Community Services

Welcome to the Alachua Habitat for Humanity web page for Community Services. You will find information on:

Credit Counseling
Free Legal Services
Utility Bill Assistance
Health Services
Community Support Services provided by Alachua County
The Department of Community Support Services
Links to Services provided by United Way of North Central Florida

If you are experiencing financial difficulties you can contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service for professional help. Their counselors provide:

CREDIT/BUDGET COUNSELING:
A counselor will help you create a budget based on your income, expenses, debts, priorities and goals.

DEBT REPAYMENT PLANS:
A counselor will work with you and your creditors to create a plan to get you out of debt.

EDUCATION:
You can schedule an education program to learn about credit, credit reports, credit scoring, money management, budgeting, and ID theft.

CREDIT REPORT REVIEW:
A counselor will help you figure out what is lowering your score and what you can do to improve it.

HOUSING COUNSELING:
A counselor will help you manage your home whether you’re buying your first home or in danger of falling behind on your mortgage.

To make an appointment call (352) 371-2227 or 800-245-1865

Or visit their website at http://www.cccsmidflorida.com

Three Rivers Legal Services provides free legal services in areas such as:

CONSUMER: Repossession, Collection Abuse, Small Loans, Sales Contracts, Unfair Sales, and Credit Problems

HOUSING:
Landlord/Tenant Problems, Eviction, Foreclosure, and Housing Code Violation

PUBLIC BENEFITS:
Social Security, SSI Disability, Welfare (WAGES), Food Stamps, and Unemployment

FAMILY LAW:
Domestic Violence, Divorce, and Child Custody

OTHER:
Wills and Probate, and Insurance

Three Rivers Legal Services cannot assist you with: Criminal Matters, Traffic Tickets, and Personal Injury

Call (352) 372-0519 or 800-372-0936

Or visit their website at http://www.trls.org/

With donations from GRU customers, and citizens, GRU has been able to assist the elderly, handicapped, and those facing financial problems due to illness by helping pay their utility bills.

Those who are at least 60 years of age or those who are disable and unable to be self-sufficient are given preference.

To apply for assistance or to make a donation call the SALVATION ARMY at (352) 376-1743

Other agencies that provide Utility Bill Assistance
Alachua County Social Service	(352) 264-6750
Catholic Charities	(352) 372-0294
Community Action Agency	(352) 373-7667
Gainesville Community Ministry	(352) 372-8162
Salvation Army	(352) 376-1743
Santa Fe Community Care/Elder Care	(352) 336-3822

CHOICES health services provides health care for Alachua County residents who do not have health insurance. You can be eligible for the service if you:

Are from the age of 18 to 64
Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Are an Alachua County resident
Are employed 32 hours a week or more
Have a limited household income
Are not eligible for health insurance such as private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare (low-income seniors age 65 and older who cannot afford prescriptions and dental care may receive some program services).

Health care services are available throughout the county in existing clinics, medical and dental offices. Enrollees pay a $10.00 co-pay for each health care visit. Call (352) 264-6772

Or visit their website at http://www.acchoices.com/

ALACHUA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Alachua County Department of Community Support Services offers Social Services, such as medical and general assistance, to low income Alachua County residents who are not eligible for any other government assistant programs.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

Rent or Mortgage Payment Assistance
Utility Payment Assistance
Solid Waste Assessment Waiver
Burial or Cremation
Public Transportation Assistance
Animal Services Fee Waiver
Urgent Special Needs Not Listed Elsewhere

HEALTH CARE SERVICES INCLUDE:

Prescription Medications
Non-Prescription Medication and Supplies
Primary Medical Care
Diagnostic Testing and Lab Work
Vision Exams and Glasses
Hearing Exams and Hearing Aides
Out-of-county emergency hospitalization

For more information please call: (352) 264-6750

Or you could visit their website and learn about other services such as VETERAN SERVICES and SENIOR SERVICES at http://communityservices.alachua.fl.us/

United Way
of North Central Florida
…is the referral organization in Alachua County.

For any needs not covered in this page, or for more options for your needs you could contact United Way of North Central Florida at (352) 332 INFO.

You could also visit their website at: http://unitedwayncfl.org/.

For a referral list of “Basic Needs Resources” provided by United Way of North Central Florida go to:

United Basic Needs Resources