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Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Missouri

Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Missouri

Last updated: September 2025. For fast, verified help, start with the statewide helplines at Missouri 2‑1‑1 and Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), then use Missouri Community Action Network’s agency finder to reach the agency serving your county. (uwheartmo.org)

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These Handy

How to Get Free Furniture in Missouri Fast

Start with a verified referral: The fastest route to free furniture in Missouri is a case‑manager referral to a furniture bank. Ask 2‑1‑1 to connect you to a partner agency that can refer to Home Sweet Home (St. Louis) or Flourish Furnishings (Kansas City); these furniture banks do not accept walk‑ins and require agency referrals. (homesweethomestl.org)


Line up documents before the call: Have your photo ID, lease or move‑in letter, and proof of children (if applicable). You’ll also need your utility account info if you’re asking for help with beds and appliances through LIHEAP or utility partners at myDSS LIHEAP and Ameren Keeping Current. (mydss.mo.gov)

Expect real wait times: Non‑crisis referrals can take 1–3 weeks at Home Sweet Home and Flourish Furnishings; LIHEAP non‑crisis cases take about 30 business days, with 48–72 hours for crisis processing when a shutoff is pending. Keep paying what you can to avoid disconnection while your case is pending. (homesweethomestl.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for thrift vouchers from The Salvation Army (Midland Division) or parish assistance from St. Vincent de Paul (St. Louis); both networks can issue store credits for basic home goods when funds allow. Also ask your county’s Community Action Agency via Missouri CAN’s map about local “start‑up” kits. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Missouri Furniture Banks and Free‑or‑Voucher Options

Use these programs if you have or can get a referring case manager. Always call to confirm current availability before applying.

St. Louis Metro (City + County)

Ask for a Home Sweet Home referral first: Home Sweet Home furnishes entire homes for families exiting homelessness, survivors of violence, and low‑income households referred by partner agencies; call your case manager or ask 2‑1‑1 which agencies can refer you. The program is referral‑only and does not accept drop‑ins. (homesweethomestl.org)

Combine with parish or utility help: Local parishes with St. Vincent de Paul St. Louis can provide furniture vouchers and sometimes beds, while Ameren Missouri Keeping Current can stabilize your bill so you can keep what you receive. (oldcathedralstl.org)

Plan B: Ask The Salvation Army Midland Division about thrift vouchers, then browse low‑cost items at Habitat ReStore (local affiliate link) while you wait for a referral. For immigrant or refugee families, request move‑in help through the International Institute of St. Louis or your resettlement case manager. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Kansas City Metro (Jackson/Clay/Platte)

Flourish Furnishings — furniture for the whole home: Flourish: A Furniture Bank serves the KC region by agency referral only; call 816‑946‑8600 if your agency needs referral instructions, or ask 2‑1‑1 which partner can take your case. (flourishfurniturebank.org)

Pair with utility and water help: Use LIHEAP and bring bills to Evergy Connect (1710 Paseo) for in‑person help on applications; KC Water also partners with MAAC for bill support. (newsroom.evergy.com)

Plan B: Ask The Salvation Army (Midland Division) about vouchers, or request refugee household setup through Jewish Vocational Service (JVS); JVS partners with Flourish for furnishings when funds allow. (salvationarmyusa.org)

Columbia/Boone County and Mid‑Missouri

Love Columbia’s Furniture Bank: The Love Seat is a furniture bank and resale store; neighbors in need shop free by referral through Love Columbia at The Love Seat, 2600 Rangeline. Ask for help with free furniture, free furnishings, and even moving assistance. (lovecolumbia.org)

Refugee households: City of Refuge (Columbia) accepts and redistributes home goods and furniture to refugee families and can coordinate pickup of large items for placement. (cityofrefugecolumbia.org)

Plan B: Apply for LIHEAP through Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) to free cash for urgent items; ask 2‑1‑1 about local thrift vouchers while your referral is pending. (cmca.us)

Springfield/Greene County and the Ozarks

When you need basic furniture or a voucher: City Utilities of Springfield funds Project SHARE through OACAC; when you stabilize utilities, ask OACAC or The Salvation Army Springfield about thrift vouchers. For beds for kids, apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Springfield chapter. (cityutilities.net)

Shelter‑to‑housing move‑outs: If you’re exiting shelter, ask your case worker at Council of Churches of the Ozarks about move‑out support and home‑set‑up kits. (ccozarks.org)

Plan B: Check Habitat ReStore (Springfield) for low‑cost basics while you wait; some nonprofits like Victory Mission or partners may issue clothing/furniture vouchers when available—always call to confirm. (habitatspringfieldmo.org)

Joplin/Southwest Missouri

Furniture and household goods with outreach: Watered Gardens Ministries (Joplin) operates a thrift program with furniture and home goods; call 417‑623‑6030 to ask about assistance and pickup. (wateredgardens.org)

Plan B: Apply for LIHEAP through your regional community action agency to free up cash; ask 2‑1‑1 about Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters serving Jasper and Newton counties for children’s beds. (shpbeds.org)

Southeast Missouri/Bootheel and River Counties

Ask your Community Action first: Agencies like Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) and East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) coordinate LIHEAP and often know local churches that provide move‑in kits; 2‑1‑1 can also direct you to parish St. Vincent de Paul contacts. (wioaplans.ed.gov)

Plan B: If you can travel, request kids’ beds through nearby Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters like Poplar Bluff or Rolla; pair with LIHEAP to stabilize utilities at move‑in. (shpbeds.org)

Beds for Kids Only — Quick Wins

Apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP): SHP builds and delivers twin beds with mattresses and bedding for kids who lack a bed. Find your closest Missouri chapter (Columbia, Springfield, Franklin Co., Rolla, Carl Junction, Poplar Bluff, and more) on SHP’s chapter map and submit the short application. (shpbeds.org)

Expect a waitlist: Chapters run volunteer build days, so timing depends on donations and events; check local chapter pages like MO‑Columbia or MO‑Springfield for event schedules and delivery days. (shpbeds.org)

Plan B: Ask 2‑1‑1 for bed programs through partner agencies listed by Home Sweet Home (e.g., Nurses for Newborns or St. Louis Crisis Nursery), and ask if St. Vincent de Paul has a local bed program or thrift voucher near you. (homesweethomestl.org)

Voucher‑Based Options and Low‑Cost Backups

St. Vincent de Paul (parishes): Contact SVdP St. Louis or your local conference for rent/utility help and thrift vouchers; they often help with basics like kitchenware, linens, and sometimes mattresses. You can locate parish conferences via 2‑1‑1 or the SVdP conference finder. (svdpstlouis.org)

The Salvation Army: Corps and service units across Missouri issue furniture or clothing vouchers when funding allows; use the Midland Division’s locator at The Salvation Army in MO or call 314‑646‑3000 for guidance. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Habitat ReStores: While not free, ReStores sell furniture and appliances well below retail; ask if your case manager or a church partner can issue a voucher, and check pickup options through your local Habitat ReStore. (habitatspringfieldmo.org)

Plan B: Combine a modest thrift budget with utility and rent stabilization (LIHEAP + payment plans) to avoid crises while you gather household items; see LIHEAP Missouri and Ameren Keeping Current for energy credits and arrears forgiveness. (mydss.mo.gov)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Missouri Today

Use state programs and hot/cold weather protections first: Apply to LIHEAP immediately and ask your local processing agency for a “crisis” review if you have a shutoff notice; non‑crisis applications take about 30 business days, while crisis cases are processed within ~48–72 hours when heat or electricity is threatened. (mydss.mo.gov)

Know your seasonal protections: The Cold Weather Rule runs November 1–March 31 and restricts shutoffs when the forecast is below 32°F; Missouri’s Hot Weather Law runs June 1–September 30 and restricts shutoffs during extreme heat. Recent legislation strengthened time frames; confirm current rules with the PSC at 1‑800‑392‑4211. (psc.mo.gov)

Stack utility programs:

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact Missouri Legal Services or your regional legal aid to challenge improper shutoffs or request reasonable payment plans; also ask your Community Action Agency (find via Missouri CAN ) about emergency funds. (lsmo.org)

Programs That Free Up Cash You Can Use for Furniture

Temporary Assistance (TANF) cash: Apply through myDSS Temporary Assistance and ask about Cash Diversion (a one‑time lump sum for an urgent need like a deposit or beds). Benefit levels are based on Missouri’s “percentage of need” formula, and diversion can equal two or three months of the maximum TA grant for your household size. Ask FSD for the current “Maximum TA Grant & Cash Diversion” chart. (mydss.mo.gov)

SNAP (food) and WIC (young kids): Free up cash by putting groceries on benefits. Apply for SNAP at myDSS and for WIC through Missouri DHSS WIC or your local WIC office; use TEL‑LINK 1‑800‑835‑5465 for clinic info. (mydss.mo.gov)

MO HealthNet (Medicaid): Health coverage keeps money in your budget for beds and basics. See April 1, 2025 income limits at Benefit Program Income Limits, and get enrollment support from Show Me Coverage navigators. (mydss.mo.gov)

Weatherization: Reduce monthly energy costs so you can afford household items. Apply through Missouri DNR Weatherization; find your local provider at the same site. (dnr.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request an appeal with FSD (you can file by phone through DSS Contact), and call legal aid such as Mid‑Missouri Legal Services if benefits were wrongly denied. (dss.mo.gov)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

Catholic Charities and parish partners: Ask Catholic Charities of St. Louis about in‑kind donations and referrals for home setup; combine with parish St. Vincent de Paul for furniture vouchers where available. (give.ccstl.org)

The Salvation Army: Reach your nearest Corps via Midland Division or the Divisional HQ contact; ask specifically about “thrift or family store vouchers” for furniture and housewares. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

Community Action Agencies: From CAASTLC in St. Louis County to OACAC in the Ozarks, agencies can connect you to furniture banks, LIHEAP, and local church closets. Use the Missouri CAN directory to find yours. (caastlc.org)

Resources by Region (Examples You Can Call)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting for a referral to “just happen”: Furniture banks need an active case manager referral. Use 2‑1‑1 to get assigned to a partner agency if you don’t already have one, and ask them to submit the online referral to Home Sweet Home or Flourish. (homesweethomestl.org)

Turning in an incomplete LIHEAP packet: Missing ID, Social Security numbers, or a current bill will delay your case beyond 30 days. Follow the state LIHEAP checklist and your local agency’s tips (for example, CAASTLC’s LIHEAP FAQ). (mydss.mo.gov)

Not telling your utility you applied: Call your utility after applying for LIHEAP; programs like Ameren Keeping Current or St. Louis’ Heat Up/Cool Down expect you to communicate while waiting for a pledge. (mydss.mo.gov)

Reality Check — Delays, Denials, Shortages

Furniture bank capacity is real: Expect waitlists, especially after large move‑ins or storms. Keep calling your case manager and ask 2‑1‑1 about interim vouchers from The Salvation Army or parish SVdP. (centralusa.salvationarmy.org)

LIHEAP isn’t instant: Standard processing is about 30 business days if your packet is complete; crisis cases move in ~48–72 hours. Track through your agency (e.g., CAASTLC, CMCA), and keep paying what you can. (caastlc.org)

Hot/Cold Weather rules don’t erase bills: Protections pause disconnections during extreme heat/cold, but balances still grow; pair PSC rules with LIHEAP and utility payment programs to prevent a larger crisis. (psc.mo.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

What you need First call or click Backup option
Entire home furnished Home Sweet Home (STL) or Flourish (KC) via case‑manager referral The Salvation Army voucher + Habitat ReStore
Bed for a child Sleep in Heavenly Peace nearest chapter Ask SVdP or case manager for bed funds
Stop utility shutoff LIHEAP + utility program (Ameren Keeping Current) PSC rules + legal aid
Cash for basics Temporary Assistance (ask about Cash Diversion) Appeal via DSS contact + Legal aid
Groceries for kids WIC Missouri + SNAP via myDSS 2‑1‑1 food pantries

(homesweethomestl.org)

Application Checklist (printable/screenshot‑friendly)

  • Photo ID for adult: Driver’s license, state ID, or other government ID; ask your DSS office about acceptable alternatives. myDSS can verify some info from other programs. (dss.mo.gov)
  • Proof of residence and move‑in: Lease, landlord letter, or shelter exit letter; furniture banks like Home Sweet Home and Flourish require a verified address. (homesweethomestl.org)
  • Proof of children: Birth certificates, school enrollment letters, WIC or MO HealthNet for Kids award; bed programs such as SHP require child info. (mydss.mo.gov)
  • Utility account & bill: Required for LIHEAP and many crisis funds; include disconnect notices if you have one. Check your agency’s submission guidelines (e.g., MAAC LIHEAP). (mydss.mo.gov)
  • Income proof (last 30 days): Pay stubs, award letters; missing documents delay LIHEAP up to 30 business days per local agency FAQs like CAASTLC. (mydss.mo.gov)

Eligibility, Documents, Timelines — At a Glance

Program Who qualifies (summary) Required documents Typical timeline
LIHEAP (EA/ECIP) Missouri resident with energy bill, resource limits, and income within state limit Application, ID, SSNs, utility bill, income proofs About 30 business days standard; 48–72 hours for crisis with shutoff notice
Weatherization Income‑eligible homeowners/renters with landlord OK ID, proof of income, utility info, landlord permission if renting Waitlists common; varies by local agency
Home Sweet Home (STL) Referral‑only; clients of partner agencies moving into housing Case‑manager referral, address, household details 1–3+ weeks depending on slots
Flourish (KC) Referral‑only via partner agencies Case‑manager referral, address, household details Appointment after agency referral
SHP beds for kids Children without beds in service area Application info on each child and address Varies by chapter/build events

Use: myDSS LIHEAP, DNR Weatherization, Home Sweet Home FAQ, and Flourish to confirm eligibility. (mydss.mo.gov)

Utility Help — City‑Specific

St. Louis Water Bill Help (Missouri American Water)

Ask for H2O “Help to Others”: Contact Missouri American Water’s H2O program—administered with Community Action Agencies—to see if you qualify for a pledge; call 1‑866‑430‑0820. Combine with Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis and LIHEAP. (amwater.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your parish SVdP or CAASTLC for one‑time help, and request a payment plan from Missouri American Water while other pledges process. (caastlc.org)

Kansas City Water Bill Help (KC Water)

KC Water + MAAC: Call 311 or visit KC Water’s assistance page for help linked to Mid‑America Assistance Coalition; you can pair this with LIHEAP and Evergy payment credits. (kcwater.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask The Salvation Army (KC offices) about utility vouchers, and request an extended payment arrangement with KC Water. (salvationarmyusa.org)

Springfield Utility Help (City Utilities)

Project SHARE (through OACAC): Visit City Utilities’ payment assistance page to be routed to OACAC for winter heating relief; also apply to LIHEAP right away. (cityutilities.net)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Council of Churches or Victory Mission about emergency aid and thrift vouchers while you set a payment plan with City Utilities. (ccozarks.org)

Documents You’ll Be Asked For (with Tips)

  • ID + Social Security: Many programs accept a variety of IDs; if you lack ID, ask DSS what alternatives are acceptable and whether prior SNAP/WIC verification helps. (dss.mo.gov)
  • Proof of income: Submit the last 30 days for all adults; agencies like CMCA and CAASTLC say incomplete packets are the main delay. (cmca.us)
  • Utility bill: Upload a clear copy with your name and account number through myDSS or your local LIHEAP portal (e.g., MAAC LIHEAP). (mydss.mo.gov)

Five Helpful Tables You Can Use

Table 1 — LIHEAP Crisis vs. Non‑Crisis

Type When it applies Max benefit (per DSS) Review time
Winter ECIP Nov–May (funding‑based) Up to $800 ~48–72 hrs with shutoff notice
Summer ECIP Jun–Sep (funding‑based) Up to $300 ~48–72 hrs with shutoff notice
Energy Assistance (EA) One time per season Varies by fuel and household ~30 business days when complete

Source: LIHEAP Missouri; timelines also shown by local agencies like CAASTLC. Amounts vary by funding and county—call to confirm before applying. (mydss.mo.gov)

Table 2 — Furniture Help by Metro

Region Primary program How to access Typical scope
St. Louis Home Sweet Home Agency referral only Whole‑home furnishings
Kansas City Flourish Furnishings Agency referral only Whole‑home furnishings
Columbia Love Columbia – The Love Seat Referral through Love Columbia Furniture + moving help
Springfield SHP Springfield + local vouchers Online application + case manager Beds + basic goods
Joplin Watered Gardens Call/visit Thrift + limited aid

(homesweethomestl.org)

Table 3 — Utility Safety Nets

Protection/Program Dates What it does Where to ask
Cold Weather Rule Nov 1–Mar 31 Limits shutoffs below 32°F PSC CWR
Hot Weather Law Jun 1–Sep 30 Limits shutoffs in extreme heat PSC Hot Weather
Ameren Keeping Current Year‑round 35–35–90/mo credit + arrears path Ameren Program
Spire DollarHelp Year‑round Grants via United Way partners DollarHelp

(psc.mo.gov)

Table 4 — State Benefit Income Snapshot (Apr 1, 2025)

Program Household of 1 2 3 4
LIHEAP monthly max (60% SMI) $2,535 $3,315 $4,095 $4,875
MO HealthNet for Expansion Adults (annual) $20,814 $28,129 $35,444 $42,759
SNAP gross monthly max $1,632 $2,215 $2,798 $3,380

Confirm current limits at Benefit Program Income Limits before applying; amounts change each year. (mydss.mo.gov)

Table 5 — Who to Call by County Type (Examples)

County cluster Community Action lead Phone Use for
St. Louis County CAASTLC 314‑863‑0015 (main) LIHEAP, referrals
Boone & neighbors CMCA 573‑200‑6655 LIHEAP status
Ozarks (Greene) OACAC 417‑862‑4314 LIHEAP, Project SHARE
KC area (Jackson/Clay/Platte) United Services CAA 816‑358‑6868 LIHEAP, referrals

(caastlc.org)

Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for affirming case management through 2‑1‑1 and check legal support via Legal Services if you face discrimination. Utilities must follow PSC protections regardless of family structure; keep copies of all communications. (uwheartmo.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request ADA accommodations through DSS and ask for large‑print or accessible applications; use the state Disability Portal for local supports while your referral to Home Sweet Home or Flourish is pending. TTY is available at 1‑866‑385‑6525 for 2‑1‑1. (dss.mo.gov)

Veteran single mothers: Ask for SSVF (rapid rehousing) through 2‑1‑1 and confirm if your veteran case manager can refer you to Flourish or Home Sweet Home; some utility programs offer senior/medical hardship tiers alongside LIHEAP. (uwheartmo.org)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Work with your resettlement agency—International Institute of St. Louis or JVS Kansas City—for donated furniture and home setups; many coordinate with Flourish or similar partners. If funding is tight, ask Missouri Office of Refugee Administration’s partners for donations of household items. (iistl.org)

Tribal‑affiliated families: Missouri has no reservation land, but you can still use 2‑1‑1 and LIHEAP; ask if your tribe offers supplemental aid for relocation or home setup and use HUD’s Resource Locator to find tribal housing contacts near Missouri. (uwheartmo.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: If distance is a barrier, request shipping or delivery through Home Sweet Home or a local church partner; for utilities, your Community Action Agency can often process LIHEAP by fax or online to save a trip. (homesweethomestl.org)

Single fathers: These services are for caregivers of children regardless of gender. Use 2‑1‑1 and apply to LIHEAP; furniture banks like Flourish and Home Sweet Home serve households with children and verified need. (uwheartmo.org)

Language access: Ask for interpreters when you call 2‑1‑1 or DSS; for WIC and Medicaid, translation is available through DHSS WIC and many clinics. Request large‑print forms if you have low vision. (uwheartmo.org)

If Your Application Gets Denied (Troubleshooting)

Ask for the denial reason in writing: For benefit programs, file an appeal with DSS within the deadline shown; for furniture banks, ask your case manager what is missing and whether another partner can sponsor your referral. (dss.mo.gov)

Request a supervisor review: For LIHEAP, call your local agency status line (e.g., CAASTLC 314‑446‑4420) and verify that every document is on file; most delays are due to missing or unclear uploads. (caastlc.org)

Get legal help if needed: Contact Legal Aid of Western Missouri, LSEM, MMLS, or LSSM if you need an advocate for appeals or shutoff protections. (search.unitedwaygkc.org)

Real‑World Examples

A St. Louis mom moving from shelter: Her case manager at a domestic violence program listed on Home Sweet Home’s partner list submitted a referral; she shopped for furniture during a scheduled visit. While waiting for delivery, she contacted LIHEAP and enrolled in Ameren Keeping Current for predictable payments. (homesweethomestl.org)

A Kansas City mom after a fire: 2‑1‑1 connected her to Flourish Furnishings via a partner agency and to KC Water/MAAC for water arrears. She applied for LIHEAP and got a crisis pledge in 48 hours. (flourishfurniturebank.org)

A Columbia mom with two kids and no beds: She requested beds from SHP Columbia and picked up basic kitchenware through Love Columbia’s Love Seat; CMCA LIHEAP stabilized her power bill during a hot spell. (shpbeds.org)

County‑Specific Variations (What Changes Most)

  • LIHEAP processors: In KC (Jackson/Clay/Platte), applications may route through MAAC LIHEAP with drop boxes and email options; in St. Louis County, CAASTLC manages intake and has a status line. (maacliheap.org)
  • Voucher sources: Parish SVdP conferences vary by ZIP; 2‑1‑1 can identify your specific conference and hours. (svdpstlouis.org)
  • Utility partners: Ameren programs like Keeping Current are not available to municipal/co‑op customers; municipal utilities offer their own assistance (e.g., City Utilities – Project SHARE). (ameren.com)

Quick Steps (Scan‑Friendly)

  1. Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a furniture bank referral to Home Sweet Home or Flourish; request any available thrift vouchers. (homesweethomestl.org)
  2. Apply for LIHEAP at myDSS and notify your utility; ask about Ameren Keeping Current or Spire DollarHelp. (mydss.mo.gov)
  3. Ask your case manager to submit the online referral and help gather documents; programs list partner agencies at Home Sweet Home and have referral forms ready. (homesweethomestl.org)

FAQs (Missouri‑Specific)

  1. Can I get furniture without a case manager referral?
    Usually no. Home Sweet Home and Flourish require agency referrals. Use 2‑1‑1 to get connected to a partner agency. (homesweethomestl.org)
  2. How long does LIHEAP take?
    About 30 business days for non‑crisis if your packet is complete; ~48–72 hours for crisis with a shutoff notice, per local agencies like CAASTLC and CAPNEMO. (caastlc.org)
  3. What are LIHEAP crisis amounts this year?
    As of September 2025, Missouri LIHEAP lists up to 800(winterECIP)and800 (winter ECIP) and 300 (summer ECIP), subject to funding; amounts can change—confirm before applying. (mydss.mo.gov)
  4. Can a furniture bank help with appliances?
    Sometimes. Programs like Flourish and Home Sweet Home can provide basics; LIHEAP crisis can, in some cases, fund repairs or replacements through contracted agencies. Ask your agency. (homesweethomestl.org)
  5. I rent with utilities included—can I still get LIHEAP?
    It depends. LIHEAP rules vary by situation; apply at myDSS and ask your local processor how “utilities included” cases are handled. (mydss.mo.gov)
  6. What if I’m denied benefits or a voucher?
    File an appeal through DSS and call legal aid such as LSEM or LAWMO for advice. (dss.mo.gov)
  7. Is there free help to lower my energy bills long‑term?
    Yes. Apply to Weatherization (DNR); your home may qualify for insulation, air‑sealing, and HVAC repairs at no cost. (dnr.mo.gov)
  8. Where can I find more local services besides 2‑1‑1?
    Try Missouri Services Navigator and community resource hubs like FindHelp.org; ask your local hospital network’s resource directory too. (dss.mo.gov)
  9. Do programs have TTY or language access?
    Yes. 2‑1‑1 offers TTY at 1‑866‑385‑6525; DSS and WIC also provide language assistance on request. (uwheartmo.org)
  10. Can I get help if I’m staying in a hotel or doubled up?
    Explain your situation to 2‑1‑1; some programs need a lease, but domestic violence, disaster, or rapid‑rehousing partners can bridge you to furniture banks once you have an address. (homesweethomestl.org)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Nota: Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA. Para ayuda inmediata, llame al 2‑1‑1 o visite 211helps.org; para beneficios estatales use myDSS; y para muebles gratis pida una referencia para Home Sweet Home (St. Louis) o Flourish (Kansas City). Para frenar un corte de servicios, aplique a LIHEAP y pregunte por Keeping Current de Ameren o DollarHelp de Spire. Confirme requisitos y plazos con cada agencia antes de aplicar. (uwheartmo.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for Missouri residents and is not legal, financial, or medical advice. Eligibility, amounts, and timelines change with funding and policy updates. Always confirm current availability with the agency or program directly using the official links provided. For specific advice on appeals or denials, contact your regional legal aid office through Legal Services in Missouri. (lsmo.org)

What to Do Next

  • Call 2‑1‑1, ask for a furniture bank referral and any thrift vouchers today through 211helps.org.
  • Apply to LIHEAP online via myDSS and call your utility about hardship programs.
  • Schedule your furniture appointment through your case manager with Home Sweet Home or Flourish and keep all documents ready.

Your time matters. Use the links above and the checklists to move quickly and get the essentials your family needs.

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