Help in Washington
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 25 places in Washington, most of them in Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma, plus 13 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after treatment and in recovery (14) and leaving homelessness (14).
Washington 211
Free, confidential, multilingual helpline that connects Washington residents to housing, food, utility help, health care and other local services from a directory of more than 17,000 listings. Dial 211, call the toll-free number, text, or search online.
Northwest Justice Project (CLEAR)
Washington's statewide civil legal aid program for low-income people, covering housing, benefits, family safety, debt and other non-criminal problems. Start by applying online or by phone through the CLEAR intake line.
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Program Directory
WSCADV maintains a county-by-county directory of more than 70 Washington domestic violence and sexual assault programs with their local crisis lines. Use it to find the advocacy program nearest you; WSCADV itself does not run a crisis line.
Washington Connection
The state's online portal for applying for food assistance (Basic Food), cash assistance, child care, long-term care, Medicare Savings Programs and medical coverage for people 65+, blind or disabled. Managed by DSHS; applications can also be renewed and updated here.
Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records)
Issues certified Washington birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Order online through VitalChek, by phone, by mail, or in person in Tumwater by appointment only.
Get an ID Card
Explains how to get a Washington state identification card: book an appointment at a driver licensing office, bring proof of identity, pay the fee and have a photo taken. A temporary ID is issued on the spot and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7–10 days.
API Chaya
Seattle-based organization offering free, confidential, culturally relevant support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, with a focus on Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Call the helpline in any language and an interpreter will be arranged.
Mary's Place Family Shelter Line
Emergency shelter and day services for families with children experiencing homelessness in King County, including families fleeing violence. Call the shelter line for a bed, or drop in at the Allen Family Center for shelter referral, housing support and service navigation.
DVHopeline
Free advocacy support line for anyone experiencing abuse, with trained advocates available 6am–10pm daily for emotional support, safety planning, shelter and housing options and referrals. Overnight calls transfer automatically to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Chat is also available.
YWCA Pierce County Crisis Hotline
Crisis line for domestic violence survivors in Pierce County staffed by trained advocates, with access to emergency shelter in individual apartments, free civil legal advocacy, support groups, a children's program and a walk-in resource center. After business hours the site also points callers to the National DV Hotline.
Union Gospel Mission Women and Children's Shelter
Emergency shelter in northeast Spokane for women and women with children, with meals, a bed, and connections to the Mission's recovery, mentorship and job-training programs.
YWCA Spokane 24-Hour Helpline
Confidential 24-hour line for survivors of intimate partner violence in Spokane County, with advocates who screen for the YWCA's confidential safe shelter (hotel placement when full), set up support advocate meetings, and connect survivors to the weekly First Step Fridays legal clinic. Monday walk-in hours at the N Monroe office.
National lines that work in Washington
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.