Youth and Young Adults

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. If you're young and things are hard right now, whether you left home, aged out of foster care, or just need a hand, you're not alone. There are people in Arizona who help young people find a safe place, food, school and work.

Dial 211, or call one of the youth programs in this guide. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, or Teen Lifeline at 602.248.8336.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where can I stay if I can't go home?

Dial 211 and say how old you are. There are shelters and programs just for young people.

In the Phoenix area, UMOM New Day Centers helps families and young adults, and one·n·ten serves LGBTQ youth and young adults. In Tucson, Our Family Services runs Reunion House, a shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.

Who can I talk to?

Teen Lifeline is a call and text line where teen peer counselors listen. Call or text 602.248.8336.

You can also call or text 988, any time.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Can I keep going to school?

Yes. If you don't have a stable place to live, your school can help you stay enrolled and get what you need.

Ask the school counselor or front office who helps students without a home. Questions about school help? Check the official page below.

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Ask at school

School counselors often know about food, clothes and other help in your area.

Where can I get help with work?

ARIZONA@WORK offers job help for young people. In Tucson, there's the Pima County Youth Employment Center.

In Phoenix, ask the city job centers about youth programs. A New Leaf also helps young people and families in the Phoenix area.

What if I aged out of foster care?

There is help for young adults who were in foster care. Ask 211 about programs for former foster youth, and ask about help with housing, school and health care.

AHCCCS may cover young adults who were in foster care. Check the official page below.

How do I stay safe?

• Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, leave and get help.
• Don't share where you're staying with people you just met online.
• Keep your phone charged, and keep key numbers on paper too.
• Be careful with anyone who offers a job, a place to stay or money that sounds too good to be true.

Questions people ask a lot

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
• Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan for this week

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026