Findhelp.org

Findhelp.org is a website that connects people with free and low-cost social services in their communities. It allows users to search for assistance in areas like food, housing, healthcare, financial aid, and more. The platform is user-friendly, offering a searchable database of nonprofits, government programs, and community organizations based on location. It’s designed to help individuals in need find and connect with support services quickly and efficiently.

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This has been one of my favorite resources to use. I underestimated the amount of available help and the enthusiasm of the people that helped me navigate serious roadblocks.

I experienced a lof of medical debt last year and was sent to collections twice for two bills that my insurance was not able to fully cover. I found https://dollarfor.org/ through the Find Help website and they helped me navigate the whole process.

Not only did they try to pay the outstanding debt, but they were also able to pull the debt from collections after the hospital refused to accept their payment. Due to the hospital deciding I was not eligible to receive financial assistance, I was sent to collections despite the hospital not waiting the 180 days required. The 180 days are supposed to give you the chance to look for financial assistance, arrange payments, and dispute charges. I was incredibly discouraged and sent emails to the Dollar Org, thanking them for their help, feeling there was nothing more they could do. Each time I did, they emailed me back with another option or a script to say, and when all that failed, they personally advocated for me, and finally, we made progress.

Advocating for yourself is difficult, and when you add other factors, it becomes nearly impossible. I almost gave up because I could not make any headway alone and because I wasn't aware of what rights I had regarding my medical debt. It takes emotional energy to deal with agencies that will deny you if they have the capacity to. That is why knowledge is so important, especially now more than ever.

I highly encourage you to check the website out and become familiar with the programs available to your community. Share the resource, your community will thank you.