Resources & Immediate Help

RESOURCES: SURVIVAL TOOLS & REAL HELP

You’re not alone. These are real tools, real numbers, real organizations that can help. No judgment. No gatekeeping. Just access.

IMMEDIATE CRISIS

When you need help NOW:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988 (call or text, 24/7, free, confidential)
If you’re thinking about ending your life, or you’re worried about someone else, call or text 988. They get it. They won’t judge.
Visit 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)
Prefer texting? This is for you. Real crisis counselors respond.
Visit crisistextline.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 (24/7, free, confidential)
If you’re experiencing abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, financial—this is your lifeline. Trained advocates help you create a safety plan, find shelter, understand legal options. They won’t judge. They understand.
Visit thehotline.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

1-800-656-4673 (24/7, free, confidential)
If you’ve experienced sexual assault or abuse, RAINN connects you to local services, helps you process what happened, explains your options (reporting is your choice, not required).
Visit rainn.org

National Dating Abuse Helpline

1-866-331-9474 (24/7, free, confidential)
If you’re in an abusive dating relationship, text START to 88788 or call this number. They help you recognize abuse patterns and get safe.
Visit thehotline.org (Dating Abuse)

LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Resources

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ crisis support): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Many domestic violence hotlines specialize in LGBTQ+ abuse. Ask when you call.
Visit thetrevorproject.org

BASIC NEEDS: FOOD, HOUSING, UTILITIES

211.org

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org
This is the master resource. Search by zip code for: food banks, food pantries, emergency housing, utility assistance, childcare, disaster relief. Whatever you need, 211 can point you there.
Visit 211.org

FindHelp.org

Search for local health and human services in your area.
Visit findhelp.org

FeedingAmerica.org ‘1; Food Bank Locator

Search your zip code to find local food banks and food pantries.
Free. No applications. No shame. Go get what you need.
Find food banks near you

FOOD PANTRIES: How They Work

If you’ve never been to a food pantry, here’s what to expect:

  • What they are: Community centers that give out free groceries (no purchase required)
  • Who can go: Usually anyone who needs it. Some ask income questions; most don’t
  • What you get: Groceries vary—canned goods, fresh produce (seasonal), dairy, eggs, meat, bread, pasta, rice
  • No shame: Everyone there is in survival mode. No judgment. No questions. In and out.
  • How often: Most let you come once a month or weekly, depending on the pantry
  • What to bring: A bag or box (they might have bags). Your ID (optional, but helpful)
  • Hours: Usually weekdays and weekends. Call ahead.

Finding Food Pantries Near You:

  • Call 211 and ask for “food pantries near me”
  • Search FeedingAmerica.org
  • Call your local church, community center, or library—they often know
  • Many neighborhoods have pop-up pantries during farmers market hours

Sincerely.org ‘1; Free Meal Programs

Search for community meal programs (free dinners, breakfasts, etc.) near you.
Visit sincerely.org

State Emergency Assistance

Different by state, but most have emergency programs for utilities, rent, food. Call 211 or visit 211.org to find your state’s specific resources.

SNAP (Food Stamps) ‘1; Get More Free Food

If you haven’t applied for SNAP, do it now. Most people qualify and don’t know it.

  • What it is: Government benefit that pays for groceries (electronically, like a debit card)
  • How much: Average person gets $150-250/month (varies by income and family size)
  • How to apply: Find your state SNAP application, or call 211, or go to your local human services office
  • What you can buy: Fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, eggs, beans, peanut butter. NOT hot food, alcohol, or cigarettes
  • Processing time: Usually 3-10 days
  • No shame: 1 in 7 Americans use SNAP. It’s designed for situations exactly like yours.

If you’re homeless or living in a shelter, you still qualify for expedited SNAP (processed in 7 days or less).

BENEFITS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Benefits.gov

One place to search and apply for food assistance (SNAP/food stamps), housing assistance, healthcare, utilities help, childcare support.
You likely qualify for more than you think. Visit benefits.gov

HOUSING ASSISTANCE & SECTION 8

HUD.gov lists public housing authorities in your area. Section 8 waitlists are long but worth getting on.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Cash assistance for families. Eligibility varies by state. Call 211 or search “[your state] TANF.”

MEDICAID & HEALTHCARE

Medicaid.gov ‘1; free or low-cost health insurance.
Your local health department also has applications and free/sliding scale clinics.

ADDICTION & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357 (24/7, free, confidential)
Struggling with drugs or alcohol? Call this number. They listen. They refer you to treatment (not just crisis talk). No judgment. Completely confidential.
Visit SAMHSA National Helpline

SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Locator

findtreatment.gov
Search for medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone, buprenorphine clinics, addiction counseling. Filter by what you need and what your insurance covers.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) & Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Free peer support meetings everywhere. Not your only option, but a real resource.
NA.org and AA.org for meeting schedules.

Harm Reduction

Believe it or not, harm reduction saves lives. Needle exchanges, naloxone (Narcan), safe injection sites—these are real services in many areas.
Search “[your city] harm reduction” or call 211.

Treatment Options (Know You Have Choices)

  • Inpatient/Residential: You live at the facility (24/7 support, more intensive)
  • Outpatient: You go to appointments, live at home (more flexible, less intensive)
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications like methadone or buprenorphine + counseling (very effective, especially for opioids)
  • Detox: Medical supervision while your body adjusts (often first step before longer treatment)

Most have sliding scales or Medicaid coverage. Ask about it.

Peer Support & Recovery Communities

SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Refuge Recovery—alternatives to 12-step if that doesn’t work for you.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE SURVIVAL

Understanding Abuse (Because It’s Not Always What You Think)

Abuse isn’t just physical violence. It includes:

  • Emotional abuse (constant criticism, gaslighting, isolation)
  • Financial control (controlling access to money, preventing work)
  • Sexual coercion or assault
  • Controlling behavior (where you go, who you see, what you wear)
  • Threats or intimidation
  • Threatening to harm kids, pets, or themselves

If you’re experiencing any of this, it’s abuse. You’re not overreacting. You’re not crazy.

Safety Planning (Do This Before You Need It)

  1. Identify safe people — Who can you call or stay with if you need to leave quickly?
  2. Have emergency cash — Even $20-50 hidden somewhere safe
  3. Keep important documents safe — Birth certificate, ID, social security card (ask domestic violence shelter for safe storage)
  4. Know your escape routes — Which doors, windows, or exits could you use?
  5. Code word with trusted people — A phrase that means “I need help, I’m in danger”
  6. Know shelter locations — Many domestic violence shelters are confidential. Call the National DV Hotline to find one near you.

Getting Out Safely (You Don’t Have to Stay)

  • Domestic violence shelters offer: safe housing, legal advocacy, counseling, job help, childcare support (usually free)
  • Most are confidential—your abuser won’t know where you are
  • You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) to find a shelter in your area
  • Many shelters help with protective orders (court orders keeping abusers away from you)

After You Leave (The Harder Part)

  • PTSD and trauma are normal responses to abuse—get counseling if you can
  • Your nervous system has been in survival mode; healing takes time
  • Protective orders are legal tools—use them
  • Rebuilding trust (in others and yourself) is possible but takes support
  • If you have kids, many shelters help with custody and child support issues

If You’re Supporting Someone in an Abusive Relationship

  • Believe them. Abuse is real.
  • Don’t pressure them to leave (timing and safety matter; leaving is often the most dangerous time)
  • Maintain the relationship (abusers isolate victims from support)
  • Help them create a safety plan
  • Offer practical help: money, a place to stay, rides, childcare
  • Don’t criticize their abuser or they may pull away from you

HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Crisis

If you’re having a mental health emergency (not substance-related), use the resources below.

SAMHSA National Helpline (Mental Health)

1-800-662-4357 (24/7, free, confidential)
Mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, psychiatric emergency. Visit SAMHSA or call the National Helpline

Local Mental Health Services

Most communities have federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offering mental health services on sliding scale (you pay what you can afford).
Search: “[your city] FQHC” or call 211.

TRAUMA & MENTAL HEALTH (Especially for System-Involved People)

If you’ve been through the juvenile justice system, foster care, abuse, homelessness, or incarceration:

  • You likely have trauma (that’s normal, not weakness)
  • Look for “trauma-informed” therapists or counselors (they understand complex trauma)
  • EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapy are evidence-based for trauma
  • Many community mental health centers offer sliding scale fees based on income

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

If you’re struggling with addiction: SAMHSA’s national helpline can connect you to treatment (not just emergency help).
Many treatment centers are free or low-cost, especially if you qualify for Medicaid.

MEDICAID

Free or low-cost health coverage. Apply at Medicaid.gov or through your state’s health department.

DISABILITY SUPPORT (If You Have a Disability)

SSI/SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): If you’re unable to work due to disability, you may qualify.
Call Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov

LEGAL SUPPORT (ReEntry, Records, Rights)

Legal Aid (Free Legal Help)

Find local legal aid societies at lawhelp.org
If you can’t afford a lawyer, they can help with: housing disputes, benefits appeals, child custody, record expungement, public benefits.

RECORD EXPUNGEMENT & SEALING

Depending on your state and charges, you may be able to seal or expunge your record.
Contact your county’s public defender’s office or legal aid to explore options.
Having a clear record makes jobs, housing, everything easier.

VETERANS LEGAL AID (if applicable)

If you served: most states have veteran-specific legal aid and reentry programs. Search lawhelp.org

PARENTAL RIGHTS & FAMILY LAW

If you’re worried about custody or your kids:

  • Legal aid organizations help with custody, child support, visitation
  • Many family courts have self-help centers (free legal guidance)
  • If you lost custody due to incarceration/abuse/poverty, some cases can be reopened
  • Call 211 or visit lawhelp.org to find family law legal aid in your area

WORK & EDUCATION

American Job Centers (Part of WorkForce System)

Federally funded, free job training, resume help, interview prep, job placement.
Search “American Job Centers near me” or call 211.

GED & EDUCATION

Most community colleges offer free or low-cost GED prep.
State departments of education also run programs. Contact your local 211 for details.
Visit ged.com for official GED testing and study resources.

CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

Many community colleges offer free or scholarship-funded certificates (nursing, welding, IT, etc.)
Check if you qualify for Pell Grants (free money for school, doesn’t have to be repaid).

IMMIGRATION & CITIZENSHIP (if applicable)

If you’re undocumented or have immigration issues:

  • Many areas have free immigration legal clinics
  • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) protects immigrant survivors of abuse
  • DACA, TPS, and other programs may apply to you
  • Call 211 or search “[your state] immigration legal aid”

STATE-SPECIFIC RESOURCES

COLORADO (Expand if you’re starting here)

Colorado Department of Human Services Benefits

cdhs.colorado.gov or call 303-866-5700
SNAP, housing assistance, cash assistance, healthcare.

Colorado Legal Services (for those with low income)

Colorado Legal Services ‘1; 1-303-837-1313
Legal help with housing, benefits, record issues.

Colorado Re-Entry Council

Supports people transitioning out of corrections.
Search “Colorado reentry services” for programs in your area.

Colorado Crisis Services

Call or text 844-493-TALK (8255) for mental health & substance abuse crisis support.

Colorado Domestic Violence Resources

Colorado Victim Compensation Program

If you’re a crime victim (including domestic violence), you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, counseling.
Call your local victim advocacy office or district attorney’s office

HOW TO USE THESE RESOURCES

What you need to know:

  1. Everything listed here is real and free or low-cost — Don’t be ashamed to use it. These systems exist because people fought for them. Use them.
  2. You don’t have to do it alone — Call 211. Tell them your situation. They’ll walk you through what qualifies for what.
  3. Keep the numbers — Screenshot this page. Save the numbers in your phone. When you’re in crisis, you won’t want to search.
  4. Different places for different needs — 211 is the hub, but each resource is specific. Use the right tool for what you need.
  5. Your information is protected — Getting benefits, legal help, mental health services—these are confidential. You’re not snitching on yourself by asking for help.

WE’RE BUILDING MORE

This list will grow as we add:

  • Workbooks and step-by-step guides for applying for benefits
  • How to navigate legal systems
  • Practical guides for specific situations (housing, job search after incarceration, etc.)
  • Your story and lessons we’ve learned

Check back. And if you know a resource that should be here, let us know.

ONE MORE THING

You survived getting to this page. That took strength. These resources exist for you. Use them. You’re not broken for needing help. You’re smart for finding it.

You are not your system. Here’s how to prove it.

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