Programs like food assistance, energy assistance and unemployment insurance often go unused because of confusing forms, missing documents, office hours or transportation, not because people don’t qualify.
- Listen first, and let your neighbor decide what help they want.
- Point to official starting places: 211, the state or county benefits portal, or a community action agency.
- Help with practical barriers: a ride to an appointment, childcare, finding documents, or making a phone call together.
- Keep what you learn private, and never fill out forms for someone unless they ask and stay in control.
If someone faces a shut-off, eviction or sudden loss of income, connect them to the fastest official channel or to legal aid rather than handling it alone.