Call 911. For an emotional or mental-health crisis, call or text 988. Spanish service is available by calling 988 and pressing 2, or texting AYUDA to 988.
Numbers worth saving
- 911 — immediate police, fire or medical emergency.
- 988 — 24/7 crisis and suicide-prevention support; Spanish available.
- 211 — local connections for food, housing, utilities, transportation, caregiving and other needs.
- 800-569-4287 — HUD referral line for approved housing counseling.
- 800-621-3362 — FEMA disaster assistance.
- 800-799-7233 — National Domestic Violence Hotline; text START to 88788.
Food and food pantries
Call 211 for nearby options. Feeding America also provides a ZIP-code food-bank search. For public benefits, check your state social-service agency.
Rent, housing, shelter and utilities
211 can locate local rent, shelter and bill programs. HUD offers housing counselors and resources for people experiencing homelessness, renters and homeowners.
Free or low-cost legal help
Legal Services Corporation funds civil legal-aid organizations in every state, Washington D.C. and U.S. territories. Its locator can find an organization by city or address. Services and eligibility vary.
Domestic violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support. Call 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or use its local-provider directory. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Disasters
After a declared disaster, FEMA provides ways to apply for or check assistance and locate recovery centers. Its published assistance number is 800-621-3362.
State-by-state starting point
Programs change by state and county. Instead of giving you a phone number that may go stale, use these national directories and select your state or enter your ZIP code:
- USAGov state social-service agencies — state and territory benefit programs.
- 211 — local community resources.
- Feeding America — food banks by ZIP code.
- Legal Services Corporation — local civil legal aid.
- HUD — housing, shelter, rental assistance and counseling.
- Domestic-violence local resources — local providers.
States and D.C. covered by the USAGov directory: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the District of Columbia. U.S. territories are also included.
We also prepared a step-by-step guide on where to start and what documents to have ready. Read it here →
Programs, hours and eligibility can change. Verify details directly with the organization before sending personal documents or money. Trámites123 is not a government agency and does not guarantee eligibility or assistance.
Sources and directories
Reviewed September 29, 2026.