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. I hope you're doing as well as you can today. If life just got hard, or it's been hard for a while, I'm really glad you found this. You are not alone, and there's more help in Florida than most people know about.
This is the place to start. In a few pages, we'll walk through the first calls to make, how help usually works here, and which of our 14 guides fits what you need right now.
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.
- Everything here is at no cost. No sign up, no paywall.
When everything feels urgent, it helps to sort it out. Here's a simple order that works for a lot of people.
Your first steps, in order
- Are you safe right now? If not, call 911. If you're hurting inside, call or text 988.
- Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight? If not, start with Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
- Do you have food for today? If not, dial 211 and see Guide 4, Food.
- Charge your phone and screenshot the key numbers at the back of this guide.
- Pick the one thing that matters most this week and make one call about it.
- Write down who you talked to and when to call back.
You don't have to fix everything today. Just take the next step, and then the one after that.
From the Bunklow team
What is 211, and how does it work?
211 is a no cost phone line that connects you with local help. A real person answers, and they can point you to help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
Just dial 211 from any phone in Florida.
- It's at no cost and open day and night.
- Tell them your city or ZIP and what you need most.
- Ask for names, numbers and hours, and write them down.
- If the first idea doesn't work, call back and ask for another.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I'm in [city or ZIP]. I need help with [shelter, food, rent, a ride, a phone]."
"What's open today, and what are the hours?"
"Do I need to bring anything?"
"If that doesn't work out, who else can I call?"
Which guide do I need?
We made 14 guides for Florida. Here's what each one covers, so you can jump right to it.
- Guide 1, Start Here. This one. First steps and how help works.
- Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. Finding a safe place to sleep, what shelters are like, and what to do if they're full.
- Guide 3, Housing Help. Rent help, vouchers, Coordinated Entry and legal help for renters.
- Guide 4, Food. Food today, SNAP, WIC and food banks.
- Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene. No cost clothes, showers, laundry and hygiene items.
- Guide 6, Jobs and Job Training. Career centers, resumes and training.
- Guide 7, Health and Mental Health. Clinics, Medicaid and crisis help.
- Guide 8, Domestic Violence Safety and Housing. Safe, private help and shelter.
- Guide 9, Veterans. VA help, benefits and housing for Veterans.
- Guide 10, Youth and Young Adults. Help for young people on their own.
- Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back. Birth certificates, Florida ID and Social Security cards.
- Guide 12, Phones and Internet. Lifeline discounts, no cost Wi Fi and low cost internet.
- Guide 13, Legal and Tenant Help. No cost legal aid and help for renters.
- Guide 14, How to Make Blessing Bags. A simple way to help others.
How do I apply for benefits like SNAP and Medicaid?
In Florida, many benefits start in one place: ACCESS Florida, run by the Department of Children and Families. You can apply online at no cost for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and cash help, or apply through a DCF Community Partner.
Applying is always at no cost.
- Apply at https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com
- Lost or expired EBT card? Call 888.356.3281.
- Get SSI? DCF says you may get food help through the SUNCAP program without an extra application.
Say you just lost your job in Jacksonville
Say your hours were cut and money is suddenly tight. You could apply for SNAP and Medicaid on ACCESS Florida the same day, then visit a CareerSource Florida career center for job search help.
If rent is the worry, you could dial 211 and ask about rent help in Duval County. If you might lose your home, Changing Homelessness Coordinated Entry is 904.354.1100.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
How do I get my ID and papers back?
So many things need an ID, so it's worth starting early. Here are the three big ones.
Guide 11 has the details.
- Birth certificate. The Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics issues copies of Florida birth certificates. A valid photo ID is required when you ask for a birth record. Vital Statistics: 904.359.6900. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/birth-certificates/
- Florida ID card. FLHSMV explains what to bring, how to renew or replace an ID card, and the fees. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/
- Social Security card. The Social Security Administration explains how to replace a lost card, often online for adults. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ssa.gov/number-card
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A working phone makes every other step easier. Guide 12 has more.
- Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. If you qualify, you can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
- EveryoneOn is a no cost search tool for low cost internet offers and computers. Search by ZIP at https://www.everyoneon.org/
- Public libraries have no cost computers and Wi Fi. Library numbers are in the county list.
Write it down
Keep a short list of every place you call, the time, and what they said. It makes call backs faster and way less stressful.
Where can I get help right away?
- In danger right now: call 911.
- Thinking about suicide or in emotional crisis: call or text 988. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7.
- Being hurt by a partner: the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800.799.7233, or text START to 88788. The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline is 800.500.1119.
- Veterans: the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is 877.424.3838, and the Veterans Crisis Line is 988, then press 1.
- Young people: 1 800 RUNAWAY is 1.800.786.2929.
Questions people ask a lot
Is all of this really at no cost?
Yes. These guides are at no cost, and the programs we list don't charge to apply. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply for benefits.
What if I don't have a phone?
Ask a library, day center or shelter if you can use theirs. Libraries also have no cost computers and Wi Fi.
What if I don't have an ID?
Start the process early. See Guide 11. Many places can still help you while you work on it.
What if nobody calls me back?
Call again. It's okay to be politely persistent. Ask if there's a better time or another number.
Who is Bunklow?
We're a team that cares about affordable living. We made these guides no cost for anyone who needs them. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties.
Can I share this guide?
Please do! Share it with anyone who could use it.
I'm really glad you're here
Reaching out is a strong thing to do. If you have questions, please let me know. We're happy to help however we can!
Here are good first calls near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost, private support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers No cost, private support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers No cost, private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk, and for people calling on their behalf. Staff connect you to your nearest VA homeless program.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838.
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Florida
Here are some places to start.
211 (United Way 211)
What it offers Dial 211 to reach your local 211. A real person can connect you with help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
How to reach Dial 211. Learn more at https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Source https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Last checked October 16, 2026
ACCESS Florida (Department of Children and Families)
What it offers Apply online at no cost for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and cash help, or apply through a DCF Community Partner. Applying is always at no cost.
How to reach Apply at https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com. Lost or expired EBT card: call 888.356.3281.
Source https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance
Last checked October 16, 2026
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers No cost help, information and referrals to a local certified domestic violence center, in English, Spanish and Creole.
How to reach Call 800.500.1119. TDD: 800.621.4202. TTY: 711.
Source https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
FloridaLawHelp
What it offers No cost legal information for Floridians, including renter questions, evictions and help finding a legal aid provider.
How to reach Start at https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Source https://www.floridalawhelp.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Miami Dade Homeless Trust: Homeless Helpline
What it offers Shelters in Miami Dade do not take walk ins, so the Helpline is the best first step. Outreach teams assess your situation and talk through next steps, including help to avoid becoming homeless.
How to reach Call 877.994.4357.
Source https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
211 Broward
What it offers No cost help 24/7 with crisis support and connection to community resources in Broward County, in English, Spanish and Creole.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://211-broward.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
Palm Beach County Homeless Services
What it offers The way into homeless services in Palm Beach County.
How to reach Call 833.442.9455 (833 HHA WILL) or dial 211.
Source https://discover.pbc.gov/communityservices/humanservices/Pages/Homeless.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Coordinated Entry is how a household is assessed once and matched to the right housing program in Hillsborough County. Its resource list covers shelter, food, showers, ID, medical care and rent help.
How to reach Call 813.223.6115. Find help at https://www.thhi.org/
Source https://www.thhi.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida: Find Help
What it offers Lists places in Central Florida where you can meet with a triage specialist. If you can't go in person, call 211, any time.
How to reach Dial 211. Veterans: call 407.743.5117. See locations at https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Changing Homelessness: Coordinated Entry (Jacksonville)
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville, plus a list of local help.
How to reach Call 904.354.1100.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas
What it offers Leads the homeless response in Pinellas County. For immediate help, dial 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Office: 727.933.0100.
Source https://www.pinellashomeless.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Lee County Coordinated Entry
What it offers Complete a Coordinated Entry assessment by phone so staff can understand your housing needs and connect you to help.
How to reach Call 239.533.7996, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.leegov.com/dhs/assistance/homeless
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Coalition of Polk County
What it offers If you are staying in your car, a shelter, outside or in a hotel, call for possible help. Leave a voicemail so your call can be returned.
How to reach Call 863.687.8386. Veterans: extension 1006.
Source https://polkhomeless.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Osceola and Seminole counties
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
What it offers Lists Hubs and Access Points in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties where you can meet with a trained worker about housing. Can't go in person? Call 211, any time.
How to reach Dial 211. Veterans: 407.743.5117.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas counties
Here are some places to start.
First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares)
What it offers A 211 call center with a Homeless Helpline. Its site lists Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando among the counties it serves.
How to reach Dial 211, or call 727.210.4211.
Source https://www.firstcontact.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Leon County (Tallahassee)
Here are some places to start.
Big Bend Continuum of Care
What it offers One Coordinated Entry system for Leon and nearby counties. You can start by telling them what's happening on their website.
How to reach Visit https://bigbendcoc.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://bigbendcoc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My first steps plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
What matters most right now
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
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 16, 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.
Affordable living. Simplified
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