Help in Alaska
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 23 places in Alaska, most of them in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (12) and leaving homelessness (12).
Alaska 2-1-1
Free, confidential statewide information line that connects Alaskans with emergency food, shelter, counseling, drug and alcohol programs, legal help, transportation and other local services. Dial 2-1-1 during business hours or search the online directory any time.
Covenant House Alaska
Youth crisis center in downtown Anchorage with street outreach around the clock, emergency and longer-term housing, on-site high school and GED classes, job readiness and host homes. Young people can call the Get Help Now line day or night.
Independent Living Program
State Chafee program for current and former foster youth, with help toward education, jobs, housing, money management and Education and Training Vouchers. Youth who were in OCS or tribal custody and foster care on or after their 16th birthday qualify; a regional Independent Living Specialist opens the case.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Free civil legal help for low-income Alaskans in housing, family law, public benefits, consumer, health and domestic violence matters, with offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and nine other communities. Apply through the statewide intake line or online.
Health Analytics and Vital Records
State office that issues certified Alaska birth certificates in person at the Anchorage or Juneau counter, by mail or fax, or online through VitalChek. Current processing runs one to two months, so order early if you need a birth certificate for an ID.
Alaska DMV Identification Card
Any Alaska resident, including children, can get a state ID card for $15 (REAL ID $35; free standard ID at 60+). Fill out form D1 and bring proof of identity, a document showing your street address and your Social Security number to any DMV office.
Division of Public Assistance
State agency for SNAP, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, Adult Public Assistance, General Relief and heating help. Apply online through the Alaska Connect portal with a myAlaska login or call the Virtual Contact Center, which offers free interpreters.
National lines that work in Alaska
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
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.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.