Neighbors helping neighbors in Columbia.
Find the help you need
A few quick questions — we’ll point you to the right place. No sign-up.
Who answers when
Columbia’s help lines each answer at set times — call the right one at the right time.
Local resources
If we can’t meet a need, or you need help right away, these Columbia and Missouri organizations may be able to help. The caveats matter — call the right place at the right time.
Life-threatening emergency: call 911 · Mental-health crisis: call or text 988 · Anything else, any hour: 2-1-1
Rent & eviction
St. Vincent de Paul Us
Rent & utility help for Columbia neighbors — leave a voicemail Mondays 8:30–9:30 AM only; a volunteer calls back when we can help.
Love Columbia
Rent, utility & housing help + coaching — voicemail Mon 8:30–9:30 AM & Wed 3:30–4:30 PM. Boone County residents.
Voluntary Action Center (VAC)
Rent & mortgage help — call Wednesdays 9:00 AM–noon only; they’ll check what you qualify for over the phone.
MO Tenant Help
Free legal help for eviction defense & prevention — statewide, with a county finder.
Catholic Charities of Central & N. MO
Emergency & family services, all faiths welcome — parish referral.
Utility bills
CMCA Energy Assistance
Help paying heating & cooling bills through the federal energy-bill program (LIHEAP). Does not cover water.
Columbia/Boone Utility Assistance (City PHHS)
Electric & water help — who gets it is chosen by drawing, not first-come — for seniors, people with disabilities, or families with kids.
Salvation Army
Emergency aid, food & utility help — they work with you one-on-one.
St. Vincent de Paul Us
Rent & utility help for Columbia neighbors — leave a voicemail Mondays 8:30–9:30 AM only; a volunteer calls back when we can help.
Love Columbia
Rent, utility & housing help + coaching — voicemail Mon 8:30–9:30 AM & Wed 3:30–4:30 PM. Boone County residents.
Food
Central Pantry (The Food Bank)
Free groceries, no paperwork — Tue–Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2.
A safe place to stay tonight
Room at the Inn (VAC shelter)
Overnight shelter, walk in — check-in 6:30–7:30 PM.
Salvation Army Harbor House
24/7 emergency shelter, meals & showers — adults & families.
Welcome Home (veterans)
Shelter, housing & jobs for veterans and their families.
True North
24-hour crisis line for domestic or sexual violence — shelter & advocacy. Address kept confidential.
IDs, prescriptions & other help
VAC — financial & family services
Photo IDs, birth certificates, prescriptions, gas vouchers, diapers & clothing — weekdays 9–12 & 1–4.
More: MO Unemployment ↗ · Protect yourself from Social Security scams ↗
Start a request with St. Vincent de Paul
You can send us the details now instead of waiting to call Monday. A volunteer reads every request and reaches out when we’re able to help. What you share is kept in confidence within St. Vincent de Paul.
What we do
St. Vincent de Paul volunteers meet low-income Columbia neighbors with dignity and respect. We assist mostly with rent and utility bills — but all assistance requests are considered.
Rent & utility help
Our primary assistance: help with rent and utility bills for low-income residents of Columbia, Missouri.
Get help →Loaves & Fishes meals
Our volunteers help serve meals through the Loaves & Fishes program here in Columbia.
Find help →Person-to-person care
Vincentians serve and pray alongside those we help. All assistance requests are considered, one neighbor at a time.
Find help →We Serve in Hope
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay charitable organization. Our members are all volunteers — Vincentians who pray with one another and with those whom we serve.
Help us serve more neighbors
Your gift goes directly to Columbia families facing rent and utility emergencies. No amount is too small. Donations are by check, made payable to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
903 Bernadette Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203
501(c)(3) nonprofit · Tax ID 86-1413884 · gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Volunteer with us
Vincentians visit neighbors, answer the help line, serve meals, and walk alongside families in hard seasons. New volunteers are always welcome — reach out through the help line or by mail and we’ll help you get connected.
Get in touch about volunteering →Contact
Help line
(573) 424-1022
Mondays, 8:30 am – 9:30 am CT
(leave a voice mail; if we can help, a volunteer returns your call)
Donate by mail
Checks payable to:
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
903 Bernadette Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203
Where we are
Columbia, Missouri
903 Bernadette Dr.
Columbia, MO 65203