Community Resource Directory

Kansas Unemployment

Loss of a job is never easy and the financial burden that follows can be crippling. Visit the Kansas Unemployment website to file for unemployment benefits or see if you are eligible.

Kansas Job Listings

COVID-19 has affected all businesses and organizations. As a result, more people are currently unemployed than ever before. Kansas Job Listings shows available matches job seekers with businesses looking for employees.

CapFed Community Care Station

CapFed Community Care Station provides rent, utility and basic needs assistance to Shawnee-County area residents. The program is designed to help lower-income households and households that experienced job loss or significant income loss due to the COVID-19. For more information, call (785) 836-4500 or email [email protected].

Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.

Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. helps individuals and families with budgeting, late rent or mortgage payments, Covid-19-related financial difficulties and so much more. Learn more by visiting the Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. website.

Emotional, Mental, Physical, & Social Support

Shawnee County

Compassionate Ear Warm Line

The Compassionate Ear Warm Line is a peer-run listening service that provides non-crisis supportive listening, coping strategies, information, and a reprieve from loneliness or isolation. Support is available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night of the year. Call (913) 281-2251 or toll-free at (866) 927-6327.

Shawnee County

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Bods Feeding Bods

The Bods Feeding Bods Food and Commodities Pantry supports Topeka’s overall health and wellness by providing free access to nutritious options and other basic needs such as hygiene items, clothing, and kitchen and school supplies.

Harvesters Food Pantry

Harvesters Community Food Network works with community groups to improve access to nutritious food for those in need through pop-up food pantries, prescriptive pantries, and nutrition education. Click the links below for more information:

• Food Assistance FAQ
• Harvesters Local Food Pantry Map
• Meals for Kids
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Assistance

K-State Research and Extension Department

The K-State Research and Extension Department provides an online map of free food distribution sites in Shawnee County in addition to:

• First Food-Breastfeeding Resources
• Food Pantries
• Mobile Food Pantries
• Meal Distribution

Emporia Area Community Resources

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Corky’s Cupboard Food Pantry

Corky’s Pantry, located at the south end of the Center for Student Involvement inside the Memorial Union, provides temporary food assistance to Emporia State University students. Students can visit Corky's Pantry once a week to receive non-perishable goods, fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items, and toiletries.

Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen

Abundant Harvest Food Kitchen, a program through Emporia Rescue Mission, supports the community's nutritional needs by providing warm boxed meals. Those needing transportation assistance can also receive free rides from Lyon County Transportation Bus Services.

Riley County

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Harvesters Food Pantry

Harvesters Community Food Network in Manhattan works with the local Salvation Army to provide a drive-through food pickup program in addition to an online local food pantry map.

Flint Hills Breadbasket

The Flint Hills Breadbasket, a Manhattan-based non-profit, helps Riley County, Ft. Riley, and St. George residents access nutritious food choices through local food pantries, community resource referrals, and more.

Geary County

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Flint Hills Breadbasket

The Flint Hills Breadbasket, a Manhattan-based non-profit, helps Riley County, Ft. Riley, and St. George residents access nutritious food choices through local food pantries, community resource referrals, and more.

Flint Hills Technical College Food Bank

The Flint Hills Technical College Food Pantry offers three on-site locations at the Main, Downtown, and South Campuses for enrolled students to receive nutrition and financial assistance, clothing, personal care, and hygiene items. Additionally, students can apply for financial aid through the For the Wrangler Pantry Relief Fund to cover the cost of clothing, school supplies, housing, infant products, and other basic needs.

Shawnee County

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Topeka Housing Authority

Topeka Housing Authority provides stable, quality, affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in parts of Shawnee County. THA provides public housing apartments and manages Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to over 1,350 low-income families and individuals. Click the link above to visit the THA’s website and learn more.

Evergy Cares Kansas Fund

The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).

Lyon County

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Family Promise of the Flint Hills

Family Promise, a national organization, offers prevention, shelter, and stabilization services for families experiencing homelessness. Other resources include rental and utility support, landlord mediation, transportation assistance, and much more.

Evergy Cares Kansas Fund

The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).

Riley County

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Evergy Cares Kansas Fund

The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).

Geary County

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Evergy Cares Kansas Fund

The Evergy Cares Kansas Fund is available to help eligible Evergy customers manage their energy bills. To qualify, customers have a payment agreement with a balance of less than $500, be 65 years or older or receiving permanent disability income from SSI or SSD (up to $400 credit), or have a total household income below Evergy’s income guidelines (up to $200 credit).

Business Contact Information	Available Options	Hours of Operation	Coverage Area	Price	Payment Method
A&A Specialized Transportation 785-233-8212	Ambulatory, Wheelchair	Open 24/7. Wheelchair travel by appointment only, Call 48 hours prior	Topeka and Surrounding area	Ambulatory: $20 first 10 miles Wheelchair: $30 first 10 miles After first 10 miles, $2.50/mile outside of Topeka KC: $150 each way + milage	Cash/Credit
A Helping Hand Home Care 844-281-3847			Topeka	$30 roundtrip + ($.50/mile)	Cash/Check
Angels at Home Care 785-271-4378		Flexible	Topeka	$27/hour - 3 hour minimum Weekends: $31/hour with 3 hour minumum KC: 4 hour minumum Veteran (or spouse of a vet), use own vehicle: hourly rate + $10 flat for gas	VA Authorization, Cash, Check, Credit
BTM Medical Transportation 785-383-5084		M-F 7:30am-5:00pm	Topeka City Limits	$35 for one way, $45 round trip	Cash/Check/Credit
Breakthrough House 785-232-6960	MEMBERS ONLY
East Topeka Senior Center 785-251-6988	For appts. within Shawnee County.		For 60+ who live in Shawnee County	$8 suggested donation round-trip in town	Cash, check, credit card
First Class Transportation 785-266-1331 Weekend/After Hours Kenny 785-640-7937 Steve 785-220-5904	Ambulatory, Wheelchair, Gurney	After 5/7 pm, rates increased to $70 5-7 pm, $120 amb.; $90 5-7pm, $210 wheelchair; $350 5-7pm, $500 gurney.	Topeka and Surrounding area	Ambulatory: $50 round trip before 5 pm. Wheelchair: $64 round trip before 5 pm. Gurney $244 rt before 5 pm. +$2/mile there and back out of city + $30/hour wait time.	Cash, check, credit card (up front)
First Student (Formally Apple Bus) (973-524-5923)	Ambulatory only, Primarilly Mentally ill patients to mental hospitals and kids transportation for TFI, but will serve others	24/7 for transportation from 10pm-6am please notify ahead of time if at all possible	Entire state of KS and some MO	4.25/mile or set up a contract with Daniel Cain 913-856-5650 office 816-266-1077 cell	Billing sent to Facility and Facility bills patient
Girl Friday 785-364-6614				$20/hour (1-hour minimum charge)
Grace Home Care 785-286-2273	CLIENTS ONLY.			$26/hour weekdays, $28/hour weekends	Cash, check, credit card
Hillside 785-266-3202		6am-5pm, 5pm-7pm, 7pm-6am	Shawnee County Surrounding area with extra fee	6a-5p Ambulatory $20 each way, Wheelchair $30 each way, Stretcher $115 each way; 5p-7p Ambulatory $30 each way, Wheelchair $50 each way, Stretcher $150 each way; 7p-6a Ambulatory $40 each way, Wheelchair $90 each way, Stretcher $200 each way ($2/mi additional outside Shawnee County; COVID transport in designated van; O2 supplied for additional $15)	Cash,Check
Home Instead Senior Care 785-272-6101 (Topeka office)				$35/hour (2-hour minimum charge) for appts. /$40/hour (2-hour min.) home from hospital	Clients: ACH draft; Non-Clients: Cash/check
MediCoach (Shawnee KS) 913-548-1306		24/7 with 24-hour notice preferred		$68.50 + mileage	Cash, check up front, credit card by phone
Papan's Landing Senior Center (785-251-6988)	Residents from Oakland and north of Kansas River as far north as NW 46th Street	8a-12:30p Monday-Friday		Donation
Preacher's Ride	10% senior and military discounts	9a-6p Monday-Friday, up to 10 days in advance	In town, out of town with sufficient notice	$2.50 start then $1.80/mile in town. Prices out of town depending on location.	Cash only
Reliable Taxi 785-727-9263	Must schedule during business hours.	8a-11p Mon.-Thurs. + Sat.; 9a-11p Friday; 10a-10p Sun.		Additional $10 fee after business hours	Cash, or credit or debit card with $3 up charge
Stagecoach LLC 785-231-4680		Emergency rides only after 4 pm Monday to Saturday	Topeka, Jefferson & Douglas Counties, KC	$12.50 per stop in Topeka ($50/hour if must wait); $100 each way to KC; $15-30 per stop to Jeff. or Douglas County
Taxi Driver Topeka 785-640-0189				Regular taxicab rates	Cash, or credit card by phone
Topeka Metro ADA Lift Service 785-783-7000	(TDD 785-233-2019)	Must schedule w/ 24-hour notice.	Topeka	$4 each way	Cash
Topeka Metro (fixed route bus service) 785-783-7000	Saturday schedules reduced, no Sunday/holidays.	Start times may vary on some routes, 6a-6p Mon.-Sat	Within city per fixed routes	$1/trip or $2 for a 24-hour ticket	Cash or bus ticket/pass
VA Volunteer Medical Transportation 785-350-3111 ext. 54528	VETERANS ONLY (ambulatory, no oxygen tanks)	9a-3p Monday-Thursday	Within city only, except for van Salina-Topeka Mon.-Thurs.
Visiting Angels 785-284-5500	CLIENTS ONLY.			$23.95 (+ $.75/mile), 2-hour minimum	Direct draft from bank
Where's My Ride 877-796-5847	UHC Medicaid Only	Monday-Friday 8a-5p Must call 3 Days in advance

Shawnee County

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Junior League of Topeka Diaper Depot

The Junior League of Topeka's Diaper Depot provides 10,000 diapers to low-income parents every month. Click here to sign up for the Diaper Depot program or learn how to donate.

Kansas Children's Service League Parent Helpline

The Kansas Children's Service League Parent Helpline is a free information and referral service available 24/7 in over 200 languages. Call 1 (800) CHILDREN to connect with a trained representative who can listen, empathize, and provide other support and resources in Kansas.

Lyon County

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The Baby Closet of Emporia, Kansas

The Baby Closet connects families with children up to five years old with food, clothing, toiletries, and other essential items like breast pumps, cribs, high chairs, diapers, formula, and toys.

Shiloh Family Life Center

Shiloh Home of Hope & Pregnancy Center/Family Life Services provides services to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. These supports include informal counseling and limited emergency financial assistance in addition to diapers, formula, parent education classes, and more.

Riley County

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The Cats' Cupboard

The Cats' Cupboard connects Kansas State University students with immediate, no-cost access to food and personal hygiene items.

Little Apple Diaper Drive

Every year, the Little Apple Diaper Drive aims to collect 10,000 diapers to distribute to Manhattan organizations that support families and infants in need. This community program also promotes awareness about how a lack of clean diapers can harm babies and families.

This list currently includes resources and supports available only in the Topeka area. Please check back for updated information from other regions.

Safe Kids Shawnee County

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Safe Kids Shawnee County, led by Stormont Vail Health, provides parents with education, resources, and more to keep children safe, including:

• Car seat checkups
• Safety workshops
• Sports clinics

Find More Information:

• (785) 235-9296
• [email protected]

Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office

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The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office offers education and programs to promote child passenger safety.

Find More Information:

• (785) 233-5885
• (800) 416-2522
• [email protected]
• ktsro.org/trainings-and-events

Stormont Vail Breastfeeding Center

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The Stormont Vail Breastfeeding Center provides board-certified lactation consultants, certified breastfeeding educators, and specially-trained nurses. Our team supports mothers before delivery, during their hospital stay, and after they return home. The Breastfeeding Center also offers a convenient store where mothers can purchase breastfeeding supplies on-site.

Find More Information:

• Breastfeeding Basics Classes
• Make an appointment: (785) 354-5034

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

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WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and other services to qualifying families.

Find More Information:

• (785) 251-5607
• [email protected]

La Leche League of Topeka

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La Leche League of Topeka, the local chapter of La Leche International, offers free monthly mother-to-mother support groups to discuss topics such as breastfeeding, parenting advice, and more.

Find More Information:

• (785) 256-0260
• [email protected]
• Facebook

Doorstep

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Doorstep provides short-term emergency aid and information on services such as:

• Food
• Clothing
• Rent
• Transportation (local gas vouchers/bus tickets)
• Prescriptions
• Utilities

Find More Information:

• (785) 357-5341
• [email protected]
• Get Help

Let’s Help

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Let's Help provides critical resources, including:

• Rent and utility assistance
• Prescription and medical assistance
• Classes, professional training, and employment placement
• Free community lunches and food pantry
• Clothing bank

Find More Information:

• (785) 234-6208
• [email protected]
• Available Services

Baby Closet

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The Baby Closet from West Side Baptist Church supports Topeka-area children and families in need by providing:

• Clothes
• Diapers
• Disposable wipes
• Formula
• High chairs, strollers, and other necessities.

Some limitations and restrictions apply. Please call the number below for more information.

Find More Information:

• (785) 233-4241, extension 4

Oh Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers & Families

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The Oh Baby Shawnee County Resource Guide for Mothers & Families offers a detailed list of assistance for local parents and children. Please note this document is not an all-inclusive list of resources – we encourage you to call or email the contacts below for more information.

Find More Information:

• (785) 251-5647
• [email protected]

Diaper Depot

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Community Action of Topeka's Diaper Depot program assists low-income families with infants three years and younger. Due to limited program availability, please call the number below if you are experiencing emergency diaper needs.

Find More Information:

• (785) 836-4500
• More Support from Community Action of Topeka

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

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Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas's Topeka Family Support Center (FSC) provides assistance to low-income individuals and families for food, basic utility payments, housing, clothing, and more.

Find More Information:

• Topeka Office: (785) 233-6300
• Programs

Birthright of Topeka

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Birthright of Topeka, a chapter of Birthright International, provides confidential, non-judgmental support to any woman who is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant, including:

• Pregnancy testing
• Medical, housing, and counseling referrals
• Maternity and baby items

Find More Information:

• Topeka Office: (785) 234-0701
• 24/7 Helpline: 1 (800) 550-4900
• Services
• [email protected]

Urgent Maternal Warning Signs

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Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs and getting proper treatment as soon as possible saves lives. Pregnant and postpartum women (up to one year after pregnancy) should seek medical care immediately if any of the following signs or symptoms occur:

• Severe headache that won't go away or worsens over time
• Dizziness or fainting
• Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
• Vision changes
• Fever of 100.4º F or higher
• Extreme swelling of your hands or face
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• Severe nausea and throwing up (not like morning sickness)
• Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
• Baby's movement stopping or slowing down during pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid that smells bad after pregnancy
• Swelling, redness, or pain in your leg
• Overwhelming tiredness

If you can't reach your physician, go to the emergency department. Remember to inform your healthcare team that you're pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year.