This guide lists organizations and government offices in Springfield that help with food, housing, health care, benefits, and other needs. Each listing includes its location, hours, and who can use it. The open or closed status reflects the time this page was loaded (Fri, Oct 30 · 2:39 AM).
Get Help Now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any hour.
To find local help with food, housing, utilities, and other needs, dial 211.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Missouri, call 1-800-392-3738.
Where Do I Go To…?Find the right place for common needs, such as a free meal today, a shelter on a freezing night, or help applying for SNAP.
Legal Aid
These organizations provide free or low-cost legal help to people who qualify, as well as public defender services.
None of the places in this section are open for the rest of today.
2 places in this section don’t publish their hours and are hidden. Call ahead to check whether they are open.
Legal Services of Southern Missouri – Springfield Office
Legal Services of Southern Missouri
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Free civil legal help for low-income and elderly residents of southern Missouri, including protection orders, family, consumer and debt, housing, public benefits, elder law and expungement cases. It does not handle criminal, municipal court, personal injury or workers' compensation cases.
Who can use it: Free for eligible low-income and elderly residents based on household income, assets and the type of legal problem, although clients may be responsible for court costs.
Protection orders and safety planning
Family law (paternity, adoption, guardianship, name change)
Office hours are not published; please call before visiting. Applications are taken in person, by phone at (800) 444-4863, or online, and decisions on whether a case is accepted usually take up to two weeks.
Missouri State Public Defender – Springfield Office (District 31)
Missouri State Public Defender · Government office
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Public defender office that represents people in Greene County who are charged with qualifying state crimes and cannot afford a lawyer.
Who can use it: Eligibility is based on state income guidelines and the type of charge; the public defender does not handle municipal, traffic, family court or civil cases.
Free online service where income-eligible Missourians can post civil legal questions and get answers from volunteer Missouri attorneys. It does not cover criminal matters, and the attorneys cannot represent you in court.
Search for Missouri lawyers by practice area or county, and find a list of agencies that offer free or discounted legal services to people with low to moderate incomes.
The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association maintains an online referral list of Springfield-area lawyers. Participating lawyers who agree to consult with you charge no more than $100 for the first 30 minutes.
People charged with qualifying state crimes who cannot afford a lawyer can apply online or submit a written application to the local public defender office. Statewide line: (573) 777-9977.
The Greene County Circuit Clerk provides filing rules, court forms, and fee information for people handling a court case without a lawyer. Self-represented filers must file in person or by mail at the Circuit Clerk's Office, 1010 N. Boonville Ave., 2nd floor, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on court business days.
Springfield Misery is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the organizations listed. Services, hours, and eligibility rules change often, so please call ahead to confirm before you visit.