Community Resources

• Apply online for LIEAP Energy Assistance Benefits between November 18, 2024, and March 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. Create a self-service portal​ account if you have a new email address, or reset your password using your existing email address.  "Apply for Assistance" to start a LIEAP application.  Use the library’s Level 2 Tech Center computers and scanners to complete the application online. Make sure to bring proof of income for all adults in the household and your most recent heating fuel bill.  Attend one of the upcoming LIEAP application events at the library if you need in person assistance from DCF staff.
• 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. 

• 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.

Each program has specific criteria for eligibility. 

• 2025 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
• 2025 Water Assistance Program 
• 2025 City of Topeka Franchise Fee Utility Credit Program 
• 2024 Property Tax Rebate Program

• Shawnee County Health Department Information including testing options and vaccine options
• Shawnee County Covid-19 Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring - Scroll down to "Filter by State to View Counties" then choose Kansas, then choose the yellow "Show all" button to see Shawnee County, Kansas data. Choose "Last 6 months" or "Last 6 weeks" for more recent trends.
• The CDC COVID Data Tracker
• CDC Respiratory Virus Updates
• How to Protect Yourself and Others from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Shawnee County Mental Health Crisis Line Valeo
  (ages 18+)
  Open 24/7 1-785-234-3300
• Shawnee County Mental Health Crisis Line FSGC
  (17 & under)
  Open 24/7 1-785-232-5005

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.

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

• 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, ages 17& under
• el Seguro Social (Social Security)
• Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)(click on flags to change language)
• Kansas Department for Children and Families Self-Service Portal (click on menu in upper left to choose Language - Spanish)
• Meals on Wheels (Spanish Language Website)
• Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas - La Luz Center for Legal Assistance
• 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