2-1-1

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention
• Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs
• Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services
• Support for children, youth and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

2-1-1 Canada

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

• Health services and support
• Financial and social assistance
• Housing and utility help
• Food assistance and meal programs
• Senior services and home care
• Government program assistance
• Parenting and family programs
• Disability support services
• Volunteer organizations
• Newcomer services
• Mental health support

Cancer Recovery Foundation

To equip patients to survive cancer through research, advocacy, education and support; to empower patients via a holistic approach.

• Women’s Cancer Fund – when funds are available, a social worker or health professional may submit an online application for women in active cancer treatment for a limited amount of financial assistance (up to $250 per family, per year) to help with the patient’s rent or utilities.
• Website provides information about nutrition, exercise, attitude, spirituality and support.

Family Reach

Dedicated to removing the financial barriers standing between a cancer patient and their treatment.

• Delivers financial education, financial planning, resource navigation, and emergency relief funds to patients and caregivers facing a cancer diagnosis so no family has to choose between their health and their home.  Patient must have a cancer diagnosis; be in active treatment or have completed treatment within 1 year; receive treatment within the US, Puerto Rico or US territories; be represented by a healthcare professional from the treatment center who can communicate with Family Reach on their behalf.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation

Helps homeowners navigate financial challenges and avoid mortgage foreclosure.

• Guides consumers onto the path of sustainable homeownership and develops innovative solutions to preserve homeownership
• Provides comprehensive financial education and confidential foreclosure prevention counseling.

Live Like Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation

To be a leader in childhood cancer research and advocacy while providing financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling cancer.

• Provides financial assistance for a variety of needs to pediatric cancer families while the child is undergoing treatment; social worker from treatment facility must apply on behalf of the family
• Works with funeral homes to provide assistance towards memorial costs for children whose battle with cancer has ended
• Funds pediatric cancer research.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP assists low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes paying a high proportion of household income for home energy, in meeting their immediate home energy needs. The program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is funded by grants appropriated from the federal government.  Each State has its own form and rules for applying for energy assistance.

• If the applicant meets certain income guidelines and other criteria, the local LIHEAP office may provide: help paying heating or cooling bills; emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs; and low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make the home more energy efficient and lowers utility bills
• Payments are usually made directly to local utility companies or vendors; the payment amount is figured according to the size and type of home, as well as type of fuel.

NetWish

To provide assistance, up to $200.00 for those who are able to demonstrate a financial need. NetWish will issue gift certificates or provide payments directly to pay bills. Apply online.

Rally Foundation

To empower volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.

• Become a Rally Researcher- Supports research projects affiliated with Children's Oncology Group or supported by the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Awards one year research grants through a rigorous competitive peer review process.
• Rally Family Emergency Fund- Offers financial assistance for children under age 21 in current cancer treatment. Fund has an annual cap of $500 and a lifetime cap of $750. Funds may be used to cover a patient's cancer-related medical bills or other family costs related to treatment, e.g. transitional housing.
• Become a Rally Kid- Personal stories of cancer patients and survivors, which are inspirational and encourage everyone to Rally in our efforts to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
• Rally Athlete Training Team- Provides independent athletes with personalized fundraising pages and the opportunity to run for a Rally Kid.

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation

To fund research to find cures for childhood cancers and treatment protocols; to provide financial assistance to families of children with cancer nationwide.

• Provides grants to minimize the financial hardship that is directly attributable to the child’s illness; application form and eligibility criteria available on website.

The SAMFund for Young Adult Survivors of Cancer

The SAMFund supports young adult cancer survivors in the U.S. as they recover from the financial impact of cancer treatment. Through direct financial assistance, in-person and online support, The SAMFund helps young adults move forward towards their personal, professional, and educational goals.

• Grants cover a wide range of post-treatment financial needs (must be related to the cancer experience), such as current and residual medical bills, car and health insurance premiums, rent/mortgage, Continuing education, utilities, family-building expenses, gym memberships and mental health expenses
• The 2-part application process is open in January and June of each year
• Webinars provide information on a range of Young Adult issues and challenges including dealing with medical debt, employment, insurance, and fertility.