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.
Recovery Empowerment Network (REN)
Peer-run behavioral health center in central Phoenix for adults with serious mental illness or general mental health and substance use needs, offering peer support, peer employment services, member meals, a gym and the HERO Discovery Center. Download the self-referral packet or call to join.
Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI)
Statewide substance use and mental health provider with a 24/7 access-to-care and crisis line, crisis stabilization, residential and inpatient treatment, an opioid treatment program, supportive housing, shelters and outreach. Call the 24/7 line to be routed to care or schedule online.
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.