Help in Arizona
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 20 places in Arizona, most of them in Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa, plus 10 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (12) and leaving an abuser (11).
211 Arizona
Arizona's information and referral line for food, shelter, utility help, reentry support, addiction treatment and confidential help leaving domestic violence. Dial 2-1-1 in state or the toll-free number, or search the online database.
Extended Foster Care / Young Adult Program
Lets young adults who were in Arizona foster care stay in or return to care at ages 18, 19 or 20 with a monthly living stipend, a DCS Specialist and a case plan built around school, work or a medical condition. Youth who already left care can re-enter any time before their 21st birthday through the local Transitional Independent Living Program provider.
Northland Family Help Center
Flagstaff's gender-inclusive shelter for people fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking, open every day of the year, plus a youth shelter, counseling and legal advocacy. Crisis lines answer around the clock; counseling and advocacy run weekday business hours.
Bureau of Vital Records
State office that issues certified Arizona birth certificates, needed for an MVD ID card. Order online, by mail to the PO Box, or in person at the Phoenix office on weekdays.
Arizona Identification (ID) Card
How to get a $12 Arizona state ID: start the application at AZMVDNow.gov, then finish at an MVD or authorized third-party office with a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number and two proofs of Arizona address. Free for people 65 and older and some other groups.
Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and Health-e-Arizona Plus
Arizona's SNAP program, applied for alongside AHCCCS medical coverage and Cash Assistance through the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal, by mailed paper form, or at a DES Family Assistance office. Emergency food benefits can be decided within seven days; other applications within 30.
National lines that work in Arizona
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.