2-1-1 ONLINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY: 2-1-1 is an online resource directory (also available via phone) that allows individuals in need to search for agencies that can help. The assistance available ranges from diapers to groceries to help paying for prescriptions and utility bills and lots of other things in between.  ;)

To access the directory, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit their website. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE: The Food & Farm Council keeps this resource flyer up-to-date. It’s available in English or Spanish!

FINDHELP: Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

If you’re aware of other online resource guides that you feel should be listed on this page, please email the facilitator

BLESSING BOXES: Small outdoor food pantries that serve those in need 24/7. Boxes are stocked with shelf-stable foods and personal hygiene products.

People can take what they need from the Blessing Box and others are encouraged to donate. Donation suggestions: shelf-stable, single-serve items (easy-open cans preferred), fruit cups, oatmeal packets, granola bars, single-serve mac ‘n cheese, personal hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

COMMON TABLE MEALS: providing a free community meal every evening of the week - anyone/any age/no questions asked!

DOUBLE-UP FOOD BUCKS: Double your food dollars…get more fruits and veggies at participating grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET: The Market at FHBB is available for you to use on a weekly basis. When you come to the Breadbasket, you will have the choice to select food from their shelves and to receive a paper to take with you to one of their pantry partners.

To qualify for FHBB services:

• you need to live within the FHBB service area* (Manhattan, Riley County, Fort Riley and St. George) and need help to have sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets your dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. 

• you’ll need to provide proof of address - no other documents are necessary. 

• you’ll be asked to complete our guest information sheet.
  
  *It may be appropriate at times for food to be provided to guests who live outside of the FHBB service area and in those circumstances, emergency food will be provided and you will be connected with resources in your home community.

FOOD PANTRIES: A full list of area food pantries can be found on this flyer (which is available in English & Spanish and kept up-to-date by the Food & Farm Council of Manhattan & Riley County)

HARVESTERS: offers mobile food distributions many times per month throughout the area. Visit their website and enter your zip code for locations and times.

KANSAS FOOD SOURCE: An interactive map-style resource directory for food support in our community.

KITCHEN RESTORE’S KITCHEN STARTER KITS: Kitchen Restore works to provide “starter kits” containing gently used or new household kitchen tools and equipment to individuals and families. The FIT Closet is a Kitchen Restore partner. If you would like to apply to receive a kitchen starter kit, please contact the FIT Closet at fitcloset383@gmail.com.

MANHATTAN EMERGENCY SHELTER, INC. (MESI): provides safe shelter and housing stabilization services for the homeless individuals and families of Manhattan.

• The Caroline Peine Transitional Shelter provides housing to individuals and families without homes in Riley County and the close surrounding area. The shelter serves homeless men and women over the age of 18 and homeless families with and without children.  To qualify for services, an individual must be without a home and requesting emergency shelter, be free of sex offenses, and not be on the no return list.
• Homeless Rental Assistance Program (HRAP) aims to rapidly re-house households that are literally homeless, meaning individuals that are staying in the Caroline Peine Transitional Shelter or living in a place not meant for human habitation.  Types of assistance provided when funding is available are: rental and rental arrears, security deposits, and utility and utility arrears.  Households must be literally homeless and have no other housing options, financial resources, and support networks.

THE CRISIS CENTER: Provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  The Crisis Center's mission is centered around helping community members who are in need find safety, security, and a life free from violence.  Our trauma-informed services are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Crisis Center serves Clay, Geary, Marshall, Pottawatomie and Riley counties, and the Fort Riley military installation. The Crisis Center also administers the statewide Kansas Crisis Hotline.

24-Hour Hotline: 1.800.727.2785

MANHATTAN AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: MAHFH develops their own resources and funds to build affordable housing in our area. This affordable housing happens through new construction, rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, home repair, and affordable housing advocacy. We are a Habitat For Humanity Aging in Place and a Veteran’s Affiliate and address/advocate for these issues as well. Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Manhattan Housing Authority: Provides public housing to income qualified applicants. If you’re interested in applying for any of their programs - please click one of the links below:

APPLICATIONS

Find important information about applying for Manhattan Housing Authority programs.

1. Public Housing Program

   The Public Housing Program provides housing to income qualified applicants.

2. Housing Choice Voucher Program

   The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to income qualified applicants who lease a rental unit from a private landlord.

3. Flint Hills Tax Credit Program

   The Flint Hills Tax Credit Program provides rental housing to income qualified applicants at below market rents.

RENTAL / UTILITIES ASSISTANCE

The following agencies offer “last resort” rental assistance (application processes and required documentation vary):

• SHEPHERD’S CROSSING

• CATHOLIC CHARITIES

• SALVATION ARMY OF MANHATTAN, KS

• NEK CAP (Northeast Kansas Community Action Partnership)

HOUSING & CREDIT COUNSELING, INC: HCCI provides certified, professional counseling to people in the United Way six-county region with budgeting advice that includes establishing financial goals, advising on debt repayment and rebuilding credit.

Behavioral Health

Crisis Intervention

If you are feeling suicidal or unsafe, please take one or more of the following actions immediately:

• Call 911.

• Call or text 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline

• Text HOME to 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.

• Call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK

• Call the Pawnee Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit at (800) 609-2002 or (785) 587-4300 (select option #2) or go there. It is located at 1558 Hayes Drive, Suite A, in Manhattan.

• If you are receiving counseling outside of school, make contact with your therapist as soon as possible.

MHK MENTAL HEALTH: simplifies the process of finding a mental health provider in Manhattan, Kansas and the surrounding areas. ​This database of local providers includes information about current availability, and other information to connect you with the best possible match. Trying to connect with a mental health care provider? Make this your first stop!

PAWNEE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: A Certified Community Behavioral Health Center, right here in Manhattan! PMHS offers:

• Adult Community Services

• Crisis Services & Crisis Stabilization Unit

• Medical Services / Medication Management

• Recovery Services

• Therapy Services

• Youth Community Services

• Telehealth Resources

• School-Based Services

A Friend asKS: A free mobile app, called “Kansas – A Friend AsKS,” has been developed in partnership with The Jason Foundation, a national suicide prevention organization and can be found in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app connects youth to tools and resources to help a friend, or themselves, who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. The app also offers the option for users to call or text the 988 mental health crisis line, which was launched in Kansas in July.

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:

• Child Care Licensing

• Public Health Clinic Services

• Community Health & Wellness

• Emergency Preparedness

• Maternal & Child Health

• Raising Riley

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Prescription Assistance:

• FAMILYWIZE PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE (ENGLISH)

• FAMILYWISE PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE (ESPANOL)

FLINT HILLS JOB CORPS: Job Corps provides free career training and education for 16- through 24-year-olds. We have over 120 campuses across the U.S. where students gain the experience needed to begin a career or apprenticeship, advance to higher education, or join the military. The best part? It’s free.

KANSASWORKS: KANSASWORKS is a web-based job-matching and labor market information system. KANSASWORKS provides job seekers, employers, and training providers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities. As a service of the public workforce system, KANSASWORKS is completely free for you to use.

MANHATTAN WORKFORCE CENTER: The Manhattan Workforce Center is a single point of entry to a network of employment, training, and educational programs and providers in Pottawatomie and Riley counties. The Manhattan Workforce Center helps employers find skilled workers and helps career seekers access the tools needed to manage their careers through high quality information and services.

YOUTHBUILD: A FREE program of UFM - providing career development for young adults, ages 16-24 who are not currently enrolled/attending school. The program is a seven month commitment.

What you get:

• GED Support

• Mentorship Counseling

• Job Readiness Skills

• Certificates in “Green” Construction, Solar Energy & Permaculture

ATA Bus

FLINT HILLS AREA TRANSPORTATION AGENCY / ATA BUS: FHATA’s mission is to provide and promote the highest quality transit services to the Flint Hills communities. 

Be Able Community

BE ABLE exists to engage with those in adversity by creating connections, cultivating skills, and opening doors of opportunity.

Day Services: providing a place to go an be yourself

• Rest & comfort

• Find social connections & support

• Access to art & education

• Free wi-fi & coffee

Case Management: providing information, assessment & advocacy

• Free consulting & a listening ear.

• Knowledgeable information about area organizations.

• Coaching & advocacy in how to troubleshoot a situation.

• Access & ability to complete necessary paperwork vital to the attainment.

Faith-Based Opportunities: encouraging faith journeys

• Guidance & connection to the Manhattan faith community

• Discernment & decision-making conversations

• Individual & group study of Scripture

• Education & equipping opportunities for the saints

Childcare Resources

CHILDCARE AWARE OF KANSAS

Child Care Aware® of Kansas is here to help you make a child care choice that is right for your family, by providing a list of child care providers who have openings in your area. This is a secure site and any personal information you enter into the online referral form is held confidential. Non-personal information is used for statistical purposes and reporting to funders. This is a free service for personal, non-commercial use only.

RAISING RILEY CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

The Raising Riley Childcare Assistance Scholarship Program allows parents/guardians that live in the Manhattan City Limits or Riley County the opportunity to receive financial assistance for child care if the preschool/daycare provider accepts Raising Riley funds.

Clothing Vouchers

THE BUDGET SHOP and CATHOLIC CHARITIES partner to provide free clothing and/or shoes up to the limit of $25 per household through a clothing voucher program. A single household is eligible for 1 clothing voucher per season (i.e. fall, winter, spring, summer).

To apply for a Manhattan clothing voucher, please visit the Catholic Charities - Manhattan location to complete an intake form.

Diapers / Pull-ups / Wipes

Check in with CATHOLIC CHARITIES regarding their diaper program. Phone: 785.323.0644

Check in with NEXT STEP PREGNANCY & FAMILY RESOURCES (LIFE CHOICE MINISTRIES) if you need emergency diapers. Phone: 785.776.9406. .

Emergency Pet Food Pantry

To use these services, you’ll need to fill out an application.

Fairy Godmothers

THE FAIRY GODMOTHERS provide grants of up to $800 to local women needing assistance with vehicle repairs, dental care, minor home repairs or maintenance, and other expenses.  Applications must be made through Shepherd’s Crossing: (785) 776-1470.

The Guardians

THE GUARDIANS provide grants (up to $1000) to local men to cover immediate needs not addressed by other social service agencies in the Manhattan area (ineligible requests include, but are not limited to food, lodging, utilities, or assistance with legal bills such as a speeding ticket or a DUI).

Must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Applications must be made through Shepherd’s Crossing: (785) 776-1470.

Hygiene Bags

This program is provided by CATHOLIC CHARITIES. Hygiene bags are distributed one per household, every other month. The bags include full-sized dish soap, laundry soap, household cleaner, Kleenex, lotion, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, 3 bars of soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and 4 rolls of TP.  Feminine hygiene products are also available on request.

Required documentation is a photo ID.  To apply to receive a bag, please call 785.323.0644 to talk with Catholic Charities staff.

Kansas Legal Services

KANSAS LEGAL SERVICES (KLS), a statewide non-profit corporation, is devoted to helping low income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of important legal and mediation services.

KLS is legal aid in Kansas, providing equal access to justice for the most vulnerable Kansans.  KLS advocates for victims of domestic violence, children, the homeless, the elderly and individuals with disabling conditions through the court system.

Laundry Love

LAUNDRY LOVE MHK is a neighboring movement seeking to provide support in the form of free laundry.

• FIVE FREE LOADS!

• 2nd Tuesday of each month

• 5PM to 9PM

• Suds Y’r Duds (1453 Anderson Ave.)

Thrive!

THRIVE! FLINT HILLS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of reducing poverty by building skills and relationships that strengthen families and individuals.  ​

Thrive’s vision is to alleviate generational poverty in our community.

Thrive! operates very differently from other nonprofits. We invite you to find out more about our long-term "walk with me" approach that pairs individuals in poverty - Leaders- with people who want to help fight the stressors of poverty - Allies.