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. A hot shower, clean clothes and a few basics can make a hard day feel a lot better. There are places in Arizona that help with all of it.
Dial 211 and ask for showers, laundry or clothing near you. In Phoenix, the Human Services Campus is a good place to start.
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.
Dial 211 and ask for showers or laundry near you. Day centers, shelters and some churches offer them.
In Phoenix, Keys to Change runs the Human Services Campus, where many groups help adults who are homeless with shelter intake, meals, mail and more.
Sources: https://211arizona.org/
Your first steps, in order
- Dial 211 and ask for showers, laundry or clothing near you.
- Call ahead to check hours and what to bring.
- Bring a bag for your things.
- Ask what else they offer, like meals or mail.
Where can I get clothes?
Clothing closets, churches and thrift stores often help. Some shelters keep clothes on hand.
If you need clothes for a job interview, ask ARIZONA@WORK or a job program near you. Ask 211 which places are open this week.

What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm looking for (a shower, laundry, clothes)."
"I'm in (town or ZIP code)."
"Do I need anything to come in?"
How do I stay safe in the heat?
Arizona heat can be dangerous. Drink water often, rest in the shade and cover up from the sun.
- Carry water, and refill it whenever you can.
- Wear a hat, light clothes and sunscreen.
- Ask 211 about cooling centers and places to get water.
- Watch for dizziness, confusion or a fast heartbeat. If someone stops sweating or seems confused, call 911.

Cool down early
Find shade or a cool indoor spot before you feel sick, not after.
What about hygiene supplies?
Many pantries, shelters and day centers have hygiene items like soap, toothpaste and period products. Ask when you call.
Nutrition Assistance can't be used for these items, but some Cash Assistance can help with basic needs for families who qualify.
Handy things to keep with you
Having a place to get mail helps with benefits, jobs and ID. In Phoenix, the Human Services Campus offers mail for adults who are homeless.
Elsewhere, ask a shelter, day center or church if they accept mail for you. You may also be able to use General Delivery at a post office. Ask at the counter.
- Keep your ID and papers in a zip bag, close to you.
- Take photos of your papers and email them to yourself.
- Ask a day center if they have lockers or a place to store a bag.

Small comforts count
Clean socks and a toothbrush can change how a whole day feels. You deserve to feel good, friend.
Many pantries and family programs keep diapers, wipes and period products on hand. Ask 211 for a diaper bank or family center near you.
If you're pregnant or have a baby, WIC can help with food and support, and its staff often know other local help.
Ask about it when you call, and ask more than one place. Supplies come and go.
How do I take care of my feet and skin?
If you walk a lot, your feet need care. Keep them dry, change socks when you can, and look for blisters or cuts.
Community health centers, like Mountain Park Health Center in Phoenix and El Rio Health in Tucson, offer care regardless of a person's ability to pay.
Say you have a job interview in Tucson next week
You could dial 211 to find a shower and a clothing closet. You could call ARIZONA@WORK Pima County to ask about interview clothes and help with your resume. Then you'd walk in feeling ready.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get clothes?
Usually not. Ask when you call.
Can I get clothes for my kids?
Yes, many places help families. Ask 211.
What if I need work boots or a uniform?
Ask ARIZONA@WORK or your job program. Some help with work costs.
Can I wash my clothes for no cost?
Some day centers and churches offer laundry at no cost. Ask 211.
Where can I charge my phone?
Libraries, day centers and some shelters let you charge your phone.
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.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

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.
Keep your papers safe

You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
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.
Arizona
Here are some places to start.
211 Arizona
What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.
How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/
Source https://211arizona.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)
What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.
How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.
Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us
Last checked October 22, 2026
Arizona WIC
What it offers Healthy food, nutrition help and breastfeeding support for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby, and for children under 5, in families who qualify.
How to reach Call 800.252.5942. WIC Shoppers Helpline: 866.927.8390. Visit https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/index.php
Source https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/index.php
Last checked October 22, 2026
ARIZONA@WORK
What it offers Arizona's job center network. Job search help, career coaching, resume help, training and hiring events, at offices across the state.
How to reach Find your local office at https://arizonaatwork.com/ or dial 211.
Source https://arizonaatwork.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Arizona crisis lines (AHCCCS)
What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are for anyone, with or without coverage.
How to reach Call or text 988, or call the line for your county: Maricopa and Pinal, Mercy Care at 800.631.1314. Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Yuma, 866.495.6735. Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai, 877.756.4090.
Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html
Last checked October 22, 2026
Arizona Food Bank Network
What it offers Links food banks and pantries across all 15 Arizona counties. Use its map to find food near you.
How to reach Call 602.528.3434, or find food at https://www.azfoodbanks.org/
Source https://www.azfoodbanks.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Maricopa County (Phoenix)
Here are some places to start.
Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)
What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.
How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.
Source https://hsc-az.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)
What it offers Emergency shelter and help finding housing for adults, plus Vista Colina for families and The Haven for adults 55 and older. Adults 18 and older start intake at the Human Services Campus. Families start by calling 211 for the Family Housing Hub.
How to reach Call 602.256.6945. TTY: 800.367.8939. Office: 230 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix.
Source https://www.cassaz.org/get-help
Last checked October 22, 2026
UMOM New Day Centers
What it offers Shelter and housing help for families and young adults in the Phoenix area.
How to reach Call 602.275.7852. Main campus: 3333 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Families can also dial 211 for the Family Housing Hub.
Source https://umom.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mountain Park Health Center
What it offers Community health centers in the Phoenix area with medical, dental and behavioral health care, on a sliding fee for people who qualify. Staff can help you apply for AHCCCS.
How to reach Call 602.243.7277. Visit https://www.mountainparkhealth.org/
Source https://mountainparkhealth.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
St. Mary's Food Bank
What it offers A large food bank serving the Phoenix area and much of Arizona, with food boxes and partner pantries.
How to reach Call 602.242.3663. Main site: 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix.
Source https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix job centers
What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for Phoenix residents.
How to reach Phoenix South Job Center, 4635 S. Central Ave., 602.495.6905. Phoenix West Job Center, 3406 N. 51st Ave., 602.495.6906.
Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pima County (Tucson)
Here are some places to start.
Primavera Foundation
What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.
How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Source https://primavera.org/contact/
Last checked October 22, 2026
El Rio Health
What it offers Community health centers in Tucson with medical, dental and behavioral health care, offered regardless of a person's ability to pay.
How to reach Call 520.670.3909. Visit https://www.elrio.org/
Source https://www.elrio.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
What it offers Food for people in need across southern Arizona, through its own sites and partner pantries.
How to reach Call 520.622.0525. Main site: 3003 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson.
Source https://www.communityfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Our Family Services
What it offers Help for youth, families and adults in Tucson, including Reunion House, a shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.
How to reach Call 520.323.1708. Office: 2590 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson.
Source https://www.ourfamilyservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
ARIZONA@WORK Pima County
What it offers Job help in Tucson: the One-Stop at Rio Nuevo, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, 520.724.7650. The Youth Employment Center, 175 W. Irvington Rd., 520.724.9640. The Kino Veterans' Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way, 520.724.2646.
How to reach Call the office closest to you, or visit https://arizonaatwork.com/
Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations
Last checked October 22, 2026
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.
Northern Arizona Council of Governments (Apache, Navajo and Yavapai counties)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 928.774.1895. Office: 119 E. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
South Eastern Arizona Community Action Program (Cochise, Graham, Greenlee and Santa Cruz counties)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 928.428.4653. Office: 283 W. 5th St., Safford.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Coconino County Community Services (Coconino County)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 928.679.7455. Office: 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gila County Community Action Program (Gila County)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 928.425.7631. Office: 5515 S. Apache Ave., Suite 200, Globe.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Western Arizona Council of Governments (La Paz, Mohave and Yuma counties)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 928.782.1886. Office: 1235 S. Redondo Center Dr., Yuma.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Action Human Resources Agency (CAHRA) (Pinal County)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 520.466.1112. Office: 109 N. Sunshine Blvd., Eloy.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Portable Practical Educational Preparation (PPEP) (Statewide)
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 520.770.2500. Office: 802 N. 46th St., Tucson.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
Tohono O'odham Nation (Tohono O'odham Nation (energy help only))
What it offers Help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter for people who qualify, when funds allow.
How to reach Call 520.383.6250. Office: Highway 86, Milepost 112, Sells.
Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies
Last checked October 22, 2026
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!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep

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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