Help in District of Columbia
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 21 places in District of Columbia, most of them in Washington, plus 9 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (13) and after prison or jail (12).
DC Victim Hotline
Free, confidential 24/7 line for anyone in the District who has experienced a crime, including domestic violence and human trafficking. Specialists give emotional support and referrals for shelter, behavioral health, child care, transportation, and more.
DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The District's domestic violence coalition. Its survivor resources page lists DC's DV service providers, the Domestic Violence Intake Centers (NW 202-879-0152, SE 202-879-1500), and culturally specific programs for Deaf, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Jewish survivors.
DC Public Benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF) – District Direct
Where District residents apply for food assistance, Medicaid, and cash assistance. Applications go through the District Direct online portal or an Economic Security Administration service center; the Public Benefits Call Center answers questions by phone.
Legal Aid DC
Free civil legal help in housing, family law and domestic violence, public benefits, consumer, and immigration matters, plus a Reentry Justice Project. Apply by phone, online, or at walk-in hours at the downtown or Anacostia office.
Bethany Women's Day Center
Weekday day center for adult women experiencing homelessness or living on very low income. Offers breakfast, hot lunch, showers, laundry, toiletries, basic first aid, and on-site health and dental visits, with housing and employment programs through the larger N Street Village campus.
Bread for the City
Two centers, in Shaw and Anacostia, where DC residents can pick up a monthly grocery bag, get clothing and toiletries, see a doctor or dentist without insurance, meet with a lawyer on housing, family, immigration, or benefits issues, and join workforce classes.
My Sister's Place
DC's domestic violence shelter and housing provider for survivors and their children. Runs emergency housing, transitional-to-permanent housing, one-on-one case management, workforce development, and cash assistance. Everything starts with a call to the 24/7 hotline.
Ayuda
Legal and social services for low-income immigrants in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including dedicated help for survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Ayuda also runs DC's language access program for victim services. Call the DC office for the physical location.
National lines that work in District of Columbia
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.