Yes — churches in Modesto, CA help pay rent, and you don’t have to be a member or religious to qualify. Modesto has a strong and active faith-based assistance network throughout Stanislaus County, with churches, nonprofits, and interfaith coalitions that provide emergency rental assistance every day for residents across the city and surrounding communities.
This guide lists every major church and faith-based organization in Modesto that helps pay rent in 2026 — with phone numbers, addresses, and exactly what each one provides.
Churches in Modesto That Help Pay Rent — Quick Answer
The fastest way to get church rent help in Modesto is to call 211 (free, 24/7) or contact one of these organizations directly:
- Salvation Army — Modesto: 209-522-3217
- Catholic Charities — Diocese of Stockton (Modesto): 209-444-5900
- St. Vincent de Paul — Modesto: 209-578-4075
- Modesto Gospel Mission: 209-522-4357
- Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County: 209-571-2200
- Community Services Agency of Stanislaus County (CSAS): 209-558-4525
- Stanislaus County DHCS: 209-558-2500
- California 211: Dial 211
Most programs can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Have your lease, a past-due notice, and your ID ready when you call.
Churches in Modesto That Help Pay Rent
1. Salvation Army — Modesto
The Salvation Army in Modesto is one of the most consistent and accessible sources of emergency rent assistance in Stanislaus County. They provide direct financial assistance for rent and utilities for Modesto and surrounding Stanislaus County residents, along with a full range of social services including food, clothing, and disaster relief.
Address: 325 Sunrise Ave, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-522-3217 Website: salvationarmyca.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (call ahead to confirm intake hours) What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, food assistance, clothing, disaster relief, and referrals to other Modesto programs Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all Stanislaus County residents in need. Typical assistance: $200–$500 for emergency rent, paid directly to your landlord
2. Catholic Charities — Diocese of Stockton (Modesto Office)
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton serves Modesto and all of Stanislaus County through their local office, providing emergency financial assistance including rent and utility payments to anyone regardless of faith. Their social workers connect residents with both private and government rental assistance programs and can coordinate larger amounts through case management.
Address: 225 W Rumble Rd, Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: 209-444-5900 Website: catholiccharitiesdos.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, eviction prevention, case management, immigration legal services, food assistance, refugee resettlement, and referrals to California programs including CalWORKs Do you need to be Catholic? No. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of religion or background. Typical assistance: $300–$1,000+ depending on need and available funding
3. St. Vincent de Paul — Modesto / Stanislaus County
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates conferences through local Catholic parishes across Modesto and Stanislaus County, providing direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and other emergency needs. SVdP volunteers respond personally to housing crises across the community.
Phone: 209-578-4075 Website: svdpusa.org (search Modesto CA conferences) What they provide: Direct landlord payment for overdue rent, utility assistance, food, furniture, and clothing Do you need to be Catholic? No. SVdP helps anyone in need regardless of faith. Typical assistance: $100–$400 paid directly to your landlord or utility company
4. Modesto Gospel Mission
Modesto Gospel Mission is one of Stanislaus County’s most comprehensive and long-running faith-based social service organizations, providing emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery, job training, and extensive connections to rent assistance programs throughout Modesto. Their staff works daily with Modesto residents facing housing crises and knows every local resource available.
Address: 1400 Yosemite Blvd, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-522-4357 Website: modestogospelmission.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; shelter and services available daily What they provide: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, addiction recovery programs, job training, emergency rent assistance connections, and housing navigation for Modesto residents Do you need to be religious? No. Modesto Gospel Mission serves all residents regardless of faith or background.
5. Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County
Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County is one of Modesto’s most important emergency assistance organizations, bringing together churches from across the faith spectrum to pool resources and provide emergency rent, utility, food, and clothing assistance to Stanislaus County residents. Their collaborative interfaith model means they typically have more combined resources than any single church acting alone.
Address: 318 4th St, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-571-2200 Website: interfaithmodesto.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; walk-ins welcome What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance pooled from member congregations, food pantry, clothing closet, case management, and referrals to Stanislaus County social services Do you need to be religious? No. Interfaith Ministries serves all Stanislaus County residents regardless of faith. Typical assistance: Varies — pooled resources from multiple Modesto-area congregations
6. Community Services Agency of Stanislaus County (CSAS)
CSAS is Stanislaus County’s designated Community Action Agency, administering federal CSBG funds and working with Modesto-area churches and nonprofits to provide emergency rent, utility, and crisis assistance for low-income county residents. CSAS is one of the most important calls to make alongside church programs when seeking rent help in Modesto.
Address: 327 W 15th St, Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: 209-558-4525 Website: csastanislaus.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, LIHEAP energy assistance, weatherization, food assistance, employment support, case management, and referrals to Stanislaus County resources Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all low-income Stanislaus County residents.
7. First Baptist Church of Modesto — Community Care
First Baptist Church of Modesto is one of the city’s most established congregations with an active community care ministry and benevolence fund that helps Modesto residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and other financial crises.
Address: 1101 L St, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-524-2722 Website: fbcmodesto.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Stanislaus County resources Do you need to be Baptist? No. Open to all Modesto community members in need.
8. Big Valley Grace Community Church — Modesto
Big Valley Grace is one of Modesto’s largest evangelical congregations with a robust community care ministry. Their outreach team and benevolence fund help Modesto area residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and connections to Stanislaus County social services.
Address: 4040 Tully Rd, Modesto, CA 95356 Phone: 209-545-9202 Website: bigvalleygrace.org Hours: Contact the church office for community care assistance hours What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry, care team connections, and referrals to Modesto area resources Do you need to be a member? No. Community members of all backgrounds are welcome.
9. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Modesto
The LDS Church has multiple wards throughout the Modesto area with bishops empowered to provide direct financial assistance including rent help for members and, in some cases, community members in genuine housing crisis. The Central Valley has a significant LDS population with a well-organized welfare system.
Website: churchofjesuschrist.org (find Modesto CA ward) What they provide: Emergency rent payments, utility assistance, food from Bishop’s Storehouse, and counseling
10. Vineyard Church Modesto
Vineyard Church Modesto is an active nondenominational congregation with a community outreach ministry and benevolence fund that helps Modesto residents with emergency rent, utilities, and other financial needs.
Address: 3800 Tully Rd, Modesto, CA 95356 Phone: 209-545-0256 Website: vineyardmodesto.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and community resource connections
11. First Presbyterian Church of Modesto — Outreach
First Presbyterian Church of Modesto has a long tradition of community service and maintains an active outreach ministry and benevolence fund for Modesto residents in financial crisis.
Address: 1034 15th St, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-522-3230 Website: fpchurch.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Stanislaus County community resources Do you need to be Presbyterian? No. Open to all Modesto community members.
12. Lutheran Social Services of Northern California — Modesto Area
Lutheran Social Services serves Stanislaus County with emergency financial assistance, housing stability programs, refugee resettlement, and case management for Modesto and surrounding community residents.
Phone: 209-783-4300 Website: lssnca.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, housing stability case management, refugee resettlement, immigration services, and senior services Do you need to be Lutheran? No. Lutheran Social Services helps anyone in need.
13. Westside Church — Modesto
Westside Church is a growing Modesto congregation with an active community care ministry. Their benevolence fund helps Modesto residents with emergency rent, utility, and other financial needs.
Address: 2800 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355 Phone: 209-523-4730 Website: westsidemodesto.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund and referrals to Stanislaus County community resources
14. Islamic Center of Modesto / Muslim community organizations
The Islamic Center of Modesto and area mosques provide zakat-funded emergency financial assistance for community members in need — including help with rent — regardless of faith background.
Phone: 209-523-3110 Website: icmodesto.org What they provide: Emergency financial assistance from zakat funds and referrals to Modesto area social services
15. Healthy Harvest Food Bank / Emmanuel Episcopal Church — Modesto
Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Healthy Harvest Food Bank maintain connections to Modesto’s emergency assistance network and can connect residents facing rent crises with the right church and nonprofit programs in Stanislaus County.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Address: 1400 N C St, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-522-3267 Website: emmanuelmodesto.org What they provide: Emergency financial assistance referrals, food pantry, and connections to Modesto rent assistance programs
Turlock / South Stanislaus County Resources
Residents in Turlock and South Stanislaus County have their own dedicated resources:
Salvation Army — Turlock
Phone: 209-668-1955 Website: salvationarmyca.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance for Turlock and South Stanislaus County residents
Turlock Gospel Mission
Address: 500 S Thor St, Turlock, CA 95380 Phone: 209-634-3338 Website: turlock-gospel-mission.org What they provide: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, and rent assistance connections for Turlock area residents
Government Programs for Rent Help in Modesto CA
Church assistance works best when combined with Stanislaus County and California state government programs. Apply for these at the same time:
Stanislaus County Community Services Agency (CSA)
Stanislaus County CSA administers CalWORKs (California’s TANF), General Assistance, and emergency rental assistance programs for Stanislaus County residents.
Address: 251 E Hackett Rd, Modesto, CA 95358 Phone: 209-558-2500 Website: stanworkforce.com | benefitscal.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Stanislaus County Emergency Rental Assistance
Stanislaus County has administered federal ERA funds for residents facing eviction. Contact Stanislaus County CSA or dial 211 for current program availability.
Phone: 209-558-2500 | Dial 211
California HousingIsKey / State ERA Programs
California’s state-level emergency rental assistance is administered through HousingIsKey. Dial 211 for current state and local ERA availability in Stanislaus County.
Website: housingiskey.com | Dial 211
California 211
Dialing 211 in California connects you with a local specialist who can identify every current rent assistance program available in Modesto and Stanislaus County right now.
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: 211ca.org
Legal Services of Northern California — Modesto
If you’ve received an eviction notice in Modesto, Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal representation to help you stay in your home while rental assistance is arranged.
Address: 1030 15th St, Suite A, Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: 209-523-3533 Website: lsnc.net Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
How to Get Church Rent Help in Modesto CA (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211 right now. California 211 operators are available 24/7 and can tell you exactly which Modesto organizations currently have active funds.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Have these ready:
- Photo ID (California driver’s license, state ID, or REAL ID)
- Proof of Modesto or Stanislaus County address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)
- Your lease or rental agreement
- Past-due rent notice, eviction notice, or unlawful detainer (if received)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, CalWORKs award letter, EDD statement, or bank statements)
- Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number
Step 3: Call multiple organizations at once. Contact the Salvation Army, Interfaith Ministries, Catholic Charities, and CSAS simultaneously. Don’t wait for one to respond before calling the next.
Step 4: Use the stacking approach. If no single organization can cover your full balance, ask each for a partial payment. Combining $250 from the Salvation Army, $150 from SVdP, and $200 from Interfaith Ministries can add up to meaningful help fast.
Step 5: Apply for CalWORKs and Stanislaus County ERA at the same time. Contact Stanislaus County CSA at 209-558-2500. Government programs can cover larger amounts and longer periods than church funds alone.
Step 6: Call Legal Services of Northern California if you’ve received eviction papers. LSNC Modesto (209-523-3533) can sometimes delay your unlawful detainer hearing in Stanislaus County Superior Court while rental assistance is being arranged.
What to Bring When You Visit a Modesto Church for Rent Help
Most Modesto churches and faith-based organizations will ask for:
- Photo ID — California driver’s license, state ID, REAL ID, or passport
- Proof of Modesto or Stanislaus County residency — lease, utility bill, or official mail with your address
- Lease or rental agreement — showing your monthly rent amount
- Past-due rent notice, eviction notice, or unlawful detainer — if applicable (speeds up the process significantly)
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, CalWORKs award letter, EDD unemployment statement, or bank statements
- Landlord contact information — name, address, and phone number (most organizations pay landlords directly)
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches in Modesto help pay rent?
Several churches and faith-based organizations in Modesto help pay rent, including the Salvation Army Modesto (209-522-3217), Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton (209-444-5900), St. Vincent de Paul Modesto (209-578-4075), Modesto Gospel Mission (209-522-4357), Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County (209-571-2200), and CSAS (209-558-4525). Call 211 first to find out which programs currently have available funds.
How fast can a church help pay rent in Modesto?
Many Modesto organizations can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Interfaith Ministries (209-571-2200) welcomes walk-ins Monday through Friday. Call multiple organizations simultaneously and have all your documents ready for the fastest results.
Do I have to be religious or a church member to get help in Modesto?
No. Every organization in this guide helps Modesto residents regardless of religious belief, church membership, or background. You will not be asked to attend a service, pray, or join any congregation to receive assistance.
What is Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County?
Interfaith Ministries (209-571-2200) at 318 4th St is one of Modesto’s most important emergency assistance organizations. Rather than one church acting alone, Interfaith Ministries pools resources from congregations across multiple denominations — Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, evangelical, and others — meaning they typically have more combined funding available than any individual church benevolence fund. They welcome walk-ins Monday through Friday and are often one of the fastest routes to emergency rent help in Modesto.
What is Modesto Gospel Mission?
Modesto Gospel Mission (209-522-4357) at 1400 Yosemite Blvd is one of Stanislaus County’s most comprehensive faith-based organizations. Beyond emergency shelter and meals, their staff are deeply connected to Modesto’s entire social services network and can guide residents through every available rent assistance option in the city. If you’re not sure where to start, Modesto Gospel Mission is an excellent first in-person stop.
Can Modesto churches help if I’ve already received an eviction notice or unlawful detainer?
Yes — an eviction notice or unlawful detainer makes your case more urgent and can help you qualify faster. Bring the document when you call or visit. Also contact Legal Services of Northern California Modesto immediately at 209-523-3533 — they provide free legal representation for eviction cases in Stanislaus County Superior Court and may be able to delay your hearing while assistance is being arranged.
What is CalWORKs — California’s rental assistance program?
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is California’s TANF program that provides emergency cash and support services for qualifying families with children. CalWORKs funds can be used for rent. Apply at Stanislaus County CSA (209-558-2500) or online at benefitscal.com.
Is there rent help for immigrants in Modesto?
Yes. Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton (209-444-5900) provides immigration legal services and emergency assistance regardless of immigration status. The Islamic Center of Modesto (209-523-3110) also serves Modesto’s Muslim community. Modesto has a large and diverse agricultural community — including many immigrant families — and several organizations specialize in serving them. Dial 211 and ask about immigration-inclusive emergency rent programs in Stanislaus County.
Is there rent help in Turlock or other parts of Stanislaus County?
Yes. The Salvation Army Turlock (209-668-1955) and Turlock Gospel Mission (209-634-3338) serve South Stanislaus County residents specifically. CSAS (209-558-4525) and Interfaith Ministries (209-571-2200) serve all of Stanislaus County. Call 211 for the most current list of programs with active funds in your specific area.
Final Thoughts
If you need help paying rent in Modesto today, start with 211 and then call Interfaith Ministries of Stanislaus County (209-571-2200), the Salvation Army (209-522-3217), and Catholic Charities (209-444-5900). Modesto’s faith community is one of the most active in the Central Valley — and none of these organizations require you to be religious.
You’re already doing the right thing by looking for help. Now make the call.
← Back to: Churches That Help With Rent — National Guide
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Stanislaus County CSA, CA 211, Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton, Salvation Army California, Legal Services of Northern California
Funding availability changes frequently. Always verify current availability by calling the organization directly or dialing 211.