Asking for help is hard. Walking into a nonprofit agency or dialing a helpline takes courage, and many people put it off until their situation becomes a crisis. We asked six nonprofit leaders, including directors from Salvation Army locations, United Way chapters, and local community organizations, to share advice for people who need help.
Their combined experience serving hundreds of thousands of families reveals consistent recommendations. The process is simpler than most people fear, and the help is more comprehensive than most expect.
Making the First Call
Every leader emphasized the same starting point. Call 211. A Salvation Army director in Houston said that 211 is the single most effective tool for connecting families with help. The specialists on the other end of the line know every program operating in your area, including ones that most internet searches miss. The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
A United Way chapter president in Philadelphia added that people should call 211 before they hit rock bottom. Early intervention prevents crises from escalating. A family that calls when they receive a shut-off notice has more options than a family that calls after the power has already been disconnected.
Taking action on making the first call requires persistence and attention to detail. Many applicants give up after encountering their first obstacle, but the families and individuals who succeed are the ones who follow through on every step and maintain communication with program administrators.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A community action agency director in Atlanta explained the intake process. You meet with a caseworker who asks about your household, income, expenses, and needs. The assessment is comprehensive because the goal is to identify every program you qualify for, not just the one you called about. Bring your photo ID, proof of income, and any bills or notices related to your situation.
A food bank director in Chicago said that the most important thing to know is that nobody judges you. Staff and volunteers at nonprofit agencies understand that hardship does not discriminate. People from every background and income level seek help at some point in their lives. The organizations exist specifically to serve people during difficult times.
Taking action on what to expect at your first visit requires persistence and attention to detail. Many applicants give up after encountering their first obstacle, but the families and individuals who succeed are the ones who follow through on every step and maintain communication with program administrators.
How Agencies Connect You With Multiple Services
A legal aid director in Los Angeles explained that nonprofit agencies routinely refer clients to each other. When a family comes in for legal help with an eviction, the intake process often reveals needs for food assistance, utility help, and healthcare. The agency makes referrals to partner organizations and sometimes handles multiple applications in the same visit.
A community health center executive in Denver described a similar pattern. Patients who visit for medical care are screened for food insecurity, housing instability, and other social determinants of health. When needs are identified, the health center connects patients with food pantries, housing agencies, and benefits enrollment specialists. Healthcare and social services are deeply interconnected.
Taking action on how agencies connect you with multiple services requires persistence and attention to detail. Many applicants give up after encountering their first obstacle, but the families and individuals who succeed are the ones who follow through on every step and maintain communication with program administrators.
Overcoming the Stigma of Asking for Help
Every leader addressed the stigma directly. A Salvation Army officer in Dallas said that receiving help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you are taking action to improve your situation. The programs exist because society recognizes that everyone needs support at some point. Using these resources is exactly what they are designed for.
A community foundation director in Seattle said the biggest barrier is not eligibility or paperwork. It is the internal belief that help is for someone else. She encouraged everyone to remember that these programs are funded by taxpayers and donors who want them to be used. Leaving money on the table does not help anyone. Applying and receiving assistance is the intended outcome.
Taking action on overcoming the stigma of asking for help requires persistence and attention to detail. Many applicants give up after encountering their first obstacle, but the families and individuals who succeed are the ones who follow through on every step and maintain communication with program administrators.
These nonprofit leaders agree that the hardest step is the first one, so call 211 today, walk into your local community action agency, or visit a food pantry, and let the people who are trained to help you do exactly that. For more on finding community resources, watch:
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