Community Resources

Ocala/Marion County Community Resources

We provide this sampling of resources for our community members who may find themselves in need. While we are not offering endorsements of any organization over another, we ask that you consider one of these sources should you need assistance.

This is not an exhaustive list, and if you would like to see additional resources listed, please contact us.

Local Resources

2-1-1 Community Resource Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 or text your Zip Code to 898-211.
CareerSource Citrus, Levy, Marion: 800-434-5627 – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion can assist in preparing and referring you to leading employers. Their staff will provide support with all aspects of your career development and enhancement.
Community Legal Services: 352-629-6257 – The nonprofit law firm operates in Marion County Florida. They offer free, or low cost, yet high quality legal assistance to low-income residents. Help is only for legal matters.
Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance
Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center: 352-622-8495
Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-500-1110
Florida Center for the Blind
Florida Department of Health – Marion County: 352-629-0137
Florida Disability Rights: 800-342-0823
Heart of Florida Health Center: 352-732-6599
HelpWhenYouNeedIt.org: over 350,000 listings for social services, mental health, substance use, legal and financial assistance

Marion County Public Library System: 352-671-8551 (main)
Marion County Sheriff’s Office: 352-732-9111
Marion Senior Services: 1101 SW 20th Court, Ocala, FL 34471 – elderly utility assistance, home delivered meals, in-home support
Marion Transit: 352-620-3071 – public transportation
North Central Florida Job Readiness and Placement Services, Inc.: 352-854-5802 – The center provides self improvement counseling, job placement, employment skills training and tutoring to children and target groups.
Ocala CEP – Job Openings in Ocala/Marion
Ocala Police Department: 352-369-7139
Operation: Homefront: 877-264-3968 – veteran emergency assistance
Supervisor of Elections: 352-620-3290 – Registered voters in the City of Ocala can request a ballot to be mailed to them for the upcoming special run-off election scheduled for May 19, 2020. To request a ballot, visit https://www.votemarion.gov/mbrs. Requests must be submitted by May 9, 2020 by 5:00pm EDT.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Check out this Resource Flyer
BBC News, “Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health”
Darkness to Light helpline: Dial 866-367-5444 or text “Light” to 741-741
Florida Statewide Mental Health Access Hotline: 800-945-1355
Florida Suicide Hotline: 352-629-9595
NAMI Ocala: 352-368-2405
SAMHSA Treatment Locator: 800-662-4357 – Provides referrals to low-cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment.
School Board of Marion County Florida Mental Health Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 800-273-8255 or 800-784-2433
Ten Percent Happier, “How to Stay Kind in the Midst of Fear”
The Centers Mobile Response Team: 352-402-2890 – available 24/7 for those in crisis

Childcare & Child Welfare Resources

Abuse Hotline – Department of Children & Families: 800-962-2873
Amazon – free kids’ programming
Arnette House: 352-622-6135
Childhood Development Services: 352-629-0055
Crayola – free coloring pages
Early Learning Coalition of Marion County: 352-369-2315
Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
Family Portal for School Readiness & VPK
Florida DCF Childcare Search: 850-488-4900
IMDb TV – free family movies
Kids Central Inc.: 352-873-6332
Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection: 352-873-4739
Marion County Public Schools VPK Lottery
US Office of Child Care – finding programs, financial assistance

Need help paying bills?

Annie W. Johnson Senior and Family Center: 352-489-8021; 1991 W Test Court, Dunnellon, FL 34430 – The non-profit agency provides limited financial assistance with utility, mortgage expenses or rent payment assistance in emergency situations.
Family and Life Connection Network: 352-622-8960 – The non-profit charity has financial assistance to low-and-no-income families for rent or utilities, emergency food assistance, clothing, local transportation assistance and in-home care to seniors.
Florida Department of Children & Families ACCESS – State food assistance, medical assistance, temporary cash assistance for families with children
Fresh EBT – EBT FAQ and basics guide
GreenPath Financial Wellness: 888-776-6735 – Programs offered include Housing Delinquency/Foreclosure Counseling, Rental Counseling, Bankruptcy advice, Debt management plans, and information on mortgage assistance programs in Florida

Marion County Homeless Council Rent Assistance Program: 352-732-1369; 1315 SE 25th Loop, Ocala, FL 34471
Marion County Public Schools – Free/Reduced Meals
Neighbors Who Care Program: 352-629-8411 or 800-893-4760 – This program is designed to help pay utility bills for those customers unable to maintain utility service due to financial hardships.
Ocala Electric Utility – payment assistance: 352-629-2489
Ocala Electric Utility – rebates: 352-629-2489
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Shores Volunteer Skills Bank: 352-687-4848 – May have emergency assistance for utility bills. This includes water, electric, cooling, and other types as well.