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 Shelter Hotline
Round-the-clock number run by the District's Homeless Services Program for anyone in DC who needs a place to sleep tonight or wants outreach sent to someone on the street. It is also the number to call during hypothermia and heat alerts.
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.
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.
Access HelpLine
24-hour line that links District residents to DBH-certified mental health and substance use providers, arranges emergency psychiatric care, and can dispatch a mobile crisis team to adults or children who cannot travel for help.
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.
Central Union Mission
Downtown men's emergency shelter with daily walk-in intake at 3 PM, first come first served, plus free lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 5. No paperwork or appointment needed. A separate family resource center on Bladensburg Road NE helps mothers and families on Thursday mornings.
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.
Miriam's Kitchen
Foggy Bottom organization focused on ending chronic homelessness in DC. Guests can get meals, case management, street outreach, and help moving into permanent housing. Call, email, or come by to connect with a case manager.
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.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Resettlement agency serving refugees, forced migrants, and immigrants in the DC region, with case services for newly arrived families and an in-house immigration legal team. Book a legal consultation or client appointment through the website or call the main line.
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.
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.