Domestic Violence Safety and Housing in Arizona

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 someone is hurting you or scaring you, it is not your fault. You deserve to be safe. There are people in Arizona who can help you make a plan, find a safe place and get support, whenever you're ready.

If you're in danger right now, call 911. To talk with someone, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233, or text START to 88788.

911

In danger?Call 911.

DV Hotline800.799.7233.

TEXT

TextSTART to 88788.

988

In crisis?Call or text 988.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

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.

What should I do if I'm not safe?

If you're in danger right now, call 911. When you can, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org.

Advocates listen and help you think through your choices, any time, day or night.

Sources: https://www.thehotline.org/

Your first steps, when you're ready

If you're in danger, call 911.
Call or text the hotline to talk about a safety plan.
Ask about a shelter or safe place to stay.
Keep important papers and a phone where you can get them quickly.
Tell someone you trust.

How do I find a shelter or local program?

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) connects survivors with local domestic and sexual violence programs across Arizona. Call 602.279.2900.

You can also dial 211 or call the national hotline and ask for help near you.

Sources: https://www.acesdv.org/

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say when you call

"Hi. I'm not safe at home, and I need help."

"I'm in (town or county)."

"It's just me," or "I have (number) kids with me."

"Is it safe to talk now? Can I call back if I need to?"

How do I make a safety plan?

A safety plan is a list of steps to stay safer at home, at work and when you leave. An advocate can help you make one that fits your life.

A small safety bag, if it's safe to keep one

ID, Social Security cards and birth certificates, or photos of them.
Medicine.
Some cash and a spare key.
A phone charger.
Important numbers, written down.
Papers for your kids.

BUNKLY TIP

Stay safe online

If someone checks your phone or computer, use a library computer or a friend's phone to look for help. Clear your history when you can.

Can I get help with housing?

Yes. Shelters, local programs and some housing programs help survivors find a safe place to live.

Ask your local program or the hotline about housing help. Questions about breaking a lease or protection orders? Check AZLawHelp.org, linked below, and talk with legal aid before you decide.

What about my kids and pets?

Many shelters welcome children. Some can help with pets, or know who can.

Ask when you call. Kids may need support too. Ask your program about counseling for children.

EXAMPLE

Say you need to leave quickly in Tucson

You could call the national hotline and ask about shelter in Pima County. You could grab your safety bag, or just yourself and your kids, and go. Later, an advocate could help you with housing, legal help and benefits.

How can I help a friend who isn't safe?

If you're worried about someone, let them know you care and you believe them. Don't push them to leave before they're ready.

Share the hotline number, 800.799.7233, and offer to sit with them while they call.

BUNKLY TIP

Believe them

Listening without judging is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Questions people ask a lot

Will the hotline tell anyone I called?

Advocates keep what you share private. Ask them about it when you call.

Can I get help if I'm not ready to leave?

Yes. You can call any time to talk, plan or just be heard.

What if I'm a man, or LGBTQ?

Help is for everyone. You deserve support.

What if I don't speak English?

The hotline and many programs offer help in other languages.

Can I bring my pet?

Some places can. Ask when you call.

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.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

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?"

BUNKLY TIP

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

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

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.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

What it offers Private, no cost 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. The Hotline does not give cash or hotel vouchers, but it can connect you to local groups that may.

How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/ For Native American and Alaska Native survivors, the StrongHearts Native Helpline is 844.762.8483.

Source https://www.thehotline.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

love is respect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)

What it offers Support for young people dealing with abuse in a relationship, or anyone with questions about healthy relationships.

How to reach Call 866.331.9474. Online: https://www.loveisrespect.org/

Source https://www.thehotline.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV)

What it offers Connects survivors with local domestic and sexual violence programs across Arizona through its helpline, and shares safety information.

How to reach Call 602.279.2900. Visit https://www.acesdv.org/

Source https://www.acesdv.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

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

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

AZLawHelp.org

What it offers Plain language legal information and a way to find civil legal aid offices across Arizona.

How to reach Call 866.637.5341, or visit https://www.azlawhelp.org/

Source https://www.azlawhelp.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

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

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

Community Legal Services

What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Maricopa County and nearby counties, including housing problems.

How to reach Call 602.258.3434 or 800.852.9075. Phone intake is 8:30 am to 3 pm. Office: 305 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix. Intake is closed October 29 and reopens October 30 at 10 am.

Source https://clsaz.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Mercy Care crisis line (Maricopa and Pinal)

What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Open 24/7, for anyone.

How to reach Call 800.631.1314, or call or text 988.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid

What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in southern Arizona, including housing and benefits problems.

How to reach Call 520.623.9461. Office: 2343 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 200, Tucson.

Source https://sazlegalaid.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Crisis line for Pima and southern Arizona

What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Open 24/7, for anyone.

How to reach Call 866.495.6735, or call or text 988.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

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

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.