Help in Maryland
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Maryland, most of them in Baltimore, Rockville and Landover, plus 10 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (17) and leaving homelessness (16).
211 Maryland
Free, confidential information line for anyone in Maryland looking for shelter, food, utility help, mental health or substance use care, legal referrals, or transportation. Specialists answer around the clock and can sign you up for text-message check-ins, including a Reentry keyword track.
Division of Vital Records
Where Marylanders born in the state get a certified birth certificate, the first document most people need before an ID, benefits or a job. Order online through VitalChek, by mail with a photocopy of your ID, or in person by appointment only at the Baltimore lobby. Some local health departments also issue certificates.
Maryland Identification (ID) Card
State photo ID for Maryland residents who do not drive. You apply in person at an MVA branch by appointment, bring proof of identity, legal presence, Maryland residency and your Social Security number, pay the fee, and get a temporary card the same day with the permanent card mailed in 7–10 business days.
Maryland Benefits Portal (SNAP, Medical Assistance, Cash)
Single online application for Maryland public benefits, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance. One form screens for several programs at once; you can also apply at any local Department of Social Services office.
Maryland Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for low-income Marylanders through 12 offices statewide, covering housing, benefits denials, family matters, expungement and consumer problems. Intake runs by phone and online; walk-in intake is limited. No fees are charged.
Prince George's County Homeless Hotline
The county's single phone entry point for emergency shelter in Prince George's County. Call the hotline to be screened and matched to available shelter; the Homeless Services office in Landover coordinates placements.
Baltimore City Shelter Hotline
Every bed in a Baltimore City-funded shelter is assigned through this hotline. Call during weekday business hours to find out if space is open that night; there is no waiting list. After hours and on weekends, call shelters directly, such as Weinberg Housing and Resource Center at 443-824-5326 or the HEBCAC Nest youth shelter (ages 18–24) at 410-759-8374.
Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center
Appointment-based free clothing center and choice food pantry in Rockville for Montgomery County households in hardship. First-time visitors bring ID, proof of county residency and proof of program qualification; one adult shops per appointment. Wednesdays are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. IW Connections (240-641-6307) refers people to county rent and utility assistance.
MyLife Maryland – Transitioning Youth Services
State hub for young people in or aging out of Maryland foster care, covering Ready By 21, youth transition plans, aftercare services, housing and homelessness help, education and employment, and how to get life documents. A county-by-county lookup connects each youth to their local Independent Living Coordinator.
The Bridge Center at Adam's House
No-cost, no-wrong-door resource center in Suitland for Prince George's County returning citizens, transitional-age youth 18–25 and veterans. Staff help with IDs and birth certificates, benefits enrollment, job training, GED or college enrollment, legal and child support issues, peer support, transportation and referrals to mental health and substance use treatment.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Maryland
Maryland's call, text and chat line for mental health or substance use emergencies, answered 24/7 by trained specialists. Press 1 for veterans, press 2 for Spanish; deaf and hard-of-hearing callers can use ASL videophone.
National lines that work in Maryland
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.