Help for trafficking survivors in California
We've found 7 places in California for people leaving trafficking, mostly in Los Angeles and Sacramento, and 4 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with shelter & housing (3), legal help (3) and safety & protection (2).
What's different in California
$29 per copy, or free for people who are homeless, with an affidavit signed by a homeless services provider.
The state's Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program gives state-funded cash, food, medical and other help to noncitizen victims who aren't federally certified, to the same extent as refugees, if they meet income rules. Call 916-654-4356.
The Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program gives state-funded cash, food, medical, social and employment services to noncitizen victims who aren't federally certified, to the same extent as refugees, if they meet income rules. Call 916-654-4356 or email RPB@dss.ca.gov.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in California
Cast LA 24-Hour Hotline
Los Angeles trafficking survivor organization with a round-the-clock hotline, emergency and transitional shelter, rental assistance, case management, legal services, and youth programs. Call the hotline to begin.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Free civil legal help for low-income Los Angeles County residents, including record clearing, eviction defense, domestic violence and family law, immigration, and public benefits. Call the intake line weekday mornings or apply online.
WEAVE 24-Hour Support Line
Sacramento County's main crisis provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, offering a 24-hour support line, safe shelter, safety planning, free group counseling, and legal services. No proof of address or police report is required.
CDPH Vital Records
State office that issues certified copies of California birth certificates by mail. There is no public counter; orders are mailed through USPS and are not refundable once accepted.
California ID Card
Start the ID card application online, then visit a DMV office with your Social Security number and identity document. People experiencing homelessness and those fleeing domestic violence can get a no-fee ID; people on public assistance may qualify for a reduced-fee ID with form DL 937.
CalFresh
California's SNAP food benefits program, applied for through your county's online application, by phone, or at a county social services office. Application forms are available in 16 languages.
211 California
Network of county 211 call centers covering housing, food, utility help, health care, and mental health referrals across California. Use the Find Your 211 page to reach the center for your county, which can be called or texted.
National lines that work in California
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.