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Community Resources

Community Resources

  • 2-1-1 Online Resource Directory

    • The 2-1-1 directory is a comprehensive online resource (also accessible by phone) designed to connect individuals in need with organizations that can provide assistance. Support includes essentials such as diapers, groceries, prescription assistance, utility payments, and more.
    • To access the directory, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit their website.

     

    Community Resource Guide

    • Maintained by the Food & Farm Council, this guide offers up-to-date information on local resources. It is available in both English and Spanish.

     

    FindHelp

    • FindHelp connects individuals with free or reduced-cost services, including food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

  • Blessing Boxes

    • Blessing Boxes are small, outdoor pantries available 24/7, stocked with shelf-stable foods and personal hygiene products. Anyone in need can take items, and others are encouraged to donate. Suggested donations include:
      • Shelf-stable, single-serve foods (easy-open cans preferred)
      • Fruit cups, oatmeal packets, granola bars, single-serve mac & cheese
      • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.)

     

    Common Table Meals

    • Free community meals are provided every evening of the week. Open to everyone—no questions asked.

     

    Double-Up Food Bucks

    • Stretch your food dollars to buy more fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores and farmers' markets.

     

    Flint Hills Breadbasket (FHBB)

    • The Market at FHBB allows weekly access to food, giving guests the choice to select items from shelves or receive a referral to partner pantries.
    • To qualify for services:
      • Reside in the service area (Manhattan, Riley County, Fort Riley, St. George).
      • Show proof of address (no other documents required).
      • Complete a guest information sheet.
    • Emergency food may be provided to those outside the service area, along with referrals to local resources.

     

    Food Pantries

    • A comprehensive list of area food pantries is available in English and Spanish, updated regularly by the Food & Farm Council of Manhattan & Riley County.

     

    Harvesters

    • Mobile food distributions are offered multiple times monthly throughout the area. Visit their website and enter your zip code for details on locations and times.

     

    Kitchen Restore Starter Kits

    • Kitchen Restore provides starter kits of gently used or new kitchen tools and equipment to individuals and families. 

  • Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. (MESI)

    • MESI provides safe shelter and housing stabilization services for homeless individuals and families in Manhattan.
    • The Caroline Peine Transitional Shelter: Offers housing to homeless individuals (18+) and families in Riley County and surrounding areas. Eligibility requires homelessness, no sex offenses, and no listing on the shelter’s no-return list.
    • Homeless Rental Assistance Program (HRAP): Supports rapid re-housing for those staying in the shelter or in uninhabitable conditions. Assistance (when funds are available) includes rent, arrears, security deposits, and utilities. Individuals must lack other housing, financial resources, or support networks.

     

    The Crisis Center

    • The Crisis Center provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, offering safety, security, and support. Trauma-informed services are available 24/7.
    • Service Area: Clay, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie, Riley counties, and Fort Riley.
    • Kansas Crisis Hotline: 1.800.727.2785

     

    Manhattan Area Habitat for Humanity

    • MAHFH builds affordable housing through new construction, rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and advocacy. As an Aging in Place and Veteran’s Affiliate, they address specific housing needs for these groups. Their vision: a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

     

    Manhattan Housing Authority

     

    Rental and Utilities Assistance

     

    Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) OUSING & CREDIT COUNSELING, INC

    • HCCI provides certified counseling for financial management, debt repayment, credit rebuilding, and budgeting in the six-county United Way region.

  • Behavioral Health Resources

    Crisis Intervention

    If you are feeling suicidal or unsafe, take one of these actions immediately:

    • Call 911.
    • Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
    • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
    • Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
    • Contact or visit the Pawnee Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit:
      • Phone: (800) 609-2002 or (785) 587-4300 (option #2)
      • Location: 1558 Hayes Drive, Suite A, Manhattan
    • If you are receiving counseling, reach out to your therapist as soon as possible.

     

    MHK Mental Health

    • A comprehensive database to help you find mental health providers in Manhattan and surrounding areas. It includes information about provider availability to help you connect with the best possible match.

     

    Pawnee Mental Health Services (PMHS)

    • A Certified Community Behavioral Health Center in Manhattan offering:
      • Adult & Youth Community Services
      • Crisis Services & Stabilization Unit
      • Therapy & Recovery Services
      • Medical Services/Medication Management
      • School-Based and Telehealth Services

     

    A Friend AsKS

    • This free mobile app, developed by The Jason Foundation, connects youth to suicide prevention tools and resources. It also provides quick access to the 988 Mental Health Crisis Line. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

     

     

     

    Physical Health

    KONZA PRAIRIE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER: Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a community-based medical, dental, and behavioral health clinic dedicated to providing patient-centered, integrated care to all people, regardless of income or insurance status.

    Konza welcomes a diverse population with compassion and extra care that reaches beyond traditional clinic services. Konza provides:

    • an on-site patient resource coordinator

    • in-person Spanish language translator at our clinics

    • community-based healthcare workers in Geary and Riley county who work to connect community members to access needed services for housing, transportation, employment, and much more.

    • Konza clinics provide a safe location for undocumented farmworkers, persons who are homeless, and refugees to access healthcare.

    MANHATTAN FREE CLINIC: Manhattan Free Clinic provides quality healthcare by appointment only. These appointments are free of charge for those without health insurance and live within 200% of federal poverty level. The Manhattan Free Clinic (MFC) does not provide dental care, pharmacy services, STD testing, or obstetric care. If you are in need of these services, we are happy to provide you with contact numbers of other area agencies that can assist you.

    RILEY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: The health department’s mission is to promote and protect the health and safety of our community through evidence-based practices, prevention, and education.  Their staff of approximately 50 regular employees includes nurses, social workers, dietitians, support staff, and administrative specialists. They offer the following services:

    Prescription Assistance:

  • Career and Job Training Resources

     

    Flint Hills Job Corps

    • Provides free career training and education for individuals aged 16-24. With over 120 campuses nationwide, students gain skills for careers, apprenticeships, higher education, or military service—all at no cost.

     

    KANSASWORKS

    • A free online job-matching and labor market information platform connecting job seekers, employers, and training providers with valuable tools and resources.

     

    Manhattan Workforce Center

    • Serves as a hub for employment, training, and educational programs in Pottawatomie and Riley counties. Offers services to connect employers with skilled workers and helps career seekers with tools and resources for career development.

     

    YouthBuild (UFM)

    • A free seven-month program for young adults (16-24) not currently enrolled in school, offering:
      • GED support
      • Mentorship and counseling
      • Job readiness skills
      • Certifications in green construction, solar energy, and permaculture

  • Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA)

    • FHATA provides high-quality transit services to the Flint Hills communities, promoting accessible and reliable transportation for all.

     

    Be Able Community

    • Mission: To support individuals facing adversity by fostering connections, building skills, and creating opportunities.
    • Services Offered:
      • Day Services: A welcoming space for rest, social connections, art, education, free Wi-Fi, and coffee.
      • Case Management: Personalized support including information, advocacy, and assistance with paperwork for vital resources.
      • Faith-Based Opportunities: Guidance for personal faith journeys, connections to local faith communities, scripture study, and spiritual education.

     

    Childcare and Family Support Resources

     

    Child Care Aware of Kansas

    • Provides free, confidential assistance to help families find local childcare providers with availability. Personal information entered online is secure and used only for statistical reporting.

     

    Raising Riley Childcare Assistance

    • Offers financial aid for childcare to families in Manhattan or Riley County, provided their childcare provider accepts Raising Riley funds.

     

    Clothing Vouchers

    • The Budget Shop and Catholic Charities partner to offer free clothing or shoes (up to $25 per household) through seasonal clothing vouchers. Visit Catholic Charities in Manhattan to apply.

     

    Diaper Assistance

     

    Community Support Services

     

    Emergency Pet Food Pantry

     

    Fairy Godmothers

    • Offers grants up to $800 to women for vehicle repairs, dental care, minor home maintenance, and other expenses. Applications must be submitted through Shepherd’s Crossing at (785) 776-1470.

     

    The Guardians

    • Provides grants up to $1,000 to men for urgent needs not covered by other agencies (excludes food, lodging, utilities, or legal fees). Applicants must be 18 or older. Applications available via Shepherd’s Crossing at (785) 776-1470.

     

    Hygiene Bags

    • Distributed bi-monthly by Catholic Charities, each bag contains essential hygiene items, including dish and laundry soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and more. Feminine hygiene products are available upon request.
      • Requirements: Photo ID.
      • To apply: Call (785) 323-0644 to speak with Catholic Charities staff.

     

    Kansas Legal Services (KLS)

    • KLS is a statewide non-profit dedicated to assisting low-income Kansans with essential legal and mediation services. It provides access to justice for vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic violence, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, advocating for them through the court system.

     

    Laundry Love

    • Laundry Love MHK offers free laundry services to those in need.
    • Free Loads: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5 PM - 9 PM
    • Location: Suds Y’r Duds, 1453 Anderson Ave.

     

    Thrive! Flint Hills

    • Thrive! is a non-profit focused on reducing poverty by building skills and relationships that strengthen families and individuals. It aims to break generational poverty through a unique "walk with me" model that pairs individuals in need (Leaders) with supporters (Allies) to address the challenges of poverty.