Help in Kansas
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 17 places in Kansas, most of them in Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City, plus 8 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (10) and after prison or jail (9).
Kansas 211
Free, confidential information line covering the whole state that points callers to food pantries, shelters, rent and utility help, health care, and job programs. Referral specialists answer live on weekdays; a searchable directory at 211Kansas.org works around the clock.
Union Rescue Mission
Faith-based emergency shelter in north Wichita for men who have nowhere to sleep, with overnight beds, showers, hot meals, and clothing. Longer-term residents can enter addiction recovery and life-change programs plus job readiness training with computer skills, resume help, and employer placement.
DCCCA Wichita Recovery Services
Residential and outpatient substance use treatment on Wichita's east side: the Women's Recovery Center and Options Adult Services for men share one campus. DCCCA also runs the Kansas Naloxone Program and outpatient sites in Lawrence, Mission, Pittsburg, and Pratt.
Kansas Legal Services
Nonprofit civil legal aid for low-income Kansans in all 105 counties, handling housing, protection orders, public benefits, expungement, and family law through eleven offices. One statewide intake line screens applicants on weekdays; an online application is open Monday morning through Thursday afternoon.
Kansas Driver's License and Nondriver ID Card
State office that issues Kansas ID cards and driver's licenses. Applicants need one proof of identity (state birth certificate, passport, or immigration document), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of a Kansas street address; a P.O. box is not accepted. Credentials arrive by mail in up to 45 days.
Kansas Food Assistance (SNAP)
Monthly food benefits for qualifying low-income Kansas households, applied for through the DCF Self-Service Portal or by phone. The same portal handles cash and child care assistance applications.
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)
Kansas's Medicaid program, covering medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment for eligible low-income residents. Former foster youth qualify to age 26. Enrollment is free; apply online or by phone.
National lines that work in Kansas
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.