Help Me, Hillsborough

Welcome to Help Me, Hillsborough! This is the resource page that has the information you need when you need help in the place you live. Find your closest Community Resource Center or contact the Call Center at (813) 272-5220 for additional assistance if you can't find what you need below.

Housing assistance

Here, you will find resources related to affordable housing, rental and housing assistance, evictions and disputes with landlords and more.

Affordable housing

• Find affordable housing resources to help with financial assistance for home repairs, down payments, rental and housing needs, as well as other information on affordable housing needs, such as fair housing and federal reporting notices.

Facing eviction?

• Do you need assistance solving a dispute with a landlord or are you facing eviction? Find resources through housing legal services provided by Bay Area Legal Services.

Residential tenant protection

• Be aware of the protections available to tenants living in unincorporated Hillsborough County. These include protection from income discrimination and allow for more affordable housing opportunities, shielding residents from the possibility of homelessness.

Home repair assistance

• Hillsborough County, local municipalities, and the State of Florida offer programs to assist homeowners with repairs. Take a look at this comprehensive list of home repair resources to learn more about available opportunities.

Homeless assistance

In collaboration with the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (THHI) and the Continuum of Care, Hillsborough County partners with community agencies that provide temporary housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Homeless shelters

• Community partners offer shelters providing emergency, short-term residence for a family or individuals

Cold weather shelters

• Find cold weather shelter information providing emergency, short-term residence for a family or individuals during cold weather events

Food pantry

• Feeding Tampa Bay offers a variety of food assistance options

Senior assistance

Hillsborough County offers numerous services designed to enhance the lives of adults ages 50 and over, from active adult programming and in-home services to hot meal delivery and referral services.

Aging Services

• Aging Services offers numerous services designed to enhance the lives of older adults age 50 and over, from active adult programming and in-home services to hot meals and referral services.

Find a senior center

Senior centers offer places to gather, learn, and enjoy free activities designed for today’s active seniors.

Door-to-Door transportation on Sunshine Line

• For seniors and those with disabilities, we offer transportation through Sunshine Line for medical and social service appointments, grocery trips, health and wellness, personal business, and more.

Meal plan

• Hillsborough County promotes better health and good eating habits for those age 60 and older by providing various nutritious meal options.

Solid waste

• Senior citizens 65 and older may be eligible for a discount on their disposal assessment. The discount does not apply to the collection assessment.

• Eligibility and application information for the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount are available on the Senior & Disability Trash Bill Discounts page or by calling (813) 272-5680.

Business assistance

Hillsborough County builds prosperity by helping local businesses succeed. Check out these resources for potential business owners, current business owners, and their employees.

Minorities, women, and small business

• Targeted programs to help minority or woman-owned businesses flourish. See all the resources available in our Minorities, Women & Small Business section.

Entrepreneur Collaborative Center

• The Entrepreneur Collaborative Center was established by the Hillsborough County Economic Development department in 2014 to provide entrepreneurs easy access to business service providers, resources, mentorship, and specialty training.

Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Hillsborough

• Housed in the ECC, the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough serves entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the county and across all industries through confidential, no-cost consulting and professional training.

Artists

• The Arts Council division provides a unified voice for all cultural organizations and activities in the Tampa and Hillsborough County region, and connects artists with grants and opportunities.

Resources and training

• Get connected with the knowledge and resources to grow your small business .

Children and family assistance

Great information and resources for families with children, including counseling, child care and enrichment, educational opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and more.

Head Start/Early Head Start

• The Head Start program is available for children from low-income families between 3 and 5 years old, including those with special needs. Early Head Start is for children up to 3 years old; Head Start is for children 3-5 years old.

Education and schools

• Hillsborough County can help you build a strong educational foundation for your children that prepares them for success in school and life.

• Hillsborough County's Community Action Board Scholarship program offers scholarships worth up to $5,000 each to eligible students wishing to continue their post-secondary education.

Children and families in need of residential respite

• Find information for children and families in need of residential programs or community counseling services.

Health care assistance

The Hillsborough County Health Care Plan offers affordable medical and dental care for those who can’t afford traditional medical insurance and meet the program qualifications.

Patient assistance

• The Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides people who have limited incomes with free or low-cost prescription drugs from the drug manufacturer.

Healthy Living Program

• The Healthy Living Program offers comprehensive resources to support the well-being of Hillsborough County Health Care Plan members, Hillsborough County residents, and Hillsborough County employees.

Veterans assistance

Hillsborough County proudly serves the nearly 98,000 Veterans who call the county home. With Florida’s largest population of Veterans, Hillsborough County aims to ensure that all former military service members and their families can access resources and navigate benefits.

Find Veterans services

• Hillsborough County's Veterans Services assists Veterans, their dependents, and survivors in accessing federal, state, and local benefits. There is never a fee to receive services or visit any of our Veterans Service Offices.

Veterans Council

• The objective of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, Inc. is to serve as a local affiliate of military veterans organizations, to act as liaison between County Government and Veterans Organizations on actions affecting Veterans and Veterans benefits.