900 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, or call (904) 356-8641.
Sulzbacher Center (northside): The Sulzbacher Center‘s comprehensive services include daily meals, emergency housing, case management support, veteran services, job placement assistance, as well as permanent supportive housing, scattered-site housing, and a therapeutic early learning center. Their healthcare assistance includes primary care, mental health, and dental and vision care for both adults and children. Click here for a full list of services and phone numbers. Main facility located at 5455 Springfield Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32208, or call (904) 394-4950.
Trinity Rescue Mission (downtown Jacksonville): Trinity Rescue Mission provides crucial items such as food, shelter, clothing, hygiene kits, diapers, and more for families in need. Located at 622 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, or call (904) 355-1205.
Youth, Families & Education
These organizations support families by providing essentials like diapers, childcare, and educational resources to help children and parents thrive.
Florida Department of Children and Families: The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency. Click here for the services offered.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services. Find out if you are eligible here, or call 800-342-3556.
Daniel Kids: Daniel Kids helps nearly 5,000 local abused, abandoned, and neglected children, as well as at-risk families each year. The critical therapeutic and supportive care is at low or no cost. For more information, call (904) 296-1055.
Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida: The Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida ensures that families facing financial hardship have access to diapers and essential supplies, promoting dignity, stability, and overall well-being. Click here for diaper bank locations, or email [email protected].
Duval County Public Schools: Eligible students are provided with free breakfast and lunch during the school year. Click here for information on how to apply for free and reduced lunch.
Early Learning Coalition of Duval County: The Early Learning Coalition of Duval provides services for school readiness and childcare financial assistance. For more information, call (904) 208-2044.
Family Resource Connection (Clay, Putnam, & St. Johns Counties): Family Resource Connection advocates for the safety of maltreated and neglected children by providing family services that protect their interests and support their future emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Learn more here.
Family Support Services (Duval & Nassau Counties): Family Support Services offers programs and in-home training for parenting, life skills, financial management, coping, and more, in order to help keep children safely at home. For more information, call (904) 421-5800.
Healthy Families Jacksonville: Healthy Families Jacksonville is a free, voluntary, early learning and family support program designed to help parents be the best they can be, and to help children grow and develop during the most crucial first years of life. Services are provided to families right in their homes. Trained professional support workers visit pregnant and new moms to provide knowledge and support in several areas. To give your baby a positive start or to learn more about Healthy Families Jacksonville, contact Jerelyn Allen at the Kids Hope Alliance at (904) 255-4452.
Hope Florida: Hope Florida serves anyone “who needs help and hope.” Free of charge and without obligation, their Hope Navigators are ready to help you find help (and hope) no matter your circumstance. For more information, call 833-438-4673.
Isaiah 117 House: Isaiah 117 House provides a comforting home for children awaiting placement with a family – a house that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement. For more information, call 423-518-3760.
JASMYN (LGBTQIA+ youth): JASMYN fosters a supportive community and offers housing and essential health services for LGBTQIA+ youth in Northeast Florida. Many helplines can be found here, or for more information about JASMYN, call (904) 389-3857.
Kids Hope Alliance: Kids Hope Alliance invests millions annually in children’s and youth programs and services in Duval County to ensure thousands of at-hope children and youth have access to a continuum of critical services, including academics, enrichment, nutrition, and mental health. Click the link to find after-school programs and summer programs.
Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition: From wellness care for teens and young women to preconception planning, maternal health, fatherhood, and postpartum support, Northeast Florida Healthy Start is here for every stage of life. They help you prepare for pregnancy, navigate birth, and thrive in early parenthood with confidence and support. Located at 751 Oak St., Suite 610, Jacksonville, FL 32204, or call (904) 723-5422.
Impact Clay (Clay County): Impact Clay strengthens Clay County by serve the community in a variety of ways. Through programs like the Impact Clay Train, Recovering Clay, the Professional Center, and Project Partners, they improve access to essential services and address the community’s most pressing needs. For more information, call (904) 330-1848.
Pace Center for Girls: Pace Center for Girls in Jacksonville is a nonprofit organization where middle and high school girls find the support, guidance, and resources they need to thrive. Their programs offer a full academic school day and comprehensive mental health support, tailored to meet the unique needs of each girl. Whether she’s looking for a fresh start in school or additional social and emotional support, Pace provides a safe environment with the tools to help her succeed — both in school and in life. Click here to learn more and enroll in the Pace program.
Single Parent Program through BEAM: BEAM engages low-income single parents in a multi-year financial management program combined with intensive case management services to improve long-term financial stability. Outcomes include significant increases in credit scores, reduced debt, increased savings, and increased wages. Single-parent participants may also receive support in pursuing educational and certificate programs, which will lead to higher wages. To be considered for this program, click here to apply.
USDA Summer Food Service Program (multiple locations): Summer BreakSpot provides free nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under during summer break. Click here for more information or to find a location.
Youth Crisis Center: The Youth Crisis Center‘s emphasis on care is for those who have been exposed to traumatic situations such as divorce, homelessness, relocation, loss of life, bullying, and abuse. YCC provides a variety of services for children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. For more information, call (904) 725-6662.
Utility Bills & Rent Assistance
The following organizations may be able to provide financial aid for utility bills and rent assistance.
Jacksonville Emergency Assistance Program: The Social Services Division provides an Emergency Assistance Program to serve eligible households and individuals who are facing financial difficulties due to an unexpected emergency. The crisis generally involves the loss of a job, loss or reduction of household income, unexpected medical expenses, car repairs, a family dissolution, death in the family, or an expense due to foreclosure, condemnation, fire, or disaster. The program provides temporary financial assistance to prevent eviction for non-payment of rent/mortgage or interruption of utilities. For more information, call (904) 255-2469.
The United Way: If you are in need of emergency financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, or deposits, please contact the United Way for a referral by dialing 2-1-1 or call (904) 632-0600.
Barnabas Center (Nassau County): The Barnabas Center helps members of our community who have encountered bumps in the road regain their footing by providing temporary financial assistance, transportation support, healthcare services, and financial education.
BEAM (Jax Beaches): For those in the beaches area, BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) offers a hunger relief program and helps provide financial assistance for rent and utility bills for people who are unable to meet their obligations due to a temporary setback. Located at 850 6th Avenue S., Ste 400, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, or call (904) 241-2326.
Northeast Florida Community Action Agency: Click here to apply for utility assistance.
Catholic Charity Bureau, Inc.: Click here for additional resources or if you are in need of emergency financial assistance.
Downtown Ecumenical Services Council: Click here for additional resources or if you are in need of emergency financial assistance.
Employment
The resources below offer employment assistance, job fairs, training, recruitment, and more.
CareerSource Northeast Florida: CareerSource NEFL hosts in-person and virtual job fairs and recruitment events. The Southside location (on Beach Blvd.) offers Career Fairs on Wednesdays — check out the events calendar for details. For more information, call (904) 356-5627.
The Arc Jacksonville: The Arc Jacksonville serves and advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to achieve their full potential and to participate in community life. For more information, call (904) 355-0155.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
These organizations offer safety, support, and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
Betty Griffin Center (St. Johns County): The Betty Griffin Center provides services for men, women, and children impacted by domestic and sexual assault. Advocates are available 24/7 to talk with domestic and/or sexual abuse survivors, or their families and friends. In addition to operating a safe and secure shelter for victims and survivors of domestic or sexual assault, they manage a Rape Crisis Unit at Flagler Hospital and provide confidential counseling and support groups. Staff and volunteers also provide additional support, including court advocacy, legal assistance, financial counseling, and other services to help survivors overcome the trauma of domestic or sexual assault and return to a normal life as soon as possible. Located at 2450 Old Moultrie Rd, Ste. 202, St. Augustine, FL 32086. Call their Help Line at (904) 824-1555.
Hubbard House (Duval & Baker Counties): Hubbard House is a full-service certified domestic violence shelter and center. Victims of domestic violence and their children who come to Hubbard House’s shelter are given warm beds and support for their basic needs, like food and toiletries. Beyond that, they have other free services to help with healing and next steps, like counseling and job support. Call the 24-hour hotline at (904) 354-3114, or text (904) 210-3698.
Micah’s Place (Nassau County): Micah’s Place is the only certified domestic violence center for Nassau County. Micah’s Place serves all survivors regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, ability, or socio-economic status. Call (904) 225-9979 for shelter availability.
Rethreaded: Rethreaded strives to provide a safe work environment, access to therapeutic services, professional development, community, and help rebuild a life that has been harmed by human trafficking. To learn more, please fill out the inquiry form.
Women’s Center of Jacksonville: The Women’s Center of Jacksonville is the certified rape crisis center for Duval, Nassau, and Baker Counties. As a confidential resource, they are here to support anyone impacted by sexual assault — whether the assault happened days, months, or even years ago. For more information, call (904) 722-3000, or call the 24-hour rape crisis hotline at (904) 721-7273.
Mental Health & Substance Use
Here are a few local resources for mental health, counseling, alcoholism, and addiction.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use disorder, mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Meetings are open to anyone who may be suffering from alcoholism. Learn more or find a meeting at Northeast Florida Intergroup Services, or call (904) 399-8535. For Narcotics Anonymous meetings, click here.
NAMI Jacksonville: NAMI Jacksonville support groups are a safe place to share experiences with others who understand.
Their support groups are for families, teens & young adults, and peers struggling with mental illness and substance use and are free — meetings are held virtually and/or in-person across Northeast Florida. Click here for the schedule and program details, or call (904) 323-4723.
Women’s Center of Jacksonville: The Women’s Center of Jacksonville is a safe place where you can speak freely about your feelings, your problems, your life. They are a helpful place where you can find answers and make productive changes. Their highly trained counselors are sensitive, supportive, and provide individual and group therapy sessions. For more information, call (904) 722-3000, or call the 24-hour rape crisis hotline at (904) 721-7273.
*Please call or look online first to make sure these resources are still available.
Please comment with any additional resources you have to share with families in need.
