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).
Extended Foster Care (AB 12)
Lets California foster youth stay in care from 18 to 21 with case management, housing payments, and Independent Living Program services. Youth who already left care can re-enter before 21 by contacting their former social worker or county child welfare agency.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Grant of up to $5,000 per year for college or vocational training for current and former foster youth under 26. Apply by filing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and then the one-time Chafee application.
GLIDE Daily Free Meals
Three free meals every day in San Francisco's Tenderloin with no eligibility requirements and no intake form. GLIDE also runs a Welcome Center, workforce development, a women's center, a transitional age youth program, and a legal clinic.
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.