Here's what we found for you
- Basic Needs: Early Childhood
If you are looking for pregnancy support, have a young child at home or need financial assistance to make ends meet, finding help is easier than ever. Learn about programs and organizations committed to providing basic needs to growing families in Stark County. Because no baby should go without the necessary items for a healthy and safe start to life.
- Basic Needs: Childhood
In order to grow up happy and healthy, kids need a roof over their heads, food on the table and access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many of Stark County’s youngest residents. Find local organizations connecting children in our community with the basic items they need to thrive. Together, we can help keep our kids safe and supported.
- Basic needs: youth & teens
For adolescents in Stark County, growing up can be a challenge – especially when money is tight and support is not available at home. When youth and teens are struggling to meet their most basic needs, there are many local organizations they can turn to for help. Discover ways to access food, clothing and shelter for adolescents across Stark.
- Basic needs: adulthood
Stark County offers a wide range of basic needs services from food, medicine and family assistance as well as targeted services for veterans, those in substance abuse recovery, homeless persons, parents and more.
- Clothing and Furniture Assistance
If you or someone you know is in need of clothing or furniture assistance in Stark County, there is a network of community resources you can turn to for support. Whether you need baby, back-to-school, professional or everyday clothing, clothing resources are available here at home. If you’re moving into a new place can be intimidating when you’re not sure where to find affordable furniture. Below you’ll find places that can help you turn a house into a home,
- Hard times: early childhood
Young children need proper nutrition and medical care in order to grow, develop and thrive. When a household is in financial crisis, it can have serious, long-term health, social and behavioral implications throughout their lives. Fortunately, families in Stark County are not alone in facing these challenges. There are local agencies dedicated to providing food, clothing, shelter and cash assistance to those who are experiencing hard times.
Even parents who are employed with steady incomes may struggle to make ends meet when they have child.
- Hard times: childhood
When families are dealing with a financial crisis, children are impacted whether we realize it or not. Most everyone in Stark County experiences the practical and emotional impacts of money troubles at one point or another, and it can be helpful to open up an honest dialogue with the entire household about the challenges. Talking about hardships could help children cope and even bring families closer.
Although financial challenges affect everyone, they can still take a major toll when they hit close to home.
- Hard times: youth & teens
When your family faces a job loss, medical issue or another significant financial setback, you might be shocked, confused and unsure where to turn. Fortunately, there are resources for young people and families who need emergency financial assistance in Stark County.
- Abuse & neglect: early childhood
Although they may not understand or be able to express what’s happened, infants can still be deeply affected by abuse and neglect. This early trauma can hinder a child’s physical, mental and emotional development, compromising their sense of safety and security. To help combat the negative impacts of early childhood abuse, it is important that babies and small children get the early intervention and support they need. Find local child protective services dedicated to survivors of abuse and neglect.
- How to Find Warming Centers This WinterWhen freezing temperatures do occur, those who need a warm place to stay can watch for news regarding local warming centers.
- Where to Find Food and Meals for Thanksgiving
Updated 11.2023
For some families struggling with poverty and hunger, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday. If you are dealing with food insecurity, need help with the expense of purchasing the needed ingredients for a special meal or are struggling with high medical bills, low wages, housing needs or other issues, we have gathered some valuable resources below.
Stark Help Central.com wants to help ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday, especially children.
- How students and families can find help for basic needsResources for basic needs are available for Stark County students during the school year. Watch this video to learn more.
- Stories of Self-AdvocacyWatch these videos from Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out how young people with disabilities are advocating for themselves.
- How to Build Your Self-EsteemLow self-esteem can affect many aspects of your life. Feel like you could improve your self-esteem? Here are some ways to start loving yourself more.
- Discover the Early Childhood Resource Center
With a main office in Canton and additional sites in Akron and Boardman, the Early Childhood Resource Center may be one of this region’s best kept secrets. As part of its mission to promote the healthy development of young children, the organization offers numerous programs aimed at strengthening families; improving the quality of early childhood care and learning experiences; and increasing school and community readiness, while also helping to inform public policy.
Assisting parents in finding child care,
- Stark County CARE Teams cover basic needs so students can focus on academicsTogether, these professionals brainstorm ideas for ways to support children so they can do their best while they’re at school.
- Introducing StarkHelpCentral.comStarkHelpCentral.com provides information and support to youth, young adults and engaged members of our community.
- Transportation Services
For many Stark County residents, public transportation services are essential for their basic needs, including trips to work and medical appointments. Fortunately, local transportation resources are available to support low-income individuals as well as those with permanent disabilities. Find routes and more information for SARTA here.
- Homeless & housing: young adults
Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 can face significant obstacles as they move toward independent living. Whether you are aging out of foster care or struggling to achieve self-sufficiency with limited resources, you are not alone and help is available. Get started with local resources for basic needs and emotional support.
- Legal assistance: young adults
While youth ages 18 to 25 are still developing into mature and self-sufficient adults, many laws and policies begin treating them as adults at age 18. Poor decisions made during this time can have life-long consequences and may make it more difficult to access employment, housing and other basic needs later on. Seek out local legal assistance for the complex challenges these transition-age youth face, including record expungement eligibility.
- Public Benefits Assistance: Application & Eligibility
Navigating life’s challenges is difficult enough. We’re here to make finding help for basic needs simple. Learn how to apply for cash, food and/or medical assistance and get started today. Cases are processed in the order they are received, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
Public assistance applications can take up to 30 days to complete. If you need immediate food, clothing, housing or medical help, please view these other resources:
- How to be an advocate for youth in your Stark County communityLearn how you can find and share resources to be an advocate for youth in your Stark County community.
- Childhood neglect and abuseWhen a parent or caregiver fails to provide the basic needs for a child to grow up happy and healthy, it can cause serious long-term effects. For healthy development, children need food, clothing, safety, shelter and emotional support, especially during the early years of their lives.
- Navigating the Holidays and Mental Health
While the holidays are celebrated as “the happiest time of the year,” it doesn’t always feel that way. If you, or a loved one, is struggling, the holidays can be hard. If you’re feeling alone, know that there are places in Stark County where you can turn for support and help.
The Holidays and Mental HealthStruggles with mental health and the holidays can equal extra stress. Navigating the two at the same time can be difficult.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com.
Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.
StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),
- Being Kind to Others & Yourself Can Improve Your Mental HealthKindness is linked to mental health. And we sure could use more of it during the pandemic. Here are simple ways to add more kindness into your life.
- Removing Barriers to Owning a Small Business
StarkFresh serves the people of Stark County through a variety of ways, all in the name of their mission: “Tackling the causes of hunger by creating realistic pathways out of poverty.” Many in the county know StarkFresh for its grocery store located in downtown Canton on Cherry Ave. NE or its mobile grocery market that travels throughout the area; though the programs offered through StarkFresh go past the scope of bringing food to people in need.
- Mental Health Resources During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This year, we’ve faced a pandemic unlike anything in our lifetimes. As we get closer to a vaccine for coronavirus, many people in Stark County are still feeling the stressful effects. Fortunately, the stress response is normal during a crisis.
Are you looking for ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety? Here are some common questions we have received related to mental health, coping with COVID-19 in the community,
Team Jesus Church
New Way Food Pantry
3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:00pm-7:00 pm (Doors open at 4:00pm)
- Photo ID is required
- Prayer and ministry support is available but not required to receive food
- Other services include toiletries (when available), lay financial counseling, and referral assistance
- Recipient’s gross household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
Canton, OH 44708
Goodwill Industries
Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. The Ken Weber Community Campus has walk-in services available Tuesdays and Thursdays for community resource connections. For further information on what Goodwill has to offer, please call our main campus or visit our website.
Thrift Store Locations
Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank (Canton)
Keith D. Monda Family Food Pantry
The Foodbank is proud to serve the community with a food pantry in the Stark County Campus. Community members in need will have regular access to fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable pantry items, bread and dairy products.
Order Ahead: Monday from 1pm-3pm
Visit orderahead.org between Friday at 2pm and Monday at 9am to place your order in advance.
Also open every Tuesday from 9am-3pm,
Canton, OH 44714
Stark County Hunger Task Force
Network of more than 30 food pantries throughout Stark County
Emergency food pantry at the Goodwill Community Campus
408 9th St SW Canton, OH 44707
Monday: 9:15am – 2:35pm
Tuesday: 9:15am – 3:35pm
Wednesday: 9:15am – 3:35pm
Thursday: 9:15am – 2:35pm
Friday: 9:15am – 1:35pm
Suite 1637
Canton, OH 44707
Alliance Community Pantry
After being met outside to register, they pull up and load their cars with a grocery basket of canned and boxed food, meat, produce, baked goods and cold food that have been gathered by pantry volunteers.
Alliance, OH 44601 Learn more
First Christian Church – Canton
- Common Goods clothing ministry (Common Goods is closed during certain holidays and when Plain Local Schools close due to bad weather)
- Monthly food distribution in partnership with the Akron-Canton Food Bank
- Partnered with The Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank
Canton, OH 44720
Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank
Formerly Stark County Diaper Bank
Offer support to families in times of need by providing access to diapers through a network of community partners.
Also provide community partners with:
- Pad and Tampon Packs
- Adult Incontinence Supplies
Canton, OH 44735
Perry Helping Perry
A community-based organization that exists to provide needed support for Perry residents
Food pantry, clothing, school supplies and more
Clothed in Righteousness
Services include a hot meal, a free clothing closet boutique, hygiene, a bag of food for homeless individuals, an emergency box of food for housed individuals or families, and supplies for anyone homeless staying outdoors or in their vehicle.
No identification is required or appointment. Expect a small wait due to how busy we might be.
Alliance, OH 44601
Refuge of Hope
Providing meals, clothing, and medical care for men, women, and children
Also provides shelter to homeless men – call the Stark County Homeless Hotline 330-452-4363
Canton, OH 44704
YWCA Alliance
We improve Alliance area women’s lives, stand up for justice, and strengthen communities with a focus on three impact areas: equipping youth, economic stability and advancement and senior nutrition and health
Provides transitional housing for women, a clothing boutique, employment and transportation assistance, youth programs, and Meals on Wheels for the senior community
Alliance, OH 44601
Canton City Health Department
Helping to prevent the spread of disease, promote healthy practices and protect the health of Canton City residents.
- Programs:
- Request Narcan Kit via mail by submitting form here.
- WIC
- Effective March 16, Canton City WIC services are by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Click here for details. **At this time, infants and children do not need to be present in our office when staff issue food benefits to your WIC Card.*
- Nursing Division
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Clinic
- Childhood Immunization Clinic
- International Travel Clinic
- THRIVE
- Pregnant?
Salvation Army of Massillon
Serving the Massillon community:
- Hot meal program
- Food pantries
- Clothing
- Shelters
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Programs for adults and youth
- Holiday/Christmas assistance – visit saangeltree.org to apply
Massillon, OH 44646
Salvation Army of Canton
Serving the Canton community:
Hot meal program
Food pantries
Clothing
Shelters
Rent assistance
Utility assistance
Programs for adults and youth
Canton, OH 44702
Salvation Army of Alliance
Serving the Alliance community:
- Hot meal program
- Food pantries
- Clothing
- Shelters
- Rent assistance
- Utility assistance
- Programs for adults and youth
- Holiday/Christmas assistance – visit saangeltree.org to apply
Alliance, OH 44601
CommQuest Massillon
Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, family housing, male residential addiction treatment, driver intervention program
Catholic Charities
Emergency rental assistance for Stark County residents (under 65): visit ccdoy.org to fill out a pre-screening application
Through tangible assistance and other essential services, Catholic Charities affirms human dignity, meets basic human needs, strengthens families, builds communities, and empowers others to transform their lives.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44703
Stark County Job & Family Services
Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437
Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
- Cash assistance
- Food assistance
- Medicaid & Medical
- Non-emergency transportation – Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
- Child care services
- Work experience program –
Canton, OH 44702