Finding Resources in Your Community

Finding the right resources in your community - whether for health services, housing support, food assistance, or job training - can be a challenge. Local programs and services often change, and it’s not always easy to keep track of what’s available or how to access it. Even with the best intentions, staying up to date can feel overwhelming. That’s why it helps to know some reliable places where you can start your search. Below are some general tips and go-to resources that can help you connect with support in your area, no matter where you live.

Disclaimer: We strive to keep the information on this page accurate and up to date. However, programs and requirements can change, and we may not always be aware of those changes immediately. If you notice any outdated or incorrect information, or if you have suggestions for additional resources we should include, please reach out to your community's Resources and Opportunities (R&O) manager to make them aware of the changes needed.

Benefits.gov

Use the benefit finder tool or search by category to learn which benefits you and your family may be eligible for and how to apply.

211/United Way

211 is a free phone service that helps people find local community services and resources. If you need help with things like food, housing, healthcare, or emergency assistance, you can call 211. 

Website Locator for Your State:

If you look up 211 + your City/State, there should be a website available with local information.

Can you ask for an interpreter using 211? 

When you call 211, you should be able to ask for help in many different languages. If you don’t speak English, the 211 operator can connect you to someone who speaks your language, or they can use an interpreter service to help you.

Disability Resources

National Disability Institute's Financial Resilience Center (FRC) 

Patient-Provider Guides

MD Emergency Preparedness Network - Available languages include Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Tagalog, but not all guides have translations in each language.   

Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources.

The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are “insured.” This means that you worked long enough (10 years working) – and recently enough – and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.

More information about applying for SSI:

• SSI Resource Limits
• Non-Citizen Eligibility for SSI
• Social Security Handbook
• Regional Directors Contact List
• Substantial Gainful Activity Amounts for 2025
• Authorized Representative Form
• Social Security Timeline

Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic Violence Resources

LiveYourDream.org: Provides quick resources, links, crisis hotlines, and information about fellow organizations serving domestic violence victims. Call 1-800-799-7233 for crisis and counseling services.

DomesticShelters.org: Offers an online directory of domestic violence shelters and programs. You can search by location to find shelters near you.

Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA)

In 1984, Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which established the Crime Victim’s Fund ("the fund"). The fund, administered by the Office for Victims of Crime, provides financial assistance to victims of crime through state-based compensation programs and indirectly through state grants that help finance state victim service organizations.

Victims can apply for funds to cover expenses related to the crime.

Under VOCA, victims can apply to be reimbursed for the expenses they’ve already paid and costs they know are coming. A claim must be submitted to a state’s victim compensation program to apply for victim compensation. The National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards state program directory has a listing of each state’s victim compensation office and contact information.

Healthcare Resources

21st Century Cures Act - Cures Rule

Since April 5, 2021, a new rule  was enacted called the "Cures Rule" started. This rule requires doctors and hospitals to give patients access to all their health information in electronic medical records. Patients should be able to see their information quickly and for free. For more information see https://www.healthit.gov.

Sometimes, setting up access to your health information on your phone can be found in the aftercare summary. An aftercare summary is a document that gives important information about your care after a visit or procedure, including instructions on how to access your health records.

1. HealthCare.gov - Provides information on health insurance options, including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
2. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - Medicaid & CHIP offer health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Information on eligibility for immigrants is available here.
3. Community Health Centers - Health centers across the U.S. offer low-cost healthcare services to underserved populations, including immigrants. Find local centers here.  
4. Personal Medication Record - Helps individuals keep track of their medications. This record is useful for providing accurate information to doctors or when applying for disability benefits.
5. National Immigration Law Center (NILC) - Provides resources on immigrants' rights, including healthcare and eligibility for health programs like Medicaid.
6. Refugee Health Program (CDC) - Supports the health and well-being of refugees through resources on health screenings, vaccinations, and preventive care.

Health Insurance Rights

You Have the Right to Fair Treatment. It is illegal for healthcare providers or insurance companies to treat you unfairly because of your race, nationality, or immigration status. You have the right to be treated equally. 

Children and Pregnant Women Can Usually Get Health Insurance. In many states, children and pregnant women can get Medicaid or other health programs, even if other adults cannot. 

You Can Get Health Care in Your Language. Health programs must help you if you don’t speak English well. They should give you interpreters to help you understand what you need. You can ask for this help if you need it. 

You Have the Right to Emergency Care. Everyone has the right to emergency medical care. But remember - emergency costs are expensive and should not replace be used as an exception to healthcare.

Food Security Resources

Food Security Resources

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as "food stamps," SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have a low income. If a client comes through the Reception and Placement (R&P program, their caseworker will help them apply for SNAP They will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to access their SNAP benefits.

Many low-income women and young children can get healthy food to add to their diet through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC also offers nutrition counseling and referrals to health, welfare, and social services.

For a list of benefits a client can access through WIC, see USDA WIC Benefits and Services. For WIC, you need to apply in the state you currently live and be one of the following: Pregnant, Breastfeeding, Postpartum, or have a child under five years old.

Schools

General Resources

• Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) - A central source of information to help parents of children with disabilities find resources and support.
• Care.com - 10 Helpful Organizations and Resources for Children with Special Needs A list of organizations that offer support for children with special needs.
• Family Voices - Ensuring Education Rights of Immigrant Students and Families A guide to help immigrant parents understand their children's education rights in public schools.
• Federation for Children with Special Needs - Provides support, training, and resources for families with children who have disabilities.
• Sesame Street in Communities: Supporting Families Resettled in the US - Offers resources for families from displaced populations living in the US.
• Rhode Island Parent Information Network "IEPs vs Section 504 Plans: What Are Key Differences" - A video explaining the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans for children with disabilities. 

Education Advocacy Resources

• The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) - NDRN provides resources focused on disability rights in education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant laws. They advocate for students with disabilities and offer legal support.
• PACER Center - PACER offers extensive information on student rights for children with disabilities. They focus on resources related to special education law, rights under the IDEA, and advocacy for families and students.
• National Youth Law Center (NYLC) - Provides educational and legal resources to youth, especially in areas related to school discipline, civil rights, and educational equality. 

What Is the Difference Between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

An IEP provides a specialized program of instruction to students who have been identified under the law as having a particular educational disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations to general education students so that they can access the curriculum.

What is the referral process for an IEP?

The parent notifies the school of their desire to have child evaluated for an IEP. The school then has 90 Days from receipt of the Letter to develop an Individualized Education Plan for the child. The school has 90 days from IEP request to evaluate and address the requested need.

Know Your Rights Information for Immigrant Populations

This section provides resources on Knowing Your Rights when navigating services in the United States. This is not legal advice, and for any legal matters clients should consult with an attorney. It is also possible that some issues may evolve, making it more important to consult with an attorney on information specific to your case. This information was last updated on May 4, 2025.