Questions people ask
Where can I get free food in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Erie County: Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio (call to find a pantry near you), (440) 960-2265. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help paying rent or a utility bill in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Erie County: The Salvation Army Sandusky Corps (Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 3:00pm), (419) 626-3862. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get housing help in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Erie County: Erie Metropolitian Housing Authority in Sandusky, (419) 625-0262. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I find a free or low-cost clinic in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed 8 places that can help in Erie County: Ecchc @ Ovh in Sandusky, (419) 626-5623, call first; Erie County Health Department in Sandusky, (419) 626-5623, call first; Family Health Services Medical Center in Sandusky, (419) 502-2800, call first. 5 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help with addiction or mental health in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Erie County: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 988; SAMHSA National Helpline (Open 24 hours a day, every day), (800) 662-4357. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Where can I get help with veterans benefits in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Erie County: Veterans Crisis Line (Open 24 hours a day, every day), 988; VA national phone lines (Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern), (800) 827-1000. A veteran in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Where can I get free legal help in Erie County, Ohio?
We have confirmed one place that can help in Erie County: Legal Aid of Western Ohio, (888) 534-1432. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.
Is HelpByState free to use?
Yes. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to pay. Every listing is free, and so is adding or correcting one.
Why do some listings say call first?
Church and community pantries often change days, move, or close for a holiday. When the sources we checked disagree, or an organization does not publish its hours, we say so instead of guessing. A quick call saves a trip.
I run a pantry or a program. How do I get listed or fix our hours?
Use the Add a listing or Suggest an update form. We confirm it against your own page or contact you, then change the listing. It is free.
Is this the same as 2-1-1?
No. 2-1-1 is a statewide phone line and database run by the state network. HelpByState is an independent, county-by-county directory that shows the date each listing was checked. If you want to talk to a person, dial 2-1-1.
Where do the hours and phone numbers come from?
From each organization's own website or page, official sources such as housing authority and WIC clinic lists, and the public Find Food map of the local food bank. We list the source on every card.