The holidays can be a difficult time for many – financial pressures, stress, and emotional issues can feel overwhelming.

If you’re struggling this holiday season, we can  help. The Department of Health and Welfare offers an array of services ranging from food assistance to help with a substance use disorder or mental health crisis — and a whole spectrum of services in between.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides support to Idahoans who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Dialing 988 in Idaho leads callers to the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline. Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health issues, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress can call or text 988 all day every day. People can also dial 988 if they’re worried about a loved one who may need crisis intervention. For more information: https://call988idaho.com/

211 Idaho CareLine

The Idaho CareLine is a free, statewide community information and referral service. Simply dial 211 on your phone between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mountain Time to get in touch with a community resource specialist who can help with a wide range of programs and services, including all of the programs and services listed below. For more information about the 211 Idaho CareLine visit https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/211

Food assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Idaho Food Stamps Program, helps low-income families buy the food they need to stay healthy. Learn more by visiting https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/food-assistance/about-snap

Women, Infant, & Children (WIC) is a federally-funded supplemental nutrition program for Women, infants, and children up to the age of 5. The program’s goal is to help families by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. More about WIC: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/food-assistance/about-wic

Additional community food resources include the school lunch program, summer meal program, statewide food program, and emergency food assistance programs. For more information about, or to apply for, community food resource programs: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/food-assistance/school-lunch-program

Financial assistance

Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program may be able to provide cash assistance for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Those who are eligible will receive a small payment each month to help with living expenses. More information: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/about-aabd-cash-assistance

Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides temporary cash benefits for eligible low-income families to help pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials. More information: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/about-tafi

Home and utility assistance is also available and includes a range of programs:

• Weatherize your home: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance/home-heating-and-utility-assistance/about-weatherization
• Heating assistance: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance
• Telephone assistance: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/financial-assistance
• The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program helps low-income families pay their water and wastewater bills. More info: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/home-heating-and-utility-assistance/about-water-assistance

Healthcare assistance

Medicaid offers healthcare coverage for people in a variety of life situations and an array of health needs, including coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. More info: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/medicaid-health