Most people don’t realize just how much free stuff their local government gives away (trees, compost bins, internet, baby supplies, home repairs, and more.)
Sure, you may know about the federal government giveaways and programs, but there are also free city services and help from your local government you might not know about.
I mean, by paying taxes, you’re already funding these government assistance programs, so why not take advantage?
I did a ton of research to find really useful programs and giveaways that governments at the local level (city) offer throughout the country.
Now, obviously, I couldn’t list every single available program. That would require a whole book or two. Instead, I added examples of those programs and freebies from some of the major cities.
I chose programs that pretty much most cities and towns in the U.S. have to help their citizens get some free stuff and save money.
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Here are some of the best ones.
Table of Contents
🌳 Free Trees from the City
Many cities have programs where they give totally free trees to residents.
This not only helps you plant a few trees in your yard without spending any money, but it also encourages more people to go for urban greenery. It lowers your energy bills (think how much cooler a house is where it’s surrounded by trees) and improves air quality.
Getting a few trees planted around your home can even save you money in the long run.
Here are a few example programs:
Los Angeles, CA: City Plants Program
If you live in LA, you can get up to seven free shade trees delivered to your home or you can pick them up at local community events.
Atlanta, GA: Trees Atlanta
As a resident of Atlanta, you can get free trees delivered and planted in your yard.
- Find it in your area: Google:
"free trees site:.gov [your city or county]"
♻️ Free Compost Bins & Giveaways
If you’re into gardening like me, you know composting is not only great for your gardens but it also reduces waste.
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If you don’t have a composting bin or are looking for a bigger and better one, check out your city’s official website. You may be able to get free or discounted compost bins to start composting at home.
Here are a few example programs:
Chicago, IL: Backyard Composting Program
If you are a Chicago resident, you can request a free compost bin, which will be delivered to you.
San Diego County, CA: Compost Vouchers & Events
San Diego County’s government gives out free vouchers for a discounted compost bin to residents. You can also get a free compost bin at seasonal events.
- Find it in your area: Google:
"free compost bin site:.gov [your city]"
🍼 Free Diapers & Baby Essentials
Most local governments have programs to help low income families with baby essentials.
Almost all major cities give away free diapers, wipes, and other baby related products through local diaper banks or assistance programs.
Here are a few example programs:
New York City, NY: NYC Diaper Bank
Free diapers and wipes for qualifying low-income families.
Austin, TX: Austin Diaper Bank
Offers diapers, wipes, and formula through local partners:
- Find it in your area: Google:
"diaper assistance site:.gov [your state]"
📱 Free or Discounted Internet
Having access to the internet is a must these days. If you can’t afford to pay for internet service or are just looking for free internet access, most cities provide free public Wi-Fi hotspots in parks, libraries, and community centers.
Some also offer free or low cost internet services for your home or business.
Here are a few example programs:
Minneapolis, MN: USI Wireless Public Wi-Fi
As a resident, you can enjoy city-wide free public Wi-Fi access zones and access to really cheap internet services from providers like Comcast, USI and Wireless Minneapolis.
Phoenix, AZ: City Wi-Fi Zones
Live in Phoenix? Check out Phoenix.gov to find out how you can find free Wi-Fi in libraries, community centers, and public spaces.
- Find it in your area: Google:
"public Wi-Fi site:.gov [your city]"
🛠 Free Home Repairs & Energy Upgrades
If you are a homeowner, you know there is always something that needs repair.
And if you are living paycheck to paycheck, you know how hard it is to get those things done when you don’t have the money.
Thankfully, there are tons of free home repair programs for low income families out there. Some cities offer grants or no-interest loans to help low-income homeowners fix issues (heating, plumbing, roofing, etc.).
Here are a few example programs:
Detroit, MI: Home Repair Program
Detroit has a great program for low-income homeowners that gives them grants and loans to make essential repairs. Through the Detroit 0% Home Repair Loans program, Detroit homeowners can get 0% interest loans from $5,000 to $25,000.
Philadelphia, PA: Basic Systems Repair Program
If you own and live in a single-family house in Philadelphia, you can apply to get help from the city to fix roofing, heating, plumbing, and electrical issues. Yes, it is 100% free!
- Find it in your area: Google:
"home repair grant site:.gov [your city]"
🚒 Free Smoke Detectors, Lead Testing & Safety Gear
I think most local fire departments and health agencies give away free smoke alarms, lead testing kits, and even other safety gear for eligible residents.
Here are a few example programs:
St. louis, MO: Free Smoke Alarms
The fire department of my own city has a program where they install long life smoke alarms with lithium power cells totally free. They also offer free home fire safety surveys and assistance with designing home fire escape plans.
Milwaukee, WI: Free Smoke Detectors
As a resident of Milwaukee, you can get a free smoke detector installed.
- Find it in your area: Google:
"free smoke detector site:.gov [your city]"or"lead test kit free site:.gov [your county]"
How to Find Free City Services Near You
As you can see from these examples, almost all major cities and local governments have some type of program where they give away free stuff, services, and help. While some are meant for low-income families, there are other giveaways that everyone can get.
There are a lot of similar programs all over the country that most of us have no idea about. These programs are there to help local residents, so make sure to take advantage of them.
To find out what other freebies your local government offers, you have a few options:
Use 211
Call 211 or visit 211.org to browse programs by zip code. This site lists all the essential community services and programs that local governments and non-profit organizations run throughout the country.
Search like a pro
Don’t just search “free government stuff.” Sure, that may bring some results, but you will most likely get a list of federal programs.
To find freebies that your own local government offers, search like this: "free [item] site:.gov [your city or county]"
For example: "free smoke alarm site:.gov Dallas Texas"
Check your city’s official website
Visit your city’s website and look for pages or tabs titled:
- Public Works
- Health & Human Services
- Community Development
- Sustainability or Environment
Final Thoughts
Your city or county might be giving away free stuff right now, and you may be missing out!
As I said earlier, help is out there. There are so many programs from city and county governments out there that most of us have no idea they exist.
To take advantage of them, you just need to know where to look and what to search for.
These programs are there to help you. So don’t leave that free government money (or free trees, diapers, or Wi-Fi) on the table.
If there are any other local government assistance programs that give away stuff for free to residents or help them save money, please leave a comment and let me know.
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