Posted 4/17/2026

(EJ Legacy Network – Navigating Life Struggles) Informational purposes only. Not professional or legal advice.

I know what it feels like to not have any money — I’ve had many days like that. Some of the struggle comes from people who take and take to benefit themselves without thinking about how it affects me. In my forty years on earth, I’ve learned that some people will think about themselves before they ever think about helping you. That can be family or friends. Some people will take from you, and when you need them the most, they abandon you in your time of need.

But there are also genuinely good people in the world — people who want to help, and people who are just going through a bad season and need a little support. Over time, I realized that making sure I am okay first is extremely important. If my debt was higher than my income or assets, I had to think very carefully before giving anything away, especially when I didn’t have enough for myself.

When I had limited resources, I survived by using services that already existed. I tried to make progress in small ways. I used the digital and physical library for entertainment and learning. I stopped paying for cable or satellite because the internet could do everything I needed. I looked for free events for entertainment. I kept a list of all the resources available at the state and federal level. I looked for training programs that were free or low‑cost.

I focused on my basic needs: housing, food, utilities, and basic furniture like a bed and dresser. I also believe internet service and a computer are extremely important — they save money on gas, commuting, and vehicle maintenance. Personal hygiene items were another priority, and many agencies helped point me toward programs I qualified for.

The best thing I learned was to take care of essential tasks before things got bad. If I needed temporary work and could physically handle it, I looked for temp agencies — though I personally prefer virtual options when possible. Learning how to use a computer well became one of the most valuable skills I ever gained.

I try to predict future expenses, minimize leeches, stay out of trouble, get educated, and know my community resources. I look for free entertainment, avoid duplicate services, and stick to basic clothing. I stay connected to social services and the workforce center in my state. If one agency didn’t have what I needed, I tried another.

Resources like 211.org helped me find assistance when I needed it. If someone is a veteran, the VA has additional resources. If someone has insurance through a hospital system, they often have staff who help connect people to community programs. And if none of those apply, I always recommend calling 211 to find local help.

Federal Resources for People With No Money

(Public information, allowed to share)

Food Assistance

• SNAP (Food Stamps) — https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program) — https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
• TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program) — https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap

Health Coverage

• Medicaid — https://www.medicaid.gov
• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) — https://www.medicaid.gov/chip
• Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA) — https://www.healthcare.gov

Housing & Homelessness

• HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) — https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8 (hud.gov in Bing)
• Section 8 Overview (USAGov) — https://www.usa.gov/section-8-housing (usa.gov in Bing)
• HUD Main Website — https://www.hud.gov

Utilities & Internet

• Lifeline (Discount Phone/Internet) — https://www.lifelinesupport.org
• LIHEAP (Energy Bill Assistance) — https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap

Income & Financial Support

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
• Social Security Administration — https://www.ssa.gov
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) — https://www.usa.gov/welfare

Employment & Training

• American Job Centers — https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/american-job-centers.aspx (careeronestop.org in Bing)
• Job Corps — https://www.jobcorps.gov

General Federal Benefit Finder

• Benefits.gov — https://www.benefits.gov

Free Recreation ResourcesNational & Federal

• National Park Service (NPS) — https://www.nps.gov
• Recreation.gov — https://www.recreation.gov

Veteran Recreation & Wellness

• VA Wellness Programs — https://www.va.gov/health-care/wellness-programs/ (va.gov in Bing)

Libraries

• Find Local Libraries — https://www.usa.gov/libraries