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 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.
Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE)
CFSA unit that works with teens and young adults in District foster care, ages 14 to 20, on college and career preparation, job training, vocational certification, and planning for stable housing when they leave care. Youth and caregivers can reach the office directly by phone or email.
DC DMV Non-Driver Identification Cards
Issues REAL ID non-driver IDs and Limited Purpose IDs for residents without a Social Security number. DC DMV waives the ID fee for recently returning citizens, residents experiencing homelessness, and seniors; use the online Document Verification Guide to see what to bring.
DC Vital Records Division
Issues certified copies of DC birth and death certificates online, by phone, by mail, or in person at automated kiosks. Adults 18 and over can order their own record when their photo ID matches the name on the certificate.
Friendship Place Welcome Center
Drop-in center on upper Wisconsin Avenue where people experiencing homelessness can get off the street and connect to Friendship Place housing programs, veteran services, youth and young adult services, a health clinic, and the AimHire job placement program.
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.