Help in Idaho
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 19 places in Idaho, most of them in Boise, Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (13) and after treatment and in recovery (10).
211 Idaho CareLine
Free statewide information and referral line that points Idahoans toward food, housing, utility, and health help from nonprofits and faith groups. Dial 2-1-1 or text 898211 during weekday hours to reach a resource specialist.
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Idaho's statewide coalition for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. It is a clearinghouse that trains and supports local programs rather than a direct shelter; people in immediate need are directed to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, and the coalition can connect callers with a local Idaho program.
Women's and Children's Alliance
Boise's domestic abuse and sexual assault program, running a 24-hour hotline plus emergency and transitional shelter, court advocacy, safety planning, case management, therapy, support groups, and financial empowerment classes. Start by calling the hotline; shelter location is confidential.
Safe Passage
North Idaho's domestic and sexual violence center in Coeur d'Alene, offering a 24-hour helpline, emergency and extended shelter, hospital response at Kootenai Health, court advocacy, housing support, and counseling. Office is open weekdays; the helpline runs every day of the year.
Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition
Idaho's trafficking-specific provider, with a 24/7 crisis line you can call or text. Case managers offer crisis intervention, safety planning, needs assessment, advocacy through criminal and civil cases, emergency items like food and hygiene products, and safe housing. Office is in Eagle; housing locations are confidential.
IDOC Reentry Services
State reentry program that begins at intake and continues roughly 90 days after release. People assessed as high-need or high-risk get a reentry specialist who coordinates with case managers and probation officers on housing, work, treatment, and crisis help. A pre-release course covers budgeting, job applications, and discussing a felony.
East Boise Community Reentry Center
Idaho's first reentry center, open since 1980 and women-only since 1989, housing up to 148 minimum-custody residents who work in the community before release. Placement is through IDOC, not walk-in.
Idaho Independent Living Program and Extended Foster Care
Voluntary supports for current and former foster youth: Independent Living services for ages 14–23, Education and Training Vouchers for ages 16–26, room and board help after aging out, mentors, and referrals for housing, counseling, and employment. Youth who turn 18 in state or tribal custody can stay in Extended Foster Care.
Idaho Office for Refugees
State refugee coordinator program working with resettlement agencies in Boise and Twin Falls. Runs an English Language Center, youth mentoring, Neighbors United, transportation help, nutrition programs, Know Your Rights sessions, and a statewide Idaho Resource Guide for newcomers.
Interfaith Sanctuary Shelter Home
Low-barrier Boise shelter on State Street for families with children, single adults, and medically fragile people. Guests get meals, showers, laundry, on-site medical care, a mailing address, and staff support day and night. Call the shelter line to ask about a bed.
River of Life Men's Shelter
Faith-based emergency shelter for men in downtown Boise with meals, clothing, job-search help, mental health counseling, a veterans ministry, and the long-term New Life recovery program. Overnight check-in is in the late afternoon; call or walk in.
St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho HELP Center
Coeur d'Alene's main entry point for people without housing. The HELP Center on Harrison handles case management and daily shelter check-in at 8 a.m. for the men's and women's shelters (12 beds each, stays up to 90 days). Also runs a winter warming center, Father Bill's Kitchen for meals and showers, rapid rehousing, and 329 supportive housing units.
PEER Wellness Center
Peer-run recovery community center in Boise's Garden City area for people living with substance use or mental health challenges and their families. Free, confidential, non-clinical help: recovery coaches, telephone recovery support, the Day One program, peer-led groups, overdose prevention supplies, and system navigation.
The Center for Hope
One of Idaho's nine peer-to-peer recovery centers, serving Idaho Falls and eastern Idaho with daytime drop-in hours, recovery and wellness education, socialization, and evening meetings for people dealing with mental health or substance use challenges.
Recovery Idaho
Statewide nonprofit backbone for Idaho's recovery community centers, recovery coach training, recovery housing listings, overdose awareness, and a returning-citizens resource page. Use its directory to find the nearest of the nine peer recovery centers.
Idaho Legal Aid Services Advice Line
Free civil legal help for low-income Idahoans, with dedicated intake tracks for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking survivors, seniors, and public benefits problems. Phone intake runs Monday through Wednesday late morning; online applications are accepted any time. Offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
Issues certified copies of Idaho birth certificates for births from July 1911 forward, which you will need for a state ID, benefits, or work. Call for ordering instructions; births outside Idaho must be ordered from that state.
Idaho DMV Driver's License and ID Cards
Idaho ID cards and driver's licenses are issued at county sheriff or assessor DMV offices, not a state office. You must show proof of citizenship or lawful presence, identity, Idaho residency, and name. Some counties require appointments; the ITD contact center answers questions weekdays.
idalink Benefits Portal (SNAP and Medicaid)
Idaho's single online application for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and other DHW programs. Apply at idalink.idaho.gov; a customer support line handles login and application problems.
National lines that work in Idaho
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.