Emergency Hotlines
Critical Numbers You Should Know
Save these numbers in your phone. They are free, confidential, and available 24/7 unless noted otherwise.
🚨
Emergency Services
For life-threatening emergencies including medical, fire, and crime in progress. Call when immediate help is needed.
💜
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988, available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
🚶
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support, safety planning, and referrals for survivors of domestic violence. Chat available at thehotline.org.
👨🦽
Eldercare Locator
Connects older adults and caregivers to local services including transportation, meals, home care, and elder abuse reporting.
📞
211 — Community Services
Connects you to local resources for food, housing, utilities, health care, and other basic needs. Available in most communities.
🏥
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free referrals and information for substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and support groups. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
👶
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Crisis intervention, information, and referrals for child abuse situations. Professional counselors available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
🗳
Election Protection Hotline
Non-partisan voter protection hotline. Get help with voter registration issues, polling place problems, and voting rights questions.
Free Legal Resources
Organizations That Provide Free Legal Help
These organizations offer free or low-cost legal services, information, and advocacy for people who need it most.
⚖
LawHelp.org
Find free legal aid programs in your state, court forms, and legal information by topic. The go-to starting point for finding legal help.
Visit LawHelp.org →
🏛
Legal Services Corporation
The single largest funder of civil legal aid in the U.S. Find LSC-funded programs that provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals.
Visit LSC.gov →
🙋
ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union defends individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. Know-your-rights resources and legal advocacy.
Visit ACLU.org →
👤
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Fights for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, and public education. Provides resources on civil rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reform.
Visit NAACPLDF.org →
🏳️🌈
Lambda Legal
National legal organization fighting for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV. Free legal help desk and know-your-rights resources.
Visit LambdaLegal.org →
✈
National Immigration Law Center
Defends and advances the rights of low-income immigrants. Provides legal guidance on immigration policy, DACA, work authorization, and public benefits.
Visit NILC.org →
♻
Disability Rights Advocates
Leading nonprofit disability rights legal center. Works to end discrimination and ensure accessibility in education, employment, health care, and technology.
Visit DRALegal.org →
💳
National Consumer Law Center
Advocates for consumer rights, especially for low-income and older individuals. Resources on debt collection, credit reporting, student loans, and predatory lending.
Visit NCLC.org →
Financial Assistance
Programs for People in Financial Need
Federal, state, and local programs that provide financial help with food, housing, utilities, health care, and more.
📞
211.org
Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find local assistance programs for rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs in your community.
Visit 211.org →
🍲
SNAP / Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly benefits to buy groceries. Eligibility based on household size and income.
Learn about SNAP →
💡
LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state or local agency.
Learn about LIHEAP →
🏥
Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
Visit Medicaid.gov →
🏠
Section 8 Housing
Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income families afford safe, decent housing in the private market. Apply through local housing authorities.
Learn about Section 8 →
💰
Emergency Rental Assistance
Federal and state programs that help renters and landlords cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs during financial hardship.
Find rental help →
👶
WIC
Women, Infants, and Children program provides nutritious food, nutrition education, and health care referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Learn about WIC →
📝
Free Tax Preparation (VITA)
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help for people earning $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speakers.
Find VITA sites →
Mental Health Resources
Free and Low-Cost Mental Health Support
You do not need insurance or money to get mental health help. These resources are free or available on a sliding scale.
💜
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support. Trained counselors available 24/7. En español: press 2 after dialing.
💬
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 crisis counseling via text message. Trained crisis counselors help you move from a hot moment to a cool calm. Available nationwide.
🤝
NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness
Free support groups, education programs, and a helpline (1-800-950-6264) for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Local chapters nationwide.
Visit NAMI.org →
👥
Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy sessions ($30–$80) with licensed therapists for individuals and families without insurance or with high deductibles. No waitlists.
Visit Open Path →
🏥
Community Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers provide mental health services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Find your nearest center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Find a health center →
Community Action
Ways to Get Involved in Your Community
Change starts locally. Here are meaningful ways you can make a difference for your neighbors and community.
⚖
Volunteer at Legal Aid Clinics
Help your community access justice by volunteering at free legal aid clinics. No law degree needed — roles include intake, translation, and administrative support.
🗳
Register Voters
Help your neighbors exercise their right to vote. Organize voter registration drives at community events, churches, and public spaces.
🏛
Attend City Council Meetings
Local government decisions directly impact your daily life. Show up, speak during public comment, and hold elected officials accountable.
👮
Join a Community Watch
Work with your neighbors to create safer streets. Community watch programs build trust, deter crime, and strengthen neighborhood bonds.
🎓
Mentor Youth
Be a positive role model for young people in your community. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and local schools need mentors year-round.
Know a Resource We Should Add?
We are always looking to expand our community resources. If you know of a free service or organization that helps people, let us know.