The Nevada County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site offering free tax preparation assistance and filing of simple returns.

If a person earned less than $69,000 in 2025, they may qualify for assistance.

VITA services, including drop-off and limited in-person appointments, are available through April 13th, 2026.

Services include:

• Free tax preparation assistance
• Filing of simple returns
• Drop-off or limited in-person appointments

Additional notes:

Instructions for accessing VITA services in Nevada County can be found here.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/
• Information and Instructions - https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/8541

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax assistance to qualifying individuals and families who earned less than $69,000 in 2025.

The coalition also helps educate the public on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). VITA is available through Placer County Health and Human Services in cooperation with IRS and United Way.

Services include:

• Free tax preparation
• Preparation assistance, available online or in person

Additional notes:

Information on the Placer Free Tax Prep webpage can be translated to most languages through a built-in Google Translate service.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.placer.ca.gov/FreeTaxPrep
• General Information - YourFreeTaxPrep.org
• What to Bring to Your VITA Appointment - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

Give Back Tahoe was developed in collaboration with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation to connect volunteers with nonprofit groups from the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas.

​Web pages

• Home - www.givebacktahoe.org

Tahoe Helping Hands provides a Volunteer Visits program where volunteers stop by to lend a hand and check in. Whether it’s folding laundry, changing a lightbulb, tidying up a cluttered space, or just sitting down for a cup of tea, these visits are about offering support and connection.

Many people in our region live alone, far from family, or face mobility challenges that make daily tasks harder. They help fill that gap—with kindness, reliability, and a neighborly spirit.

Each visit is personalized to meet the needs of the individual, and may include:

• Light household tasks like organizing or tidying up

• Tech help with phones or computers

• Companionship and conversation

• A quick wellness check to make sure everything’s okay

To keep everyone safe and supported:

• All volunteers are background-checked and trained for friendly home visits

• Every participant completes a simple intake so we understand how to help

• Visits are always free, and coordinated by our team

If you or someone you care about could use …

WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?) Inc. is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization in Western Placer County serving people who are homeless, transitionally homeless, and working poor. From a mobile van in each community at conveniently located sites, they serve their clients a warm breakfast and provide a bag full of food for their dinner. WWJD? can also provide clothing, blankets, tarps, sleeping bags, toiletries, laundry soap, pet food, and other sundries.

WWJD? is an all-volunteer agency providing a mobile food service in the Roseville, Auburn, & Colfax areas of Western Placer County, along with medical care and transportation, referral services for adults and children who are homeless.

See service times and locations on the WWJD? website - https://www.wwjdinc.org/service-locations.html

Web pages

• Home - https://www.wwjdinc.org/

The Sierra Roots Weather Shelter provides emergency shelter and warm clothing for adults experiencing chronic homelessness in Nevada City during periods of extreme cold or heat.

The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can accommodate up to 30 adults. Services are activated only when weather thresholds and volunteer availability are met.

Activation criteria include:

• Three consecutive hours at 32°F or below
• 32°F or below with snow on the ground
• Sustained wet weather with low rebound temperatures
• Availability of sufficient volunteers

Clothing distribution:

Warm clothing and gear are provided during winter events. 

Items may include:

• Coats
• Rain gear
• Sturdy boots

Pets:

Pets are allowed with the following conditions:

• Dogs must be leashed at all times
• Animals must remain under owner control

To check shelter status:

• Call 211 or 833-342-5211
• Or call the Sierra Roots business line: 530-751-3263

Web pages

• Home - https://sierra-roots.org/

Yuba County Search and Rescue (YCSAR) is a volunteer organization under the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office that responds to emergencies and disasters. They conduct searches for missing persons, rescues, and evidence recovery using ground teams, ATVs, K-9 units, equine teams, and water rescue specialists. YCSAR also assists with evacuations during disasters and supports community events. Funded by donations and grants, members complete regular training to stay mission-ready.

Services Include:

• Search for Missing Persons – Ground, ATV/UTV, K-9, and mounted teams.

• Rescue Operations – Low-angle rope rescue, swift-water rescue, and dive support.

• Evidence Recovery – Assisting law enforcement in locating and securing evidence.

• Disaster Response – Evacuations (including animals), shelter support, and logistical aid.

• Community Support – Participation in parades, fundraisers, and public safety events.

• Mutual Aid – Assisting other counties during large-scale emergencies.

· Web pages

• Home - https…