Our Services
| MISSION |
To reduce the impact of poverty in Ellis Co. One way to do this is to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the resources they need to thrive. By coordinating outreach efforts and partnering with other nonprofit organizations, we can make a significant impact in the lives of people who might otherwise be struggling to get by.
Information & Referrals
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Connecting You to Services in the Community
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If you are needing up-to-date information about services available in Ellis County, First Call for Help is here for you. Many of the resources are "hidden gems" and until we need a service or resource we often don't know where to turn.
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Our mission is to connect you with what you need--services for children, food resources, pregnancy counseling, employment services and transportation services--all are within reach and available in the community.
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We also provide food assistance between distribution dates of other pantries and when available, diapers and wipes, and hygiene items such as shampoo or toothpaste can also be provided. These items come from community member donations and from the St Joseph food pantry. To donate any of these items, drop them off at our office. We also have blankets that have been cleaned and donated for the chilly winter months.
First Step Housing
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FSH provides temporary housing of up to 6 months for segments of the population who can work and are committed to creating stability in their lives. Transitional housing also provides many supportive services, educational workshops and has the goal of transitioning participants into permanent, affordable housing.
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The program will focus on success in four main components: full time employment, money management with required savings and debt repayment, housing stability and caring for self and family.
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FSH is not an emergency homeless shelter.
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To become a participant in the program individuals must go through the application process and meet the criteria set for eligibility.
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Rent & Utility Assistance
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The primary purpose for providing financial assistance is to prevent homelessness and loss of basic utilities for the most vulnerable persons.
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Individuals applying for this assistance must be an established resident of Ellis County, KS, meaning the deposits and first 2 months rent or bill is paid in full.
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Individuals applying for this assistance must be experiencing a crisis in their household, this could be related to medical, employment, sudden disruption of family, death, or other type crisis.
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Assistance can only be provided if there is an eviction or late notice issued.
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The amounts awarded are limited and usually are not sufficient to cover the full amount of rent or utility bill. First Call for Help will assist in identifying and/or suggesting other resources that may be available.
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Assistance with utility bills is reserved for families with children/youth, elderly, and/or those with medical issues/equipment.
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First Call for Help will require various documents to determine identity, crisis and need to use funds in the most appropriate and responsible way.
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Initial screening is done by phone and appointments are determined based on screening to determine eligibility.
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Depending on availability, appointments are usually scheduled within 24 to 48 hours of screening.
Laundry Love
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A FREE once-a-month laundry program that enables households to wash and dry up to 5 loads of laundry for free.
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Loads are PER household.
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No income proof required, but the program is geared towards low-income households.
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4:00-7:00PM (we will stop washing new loads at 6:30PM to ensure everything is in the dryers by 7:00PM).
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2024 Dates:
-August 15th
-September 19th
-October 17th
-November 24th
-December 19th
Transient Assistance
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Transient Assistance is provided by a team of staff, volunteers and law enforcement personnel who provide 24-hour emergency assistance to transient individuals. Transient individuals arrive in Hays for many different reasons, but the common thread is that they are from outside of Ellis County and are without resources and in need of help. At this time, our assistance is limited to fuel only.
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​We ask that they contact the law enforcement dispatch center at 785-625-1011 when assistance is needed. Financial Assistance is limited and only made possible by contributions to the Second Mile Fund from the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.
Diaper Stash
Let's keep that bottom dry!​
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Some documentation is required so please clink link below for information.
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Diapers are available for families with babies and/or toddlers 0-3 years who reside in Ellis County Kansas.​
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Participants may pick up diapers once every 30 days during our office hours or by appointment.
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30 Diapers are allotted per month Sizes 2-6 and 40 diapers are allotted per month Sizes NB-1.
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Meals on Wheels
Serving a nutritious daily meal with a smile and friendly "hello". Our meals are prepared fresh, hot and delicious each day by the Hays Medical Center food services staff. The meals are delivered by a community volunteer between 10:30 A.M. and 12 P.M. each day. ​
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Who do we serve?
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Hays residents only (within the city limits)
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Elderly/home-bound
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Disabled
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Need to know:
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Due to a limited number of "hotboxes" and drivers for delivery, we sometimes must put new callers on a wait list.
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Meals can be delivered 7 days a week or any combination of days if there is space available on the days selected.
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Cancelling your meal for a day or for up to two weeks is not a problem. To cancel, notify First Call for Help by 9 A.M. that day for a short notice cancellation or anytime ahead of your extended absence.
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There is a charge of $4.00 per meal and recipients are billed monthly (if you feel you may meet our low-income eligibility, ask us about the discounted rate).
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Winter storms can sometimes cause us to cancel our deliveries, if USD 489 schools are closed, Meals will not be delivered. Listen to Eagle Radio or television network stations for the latest cancellations--be sure to keep some "easy to prepare" food on hand, just in case!