Apply For Assistance

Eligibility Requirements

One Step Away is committed to stopping homelessness before it starts by offering immediate, emergency financial assistance, due to an unforeseen crisis or emergency to keep people in their homes.

We do not provide ongoing support, only one-time expenses for unexpected or unforseen financial emergencies, to qualified individuals and families.

Below is a general list of categories we regularly provide support for.  Although this list is comprehensive, it is not all-inclusive.

We do not provide direct funding to individuals.  We provide payment directly to the organization or company whose debts are due.  If a payment has already been made, we may opt to reimburse the individual with proper proof of payment.

1. Common Emergency Categories:

• Car Repairs: Essential for individuals who rely on their vehicle for commuting to work.

• Medical Expenses: Uninsured or underinsured medical treatments and emergencies.

• Utility Bills: Preventing shut-off notices for essential services like electricity, water, and gas.

• Rent/Mortgage Assistance: For those at risk of eviction or foreclosure due to a sudden inability to pay.

• Housing Security Deposits: If you can afford the rent but not the security deposit, we may be able to help you.

• Food and Grocery Poverty:  We order and ship from local retailers straight to your door.

2. Additional Considerations:

• Childcare Costs: Unexpected expenses for childcare that might prevent someone from working.

• Essential Home Repairs: Urgent repairs necessary for safe and habitable living conditions.

• Funeral Expenses: Unexpected costs related to the death of a family member.

3. Exclusions:

• Non-emergency cosmetic or elective expenses.

• Debts not directly related to maintaining housing or employment stability (e.g., credit card debts).

• Repeated requests for similar non-urgent expenses.

Prioritization:

• Immediate Needs Assessment: Any emergency situation that will result with permanent action within 24-72 hours (e.g., eviction notice, utility shut-off notice).

• Vulnerable Populations:Household with  with children under 12, elderly individuals, and those with medical conditions.