Help in California
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 24 places in California, most of them in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (15) and leaving homelessness (13).
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Statewide coalition that maintains a county-by-county map of California domestic violence programs with their local hotline numbers. It does not provide direct services; use the map or call the National DV Hotline at 800-799-7233 to reach a local program.
Downtown Women's Center
Day center for women and survivors of violence on Skid Row with daily meals, showers, mail, case management, mental health care, a women's health clinic, and permanent supportive housing. No formal intake is needed to visit.
Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline
County-run 24-hour line that connects people facing domestic violence with emergency shelter and support services anywhere in Los Angeles County. Calls are private.
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.
La Casa de las Madres
San Francisco domestic violence agency with 24-hour adult and teen crisis lines, a text support line, emergency shelter, drop-in peer counseling, and permanent supportive housing services.
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
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.