Role: licensed community mental-health center with outpatient therapy, medication, and community support; geography: Northwest Kansas, including Hays; cost/eligibility: ask about insurance, sliding-fee eligibility, catchment area, intake, and wait time; emergency limit: use its separate crisis line or 911 for urgent needs | Hays / Ellis County, KS
High Plains Mental Health Center — outpatient care and care navigation
High Plains lists outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, case management, and care navigation. A navigator can explain options and scheduling. Ask directly about fees, coverage, appointment availability, and whether the service fits your goals.
Role: subsidized apartment housing linked to behavioral-health support; geography: Hays; cost/eligibility: provider says housing is for adults with serious mental illness—confirm criteria, application process, openings, and rent; emergency limit: not emergency shelter or guaranteed placement | Hays / Ellis County, KS
High Plains Mental Health Center — Woodhaven supportive housing
High Plains identifies Woodhaven in Hays as subsidized housing for adults with serious mental illness. Contact the provider to ask whether the program fits, what documentation is required, and whether applications are being accepted.
Role: local public housing and Housing Choice Voucher administration; geography: Hays; cost/eligibility: income, household, and program rules apply; confirm current waitlists, documentation, and accessible options; emergency limit: not emergency shelter or guaranteed housing | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays Housing Authority — public housing and vouchers
The authority describes Sunrise Apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers and says applications depend on open waitlists. Waitlist status can change; call before applying or traveling and ask what accommodations are available.
Role: municipal board information about low-income housing policies and vouchers; geography: Hays; cost/eligibility: the Authority determines program criteria and availability; confirm directly; emergency limit: board information is not an application, shelter placement, or legal advice | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays Housing Authority Board — local housing-program information
The City describes the board's role in policies, vouchers, rent, and program information. Use the Authority—not a board meeting—as the contact for applications, eligibility, or current openings.
Role: county public-health information and services; geography: Hays and Ellis County; cost/eligibility: the department lists Medicare, Medicaid, and BCBS acceptance—confirm each service, coverage, and any fee; emergency limit: not emergency or behavioral-health crisis response | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County Health Department
The department lists public-health services at its Hays office and publishes current weekday hours. Call to ask which service is appropriate, whether an appointment is needed, and what insurance or cost rules apply.
Role: hospital-system billing assistance and individualized cost estimates; geography: HaysMed patients; cost/eligibility: discounts and payment options have stated conditions—ask about your account, insurance network, and eligibility; emergency limit: billing support is not urgent medical care | Hays / Ellis County, KS
HaysMed — billing help and cost estimates
HaysMed lists billing counselors who can discuss estimates and payment options. Its site notes that insurer negotiations may affect coverage; confirm in-network status with both the insurer and HaysMed before nonurgent care.
Role: regional hospital and health-system information; geography: Hays and surrounding communities; cost/eligibility: insurance, provider availability, and care costs vary—confirm with HaysMed and your insurer; emergency limit: use 911 or the emergency department for urgent needs | Hays / Ellis County, KS
HaysMed — patient and visitor information
Use HaysMed's official contact page to locate current hospital and clinic information. For a nonurgent appointment or estimate, ask what service is appropriate and what it may cost; this listing is not a substitute for emergency care.
Role: survivor-specific advocacy, supportive counseling, and safety services; geography: Northwest Kansas—confirm service area; cost/eligibility: ask about current services and any requirements; emergency limit: not a general shelter directory or emergency dispatch | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services
Options lists advocacy, supportive counseling, support groups, and safe-shelter or emergency-accommodation services for survivors. Contact the 24-hour service first to discuss a safe method of communication and current capacity; do not assume walk-in placement.
Role: local food, clothing, and household-goods assistance; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: Center describes helping residents with low or no income and other listed circumstances—confirm intake and current stock; emergency limit: not emergency shelter or medical response | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Community Assistance Center of Ellis County
The Center lists food, clothing, and household items and publishes weekday morning hours. Call before traveling to confirm what is available, any intake steps, and whether your household's situation fits its current program.
Role: local information/referral and screening for basic-needs assistance; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: assistance depends on program rules and available funds—call to confirm; emergency limit: not emergency dispatch, guaranteed rent aid, or shelter placement | Hays / Ellis County, KS
First Call for Help of Ellis County — local resource navigation
First Call describes helping residents connect to local resources, groceries, and emergency financial support. Ask what programs are open, what documentation is needed, and whether an appointment or referral is required.
Role: home-delivered meal-program contact; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: ask about age or homebound criteria, service area, contribution, and scheduling; emergency limit: meals are not emergency food delivery or medical care | Hays / Ellis County, KS
First Call for Help — Meals on Wheels inquiry
First Call's current site invites calls about community needs and referrals. Ask whether Meals on Wheels is available for your address and circumstances, what it costs, and how to arrange a delivery before relying on the service.
Role: nonprofit financial/housing assistance and basic-needs navigation; geography: Hays and its published Northern Kansas service area; cost/eligibility: application, income, funding, and program rules apply—confirm; emergency limit: not guaranteed rent, utility, or shelter placement | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas — Hays support center
The Hays support center lists help with financial and housing needs, food, hygiene, diapers, clothing, and referrals. Call to ask about service-area rules, documentation, current funds, and whether the requested program is accepting applications.
Role: state application and case-management pathway for public benefits; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: household, income, and program rules apply; application and verification required; emergency limit: benefits are not same-day emergency assistance or guaranteed approval | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas DCF — food, cash, child-care, and energy benefits
Kansas DCF describes food, cash, child-care, and seasonal energy assistance. Apply through the State's portal or call for benefits help; verify current eligibility, documents, application status, and processing time.
Role: state Medicaid and CHIP eligibility/application information; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: program-specific household, income, age, disability, and other rules apply; emergency limit: application support is not urgent medical care | Hays / Ellis County, KS
KanCare — Kansas Medicaid eligibility and application
KanCare explains which groups may qualify and lists a Clearinghouse phone line. Use the State's eligibility guidance and ask about your own circumstances; do not assume a particular provider accepts your plan.
Role: statewide community-resource referral and navigation; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: referrals do not guarantee program access—each provider sets its own rules; emergency limit: not crisis dispatch, emergency shelter, or placement guarantee | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas 211 — community-resource navigation
Use Kansas 211 to look for current food, housing, utility, health, transportation, and support options. Confirm directly with the named provider before traveling, especially for shelter, funding, or limited-capacity services.
Role: local directory and information/referral resource; geography: Ellis County and nearby communities; cost/eligibility: directory listings are not guarantees—verify each organization's current rules; emergency limit: not crisis dispatch or live availability tracking | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County Community Resource Directory
The directory organizes local and regional programs by needs such as food, health, and everyday assistance. Treat it as a starting point: call the listed organization to confirm the current contact, service, eligibility, hours, and capacity.
Role: public, on-demand transportation; geography: Hays and Ellis County; cost/eligibility: posted fares differ by service area—confirm current fare, booking, accessibility, and availability; emergency limit: not ambulance or emergency transport | Hays / Ellis County, KS
ACCESS Transportation — Hays and Ellis County
ACCESS publishes weekday and Saturday service hours, says rides are first-request/first-served, and asks riders to schedule next-day trips by 6 p.m. Call to confirm the pickup area, fare, mobility accommodations, and whether a ride is available; weather can change service.
Role: limited fixed-route public transportation; geography: Hays and select local destinations; cost/eligibility: current route days and stops vary by season—verify before travel; emergency limit: not on-demand or emergency transportation | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Tiger Transport — public Hays route
ACCESS describes Tiger Transport as a free, deviated fixed route open to the public on specified days and destinations. Check the current calendar and route details first; do not assume it reaches every address or runs daily.
Role: community activities, nutrition site, and information for older adults; geography: Hays and participating Northwest Kansas meal sites; cost/eligibility: meals serve adults 60+ with a requested contribution; under-60 guests pay the full posted meal cost—confirm current amount and reservation; emergency limit: not home-care or crisis response | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays Senior Center and HOMESTEAD meal site
The Center describes meals, activities, and social connection for adults 60 and older. It asks diners to reserve by noon the prior day and posts requested and full meal contributions; call to confirm today's schedule, location, and delivery options.
Role: aging and disability resource navigation; geography: Ellis County and Northwest Kansas; cost/eligibility: programs vary by age, need, funding, and assessment; confirm directly; emergency limit: not emergency placement or medical dispatch | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging — Ellis County resources
The regional agency lists local aging, meal, and support contacts for Ellis County. Call to ask which program serves your situation, whether an assessment is needed, and what costs or contribution options apply.
Role: disability-led information/referral, independent-living skills, peer support, and advocacy; geography: Hays and nine Northwest Kansas counties including Ellis; cost/eligibility: ask about the program and any eligibility or fee; emergency limit: not clinical or emergency service | Hays / Ellis County, KS
LINK, Inc. — Center for Independent Living
LINK describes support for people with disabilities of all ages, including help identifying services, independent-living skills, peer support, housing advocacy, and transitions. Call to discuss the person's own goals and the right entry point.
Role: civil legal-aid intake and referrals; geography: Hays and listed Kansas service areas; cost/eligibility: representation depends on income, case type, conflicts, and capacity—apply or call; emergency limit: not emergency dispatch or guaranteed representation | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas Legal Services — Hays office
Kansas Legal Services lists a Hays office. Contact the organization to ask whether it can assist with a housing, benefits, consumer, or other civil legal issue; confirm eligibility and any deadlines with a qualified legal professional.
Role: municipal planning, zoning, code, and inspection information; geography: City of Hays jurisdiction; cost/eligibility: address, permit, and enforcement rules apply—confirm with the department; emergency limit: not a cleanup service, legal representation, or fire/medical dispatch | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays City Planning & Development — code and property questions
The City lists planning, code enforcement, inspections, and homeowner/renter guidance. Before changing a property or responding to a notice, describe the address and ask what rule, timeline, and available options apply; this is not an endorsement of enforcement action.
Role: municipal water, sewer, and solid-waste billing/service information; geography: City service area; cost/eligibility: account, address, rate, and fee rules apply—confirm before work or disposal; emergency limit: not a medical or fire response service | Hays / Ellis County, KS
City of Hays — utilities and billing
The City explains utility billing, service requests, and after-hours water emergencies. Call with the service address to confirm city limits, current rates, pickup or special-refuse options, and whether a request requires a fee.
Role: county landfill and environmental-service contact; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: material acceptance, fees, load rules, and hours can vary—call first; emergency limit: not a property cleanout contractor or hazardous-material response team | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County Environmental & Solid Waste — landfill
The County publishes landfill location, office hours, and a phone number. Before loading a vehicle, confirm that the material is accepted, the current charge and unloading rules, and whether the address is within the County service area; a safe, voluntary pace matters.
Role: county department and public-office navigation; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: each office sets its own fees, hours, and eligibility—confirm directly; emergency limit: use 911 for urgent danger or medical response | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County Administrative Center and department directory
The County's directory lists administrative offices, public health, solid waste, law enforcement, and emergency services. Use the department-specific contact to ask which office handles an address or concern; posted hours may change.
Role: state information and intake for adult-protection concerns; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: call for reporting criteria and response; no fee to ask about reporting; emergency limit: not emergency dispatch—call 911 for immediate danger | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas DCF — adult protective services information
Kansas DCF lists adult protective services under Older Adults & People with Disabilities. Describe specific risks or suspected mistreatment; an untidy home or disagreement about possessions alone is not proof of abuse or neglect.
Role: public library, information, learning, and community access; geography: Hays; cost/eligibility: card, computer, room, and printing rules vary—check current policy; emergency limit: not crisis response or housing placement | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays Public Library
The library can be a neutral place to ask about public information and access to library services. Check the current hours, location, identification/card rules, and technology availability before traveling.
Role: statewide housing-program and housing-stability information; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: funding, applications, and eligibility vary by program and local administrator; emergency limit: not immediate shelter or guaranteed housing | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Review the State's housing programs and then ask whether a local administrator currently accepts applications for the program you need. Do not rely on a statewide page as proof that a local waitlist is open.
Role: county EMS, sheriff, fire, and emergency-management contact information; geography: Ellis County; cost/eligibility: call the appropriate office to confirm a nonurgent question; emergency limit: for immediate danger or urgent medical need, call 911 | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County emergency services directory
The County lists 24-hour emergency-service contacts and station information. Use 911 for a current emergency; for preparedness or administrative questions, contact the relevant office during posted business hours.
Role: county public-health laboratory service information; geography: Hays/Ellis County; cost/eligibility: order, appointment, payment, and insurance rules vary—call to confirm; emergency limit: not urgent medical diagnosis or emergency care | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Ellis County Health Department — laboratory services
The County lists laboratory services as a health-department resource. Confirm with the department or ordering clinician whether a test is offered, what it costs, and what preparation is required.
Role: starting points for community referrals; geography: Kansas and Ellis County; cost/eligibility: each referred organization determines access and eligibility; emergency limit: neither directory guarantees shelter, funding, or emergency response | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas 211 and the Ellis County directory — current referrals
When the right program is not obvious, use the statewide 211 search and local directory to identify a possible provider, then call that organization to verify current hours, eligibility, funding, accessibility, and service capacity.
Role: municipal forms, utilities, service requests, and public-office navigation; geography: City of Hays; cost/eligibility: program and city-limit rules apply—confirm for the address; emergency limit: not emergency dispatch or hoarding cleanup | Hays / Ellis County, KS
City of Hays — city resources and service requests
The City's resource page links to utility applications, service requests, ordinances, and public information. Use it to find the responsible department, then ask how to address the situation without assuming a particular enforcement or cleanup outcome.
Role: official online applications and case information for Kansas benefits; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: income, household, and program requirements vary; emergency limit: application portals are not urgent crisis services | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas Department for Children and Families — benefit applications
DCF provides an online portal and phone assistance for food, cash, child-care, and energy programs. Ask about current documentation and processing time; funding and seasonal application windows can change.
Role: information and navigation for older adults and people with disabilities; geography: Ellis County/Northwest Kansas; cost/eligibility: each benefit or service has separate criteria and possible contributions; confirm; emergency limit: not crisis dispatch or immediate placement | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging — benefits and options counseling
The regional county page lists contacts for aging, meal, and benefit-related services. Ask for the appropriate staff member and whether your question involves a formal application, assessment, or separate service provider.
Role: community activities and social connection for older adults; geography: Hays; cost/eligibility: Center's mission focuses on adults 60 and older—ask about participation or event costs; emergency limit: not clinical or crisis care | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Hays Senior Center — activities and social connection
The Center offers activities, education, and opportunities to connect with other people. Call or check current announcements for hours, activity schedules, transportation, and any participation requirements.
Role: statewide nonprofit civil legal aid and legal information; geography: Kansas; cost/eligibility: intake depends on income, issue, conflicts, and capacity—confirm; emergency limit: not a substitute for counsel accepted in a specific case | Hays / Ellis County, KS
Kansas Legal Services — civil legal aid information
If a housing, debt, benefits, or court issue is adding pressure, ask Kansas Legal Services whether the matter fits its current services. Keep any notice and deadline, and confirm legal advice with a qualified attorney.