Community Resources

Community Resource & Referral Sources

United Way 211 - Dial 211 from any phone to speak with a referral specialist 24 hours a day about community resources and any service needs you may have. Available in English and Spanish. 211
Topeka Resource Checklist Updated April 2023
2023 CRC Resource Directory - The Community Resource Directory is a cumulative list of more than 700 different agencies and social service programs throughout Jackson, Jefferson, and Shawnee County, as well as Veteran Resources.

Services are listed ranging from general and adult services, children, youth and family services, senior citizens services, mental health, and substance abuse services, medical services, food & clothing banks & hot meals, and support groups.

CRC quick reference to emergency rent/utility help, food & clothing, health & dental, etc. in both English and Spanish.

Resources for Food and Assistance

Food Banks & Pantries/Meals: Topeka Listing Updated February 2025 - En Español
Need help finding food resources in Shawnee County? Here is a map of local food pantries, feeding sites and food giveaways. Enter your address to find resources nearby. Created and updated by Shawnee County K-State Research and Extension.
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for older adults.
Meals on Wheels of Eastern Kansas serves seniors and home-bound in Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties.
Check your eligibility for SNAP benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides qualifying low-income households with food benefits, access to a healthy diet and education on food preparation and nutrition. In Kansas, the program is known as the Food Assistance Program.

Applications for Low Income Assistance Programs

Each program has specific criteria for eligibility.

Mental Health Crisis Lines

Shawnee County Mental Health Crisis Line Valeo
Open 24/7 1-785-234-3300
Shawnee County Mental Health Crisis Line FSGC
Open 24/7 1-785-232-5005

Eviction Prevention

Housing and Credit Counseling Inc - 800-383-0217 and 785-234-0217

Kansas Legal Services Individuals seeking legal assistance must first apply. You can apply for legal assistance by filling out the Online Application or by phone 1-800-723-6953.

Phone/Internet Resources and WiFi Access

WiFi Access in the library's parking lot, community centers and other locations.

Apply for Lifeline, a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal programs.

If you are approved, search by your zipcode to choose a company in our area that offers Lifeline services.

Cox and AT&T offer several low-cost internet plans for qualifying customers who meet requirements.

Tax Forms and Assistance

Tax Forms and Assistance links to local resources and state/federal forms. City of Topeka Property Tax Rebate program those 65 years of age and older.

Spanish Language Local Resources

United Way 211 - Dial 211 from any phone to speak with a referral specialist 24 hours a day about community resources and any service needs you may have. Available in English and Spanish. 211
Spanish version: Food Pantries and Meal Programs in Topeka/Shawnee County updated October 2022
CRC quick reference to emergency rent/utility help, food & clothing, health & dental, etc. in both English and Spanish.
Family Service & Guidance Center Spanish page - Mental Health Services for Shawnee County
el Seguro Social (Social Security)
Kansas Department for Children and Families Self-Service Portal (click on menu in upper left to choose Language - Spanish)

Si tuviese problemas para usar este sitio, por favor comuníquese con nuestro servicio de ayuda el teléfono 1-877-782-7358. Para preguntas relacionadas con su aplicación o beneficios, por favor comuníquese a nuestro Servicio al Cliente del DCF al 1-888-369-4777.
La Luz Immigration Clinic is a full-service immigration law firm sponsored by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Run by bilingual (Spanish/English) representatives and an attorney, La Luz provides vital legal assistance on non-business immigration matters. Para leer esta página en español, seleccione el botón de idioma en la parte superior del sitio web.
Cover Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace (Spanish Language Website)
Community Action, Inc. (Spanish website through Google Translate)
Shawnee County Health Department (select Language - Spanish in Google Translate at bottom of the page)
Temas de Salud: COVID-19 Spanish Language National Institutes of Health Resources for COVID-19
Valeo Behavioral Health, Mental Health Services for Shawnee County, Documentos Informativos Importante

Walk-In assistance from community organizations

community navigator Click the title of each group to see upcoming events when they are providing individual walk-in assistance at the library!

TRIO Educational Opportunity Center - Discuss FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), career exploration and school selection with TRIO Educational Opportunity Center advisor Melody Lawrence.

Community Action staff provide information, answer questions, make referrals, & offer personalized support to individuals seeking support & services from Community Action & other local resources.