Causes

Medical bills, surgeries, treatments, medicines and travel for care are some of the most common reasons people ask for help. Here you can read real stories, ask the family questions, and give directly toward hospital invoices and treatment costs, or offer a second opinion or a ride to an appointment.

Therapy, counseling, recovery programs and peer support can be out of reach when waiting lists are long and private care is expensive. People here ask for help paying for sessions, or for a mentor or a weekly phone call from someone who understands.

Rent arrears, a deposit, a spare room for a few months or a hand with a move can decide whether a family keeps a stable home. Browse needs from people in danger of losing housing, and help with money, a room or a truck and a weekend.

Pantries, school meals and families short on groceries rely on neighbors. Support community kitchens and food banks, or help a household through a hard month.

Tuition balances, laptops, uniforms, exam fees and a tutor can keep a student in school. Help a first-generation student finish a degree, or volunteer as a mentor or tutor.

Fires, accidents, a lost job or a sudden bill can upend a household overnight. People here ask for short-term help with the one thing that is urgent, from a utility shut-off notice to a car repair.

After floods, earthquakes, storms and fires, neighbors need materials, clean water and shelter fast. Give to local recovery efforts run by the people who live there, and offer hands for cleanup.

Single parents, new babies, childcare and caring for relatives put a strain on any budget. Help families bridge a hard few months, or offer your time and skills.

Older people often need a carer, medicines, home repairs or simply a regular visitor. Support home care costs or give an hour a week to someone who lives alone.

Wheelchairs, hearing aids, ramps and communication devices are life-changing and often not covered by insurance. Help someone get the equipment, or volunteer to build and fit it.

Tools, a bicycle, boots or a repaired vehicle can be the only thing between a person and a job. Help people get back to work, or mentor someone changing careers.

A fire, a flood or a broken machine can close a one-person shop. Back a tailor, baker, farmer or driver who needs equipment to reopen, or offer advice from your own business.

Filing fees, a retainer or a translated document can decide an immigration case or an eviction defense. Give toward legal costs, or offer a few pro bono hours.

Funeral and burial costs arrive when families are least able to plan. Help a grieving family give someone a dignified farewell.

Veterans returning to civilian life may need housing deposits, training and support. Help someone who served make the transition.

Emergency vet bills, rescue and fostering are common requests. Help pay for treatment, or offer to foster a pet while its owner recovers.

Gardens, playgrounds, community fridges and clean-ups are built by volunteers who only need materials. Fund a project in a neighborhood you care about.

Tree planting, river clean-ups and water projects depend on small local groups. Give toward saplings and tools, or turn up on planting day.

Families who have fled conflict arrive with little. Help with a deposit, furniture, language classes and the first months in a new country.

Not every need fits a box. Browse a mix of requests from people who simply need a hand, and give in the way that suits you.