Missouri Services Navigator helps Missourians in need instantly find essential services

JEFFERSON CITY- Missourians in need can find essential services, such as nearly 240 food pantries, food banks, school meal programs for students, diaper banks and more through the online Missouri Services Navigator system. The Services Navigator offers instant access to programs and services available in Missouri. There are currently over 2,000 services listed, with new services added daily. Searches can be keyword, location and/or service. Every program and service contains a map of the location as well as contact information.

The Missouri Services Navigator can also link families to services such as: Child care; Counseling; Financial services; Organizations that assist with food, health/dental services, housing and help with legal issues, transportation and utilities; Employment and mental health services for the disabled, dislocated workers and youth and others seeking employment; Information on educational services such as HiSET, job training, apprenticeships and post-secondary education.

“Some families for the first time may be struggling with essential needs and have never had to turn the state or organizations to help them get through a crisis,” said Jennifer Tidball, acting director, Department of Social Services. “These Missourians do not know where to go to get the support they need to cope with their family’s current situation. The Missouri Service Navigator can help ease that search so families can connect faster to vital services to help them remain safe and healthy.” During COVID-19, communities are rapidly expanding or changing services to better support the shifting needs of citizens and the Missouri Services Navigator system allows Missourians to keep this information up to date. The “Suggest Changes” at the bottom of each entry allows the user to make corrections, make it easier to read or add keywords to make it easier to find the service. The "Suggest a New Service" allows the addition of new or missing providers. The state reviews all suggestions before publishing the information. Instructions on how to suggest a change or add information is available on the Missouri Services Navigator web site.

Missourians in need of information on Food Stamp, Medicaid, Child Care Subsidy or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov. Missourians can also apply for those services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov or sending completed applications and verification documents by email to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov or by fax to 573-526-9400. Missourians who have questions or need assistance can call 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Department of Social Services is committed to serving the needs of Missouri citizens during COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding the department’s response to the pandemic is available online https://dss.mo.gov/covid-19.

The mission of the Department of Social Services is to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy and productive lives. Visit dss.mo.gov to learn more about the Department of Social Services and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.