The AARP Foundation runs programs that address hunger, housing instability, and financial hardship for people 50 and older

The AARP Foundation is a separate charitable organization from AARP itself. While AARP is a membership organization focused on advocacy and discounts, the Foundation uses donations and grants to run direct programs that serve low-income older adults. The Foundation does not charge membership fees for its services.

The Foundation's work centers on three main areas: connecting people to food and nutrition support, preventing homelessness and helping people find stable housing, and providing financial counseling and emergency information. Most of these programs are delivered through local nonprofits, government agencies, and community partners rather than directly by the Foundation.

Understanding what the Foundation offers matters because many of its programs are not widely known, and may be able to access does not depend on being an AARP member. If you are 50 or older and facing food insecurity, housing instability, or financial crisis, Foundation-supported programs may be available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Foundation funds programs for people 50 and older dealing with hunger, housing instability, and financial hardship, but does not run most programs directly.
  • The Foundation's largest program, the National Hunger Hotline, connects people to local food resources and meal programs by phone or text.
  • Foundation-supported housing programs help prevent eviction and homelessness through emergency rent information, mediation with landlords, and placement services.
  • Financial counseling through Foundation partners is free and covers budgeting, debt management, and understanding Social Security and Medicare.
  • You do not need to be an AARP member to use any Foundation program or service.

The National Hunger Hotline and food security programs

The AARP Foundation's National Hunger Hotline is the most widely used of its services. You can call 1-855-500-2771 or text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 898-211 to reach the hotline. Staff will ask about your location and situation, then connect you to local food banks, meal programs, SNAP (food stamps), and other nutrition resources in your area.

The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. The service is free and does not require you to prove income or citizenship status. The hotline can also direct you to programs that deliver meals to homebound older adults, senior centers that serve lunch, and food pantries that do not require advance registration.

Beyond the hotline, the Foundation funds community-based programs that run food pantries, congregate meal sites, and home-delivered meal services in partnership with local agencies. These programs vary by location, which is why the hotline is the fastest way to find what exists near you.

Housing information and eviction prevention

The AARP Foundation supports housing programs through grants to local nonprofits and housing authorities. These programs typically offer emergency rent information to prevent eviction, mediation between tenants and landlords to resolve disputes, and help navigating the rental market for people looking to move.

Emergency rent information through Foundation-supported programs usually covers rent arrears (money already owed) rather than future rent. The program pays the landlord directly and requires documentation of the hardship and a signed lease. Processing time varies by program but typically takes two to six weeks.

To find housing information in your area, start by contacting your local housing authority or calling 211 (a national referral line). Tell them you are looking for emergency rent information or eviction prevention services. They can tell you which programs are currently open and what documents you will need to bring.

Financial counseling and money management

The AARP Foundation funds credit counseling and financial coaching through nonprofit agencies in most states. These services are free and cover budgeting, managing debt, understanding Social Security and Medicare, and planning for long-term care costs. Counselors can also help you understand your rights if you are being targeted by scams or financial exploitation.

Financial counseling is usually delivered by phone or in person at a local nonprofit office. Sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour, and you may be offered multiple sessions to work through a specific problem. The counselor will not tell you what to do but will help you understand your options and the consequences of each choice.

To find a financial counselor near you, visit the Foundation's website or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-855-500-2771. They can refer you to a counseling agency in your area. Some agencies also offer group workshops on topics like Social Security claiming strategies or recognizing financial abuse.

Emergency information and crisis grants

The AARP Foundation provides emergency grants through local nonprofits to older adults facing when ready crises—utility shutoff, medical debt, or other urgent expenses that threaten housing or health. These are small grants, typically under $500, meant to bridge a gap while longer-term information is being arranged.

Emergency grants are not may provide and depend on the nonprofit's available funding. Some agencies have their own process process; others use referrals from social workers or case managers. The fastest way to learn whether emergency information is available in your area is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 211.

How to find Foundation programs in your area

The AARP Foundation does not run a single national process or intake system. Instead, its programs are delivered through hundreds of local partners. This means the programs available to you depend on where you live and which nonprofits and agencies in your area have received Foundation funding.

The most direct routes are: call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-855-500-2771 (they know about food, housing, and financial counseling programs); call 211 (a free referral service that knows about local resources); or contact your local Area Agency on Aging, which coordinates services for older adults in your county.

When you call, have your zip code ready and be prepared to describe what you need most urgently—food, housing help, financial counseling, or emergency information. The person answering can tell you what exists locally and what the next step is.

What the Foundation does not do

The AARP Foundation does not provide ongoing income support, housing subsidies, or long-term financial aid. Its programs are designed to address when ready crises and connect you to longer-term resources like SNAP, housing vouchers, or Medicaid.

The Foundation also does not run nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other residential care. If you are looking for information about senior housing options, AARP's main organization publishes guides and tools, but that is separate from the Foundation's work.

The Foundation does not replace government benefits. If you are not yet receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP, or other benefits you may be may have access to to, the Foundation's financial counselors and hotline staff can help you understand how the process works, but the actual benefit comes from the government program, not the Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use AARP Foundation programs?

No. The Foundation's programs are open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of AARP membership status. Membership in AARP is not required and does not change your access to Foundation services.

What if I do not have a phone or internet to reach the National Hunger Hotline?

You can visit a local senior center, library, or nonprofit office and ask staff to call the hotline for you, or to help you find local food resources. You can also call 211 from any phone, and the referral specialist can provide the same information.

How much money can I get from an emergency grant?

Emergency grants vary by program and available funding, but are typically small amounts—under $500—meant to cover an when ready crisis like a utility bill or medical debt. The amount depends on the nonprofit's funding and your specific situation. There is no may provide a grant will be available.

Can Foundation programs help me if I am behind on rent but do not have a lease?

Most emergency rent information programs require a signed lease as proof of tenancy. If you do not have a lease, tell the program when you call—some can work with other documentation like a utility bill or landlord statement. Each program has different rules, so ask what they accept.

What happens after I get emergency information—is there follow-up help?

That depends on the program and the nonprofit delivering it. Some agencies offer case management and help you explore for longer-term benefits like SNAP or housing vouchers. Others provide one-time information only. When you contact a program, ask whether follow-up support is available.