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Help paying bills in Douglas County, Missouri

Who to call for help with utility bills, rent, food and more in Douglas County, with numbers checked against each agency's own site.

Call these first

Ozark Action, Inc. (OAI)Apply for energy assistance (LIHEAP). Say if you have a shutoff notice.
(417) 256-6147
Missouri DSS Family Support Division - Ava Resource CenterApply for SNAP, Medicaid and cash help.
855-373-4636

What's open right now

Missouri energy assistance: regular help runs October through May, and winter crisis help (ECIP, up to $800) runs November through May while funds last. Apply at dss.mo.gov, through your local agency below, or call 855-373-4636. The Cold Weather Rule runs November 1 to March 31.

Offices usually ask for photo ID, your latest bill or shutoff notice, and proof of household income. Missouri's list: documents DSS may ask for.

Your utility companies

Check the company name on your bill. Many counties have more than one.

Electric

White River Valley Electric CooperativeRome, Squires. Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.
417-335-9335
Howell-Oregon Electric CooperativeDrury, Vanzant. Electric co-op. State winter rules may not apply; ask about its own policy.Help programs: Level Billing; payment options
417-256-2131 Bill help program

Natural gas

Summit Natural Gas of MissouriAva. State winter shutoff rules apply.Help programs: Cold Weather Program; Cold Weather Payment Plan (11 months); Special Friend Notification; short-term payment arrangement
1-800-927-0787 Bill help program

Other local help

Food: Ozarks Food Harvest2810 N. Cedarbrook Ave., Springfield, MO 65803
417-865-3411 Website
Seniors: SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging1735 S. Fort Ave., Springfield, MO 65807
417-862-0762 Website
Weatherization (lower heating and cooling costs): Ozark Action Inc.
417-256-6147 Website
Free legal help (eviction, debt): Legal Services of Southern Missouri (Springfield office)
800-444-4863 Website
Health care (sliding fee): Missouri Ozarks Community HealthSites in county: Ava
417-683-5739 Website

Checked October 25, 2026. Sources: each agency's own website, state community action list. Programs change, so confirm with the agency.

Got a shutoff notice?

Call your utility today, before the shutoff date. Ask for a payment plan and any winter or medical protections, and apply for energy help at the same time.

Make my shutoff plan

More free help

Which bills should I pay first?Four questions, 60 seconds, your own plan.
Take the quiz → The free bill appTrack bills, get call scripts and hardship letters, and plan $50-a-week dinners. No account.
Open the app → All Missouri programsState energy help, shutoff rules, rent and food programs.
See Missouri help →

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