Douglas County
Ask about Douglas County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Douglas County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Douglas County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
State office
Kansas Department for Children and Families, Lawrence Service Center
1901 Delaware St, Lawrence, KS 66046
Help here
- Food, cash, and child care assistanceApply for state food, cash, and child care assistance through DCF.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dcf.ks.gov
Human services · County office
Douglas County Housing and Human Services
2518 Ridge Ct, Lawrence, KS 66046
Help here
- Housing and basic-needs referralsContact the county to find local help with housing, food, clothing, health care, and transportation.
- Rent and utility assistanceThe Housing Stabilization Collaborative helps residents seek rent or utility assistance.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dgcoks.gov
Housing help · Regional office
Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority
1600 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044
Help here
- Affordable housingThe housing authority helps Douglas County residents apply for affordable housing programs.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ldcha.org
Public health · County office
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health
200 Maine St, Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66044
Help here
- Public health clinicThe clinic offers public health care and appointments for residents.
- WICWIC offers nutrition support, healthy food benefits, and health education to eligible families.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ldchealth.org
Local office · Nonprofit
United Way 211 Kansas
Help here
- Information and referralsCall 211 to find local help with basic needs and other services.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211kansas.org
Courts and legal help · County office
Douglas County District Court Self-Help Office
111 E 11th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Help here
- Court self-helpStaff can help people who represent themselves find court forms and understand court processes.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dgcoks.gov
Library · County office
Michael J. Malone Douglas County Law Library
111 E 11th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Help here
- Legal research resourcesThe public can use legal reference materials and online research tools at the law library.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dgcoks.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging
2910 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66611
Help here
- Older adult and caregiver supportGet information about services, in-home help, meals, transportation, and support for caregivers.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on jhawkaaa.org
Emergency help · County office
Douglas County Emergency Management
Help here
- Emergency preparedness informationGet guidance on preparing for disasters and responding to local hazards.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dgcoks.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
Lawrence Workforce Center
2920 Haskell Ave, Suite 2, Lawrence, KS 66046
Help here
- Job search and career helpGet help looking for work, planning a career, and preparing a resume or interview.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on levelupks.com
State office
Kansas Driver's License Examiner, Lawrence
1035 N 3rd St, Suite 122, Lawrence, KS 66044
Help here
- Driver licensingVisit the examiner to apply for or take care of a Kansas driver's license.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ksrevenue.gov
Douglas County, Kansas website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Douglas County
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Harvesters - The Community Food Network
3801 Topping Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64129
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Kansas Legal Services, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN)
1320 S. Ash Street, Suite 203, Ottawa, KS 66067
Listed on kshousingcorp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Douglas County
Kansas programs by kind of help
These are run by Kansas and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 211 Kansas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988