Community Support Resources

WINTER WEAR

Coats for Kids Program – Helena Exchange Club

Erinn Donnell
Secretary
Exchange Club
erinn.donnell@hotmail.com

HEAT AND ENERGY ASSISTANCE

Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program

Phone: (406) 447-1625; Ph. 1-800-356-6544
648 North Jackson Street

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income households to meet the expenses of keeping warm during the cold months.

Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) works in concert with LIHEAP and provides cost offsets for sewer and water bills and covers some past due balances and late fees on qualifying public sewer and water accounts.

Energy Share

Ph. (406) 447-1625; 1-800-356-6544
648 North Jackson Street

The primary way that Energy Share helps individuals and families through energy emergencies is by paying all or a portion of past due heating bills. Families who live paycheck-to-paycheck often face a financial emergency when an unexpected expense occurs, such as a vehicle breaking down, loss of employment, or medical expenses. In certain circumstances, Energy Share can also help with replacing inefficient, older refrigerators and water heaters, and with some furnace repairs.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Ph. (406) 447-1625; 1-800-356-6544
648 North Jackson Street

Weatherization is an energy conservation program designed to reduce the home heating costs for families on limited incomes.

FOOD

Free & Reduced Lunch
Helena Food Share Holiday Meal Sign Up

(Sign up deadline: 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18)

Helena Food Share Lewis Street Pantry

Ph. (406) 443-3663
1616 Lewis St.

Hours:
Monday 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Please arrive 15 minutes before closing to ensure you have time to pick up groceries.
Helena Food Share Offices and Pantries are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Salvation Army Food Pantry

1330 Hudson St.
Ph. (406) 442-8244
Non-perishable and frozen food items

Monday: 10 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:45 pm)
Tuesday: 10 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:45 pm)
Wednesday: 10 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:45 pm)
Thursday: 10 am – 4 pm (closed 12-12:45 pm)
Friday: 8 am – 12 pm

Requirements: Application, Photo ID

MENTAL HEALTH & OTHER HEALTH SERVICES

Mental Health Support

If you are in a severe life-threatening crisis, please call or text 988 or otherwise contact your local law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Montana 211 connects you to non-emergency resources and assistance across Montana. Call 211 to reach them.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Resource Guide to Mental Health Services in Lewis & Clark County

Free COVID Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

INTERNET SERVICE

If your household is eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch or Medicaid – or meets a number of other qualifiers – you can apply for a $30 discount on monthly internet service as well as a one-time discount on laptops or PCs. Income-based assistance is also available. You may also be eligible for additional discounts from your internet provider.

This support is available through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

To find out if your household qualifies and start the application process, visit educationsuperhighway.org.