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.
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.
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.
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.
Nuvaya (formerly Samaritan Inns)
Columbia Heights addiction recovery program for men and women with three phases: intensive treatment with structured housing, a 3–6 month DBH-certified treatment program, and sober therapeutic housing. Phase 3 requires six months of sobriety, a sponsor, and stable income.
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.