Start Here: Find Help in Arizona, Step by Step

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 things are hard right now, I'm really glad you picked this up. You are not alone, and there are people all over Arizona whose whole job is helping you get back on your feet.

Here is the easy first step in Arizona: dial 211. To apply for food, cash help or health coverage, use Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus). We'll walk through the rest together, one page at a time.

211

Dial 211Local help, 9 am to 7 pm daily.

911

In danger?Call 911 right away.

988

In crisis?Call or text 988. No cost, 24/7.

Veterans877.424.3838, any time.

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 first?

Start with the thing that matters most today. If you need a place to sleep tonight, that comes first.

If you have a roof but you're short on food, rent or a utility bill, start there.

211 Arizona connects people to local help across the state, from shelter and food to rent and utility help. Dial 211 from most phones, or call 877.211.8661. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day. You can search the website any time.

Sources: https://211arizona.org/

Your first steps, in order

If you're in danger, call 911. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
If you need a bed tonight, read guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. In Maricopa County, adults can go to the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix, and families can dial 211 for the Family Housing Hub.
Dial 211 and say what you need, in your own words.
Apply for food, cash help and health coverage on Health-e-Arizona Plus.
Write down every name, number and date. Keep it in one place.

What is 211, and how does it work?

211 Arizona is a phone line and website that knows about local programs near you. You tell them your ZIP code and what you need.

They tell you which places may be able to help, and how to reach them.

You can ask 211 about shelter, food pantries, rent or utility help, health care, transportation and more. Help is in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages. For Relay, dial 711.

Sources: https://211arizona.org/

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say when you call 211

"Hi. I live in (town or county), ZIP code (ZIP)."

"I need help with (shelter, food, rent, a shutoff)."

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

"Can you give me two or three places to call today?"

BUNKLY TIP

Here is an easy one

Ask 211 for more than one number. If the first place is full, you already know who to call next.

Which guide do I need?

There are 14 guides in this set. Each one goes deeper on one topic.

Emergency Shelter Tonight, if you need a bed tonight.
Housing Help, for rent, eviction, deposits and shutoffs.
Food, for Nutrition Assistance, pantries and meals.
Clothing and Hygiene, for showers, laundry and clothes.
Jobs and Job Training, for ARIZONA@WORK and unemployment.
Health and Mental Health, for AHCCCS, crisis help and care.
Domestic Violence Safety and Housing, if you're not safe at home.
Veterans, for VA and Arizona veteran help.
Youth and Young Adults, if you're under 25.
Getting ID and Documents Back, for birth certificates and state ID.
Phones and Internet, for Lifeline and Wi-Fi.
Legal and Tenant Help, for legal aid and renting questions.
How to Make Blessing Bags, if you want to help someone else.

How do I apply for food, cash help and AHCCCS?

In Arizona, the Department of Economic Security (DES) runs food and cash help, and AHCCCS is the state's Medicaid program. You can apply for all three at once on Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus), the state's online site.

Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP) puts money for groceries on an EBT card.
Cash Assistance gives temporary cash help and support to families with children who qualify.
Medical Assistance (AHCCCS) covers health care for people who qualify.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills. Apply through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal, on paper, or with your local Community Action Agency.

For questions about Nutrition, Cash or Medical Assistance, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Sources: https://des.az.gov/contact-us

EXAMPLE

Say you just lost your job in Mesa

You could apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus today, so groceries are covered while you look for work. Then you could file for unemployment at azui.com and visit an ARIZONA@WORK office for job leads. If a shutoff notice comes, call your Community Action Agency right away. Small steps, one at a time.

How do I get my ID and papers back?

Lost your ID? It happens to so many people.

Start with your birth certificate and Social Security number, then go to an MVD office for an Arizona ID card. ADOT says a standard ID card costs $12, and people 65 or older get one at no cost. Some others may also qualify for no cost, like people on SSI and homeless veterans. Guide 11 walks you through it.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/id-card

Keep a simple folder or phone album

Your ID, or a photo of it.
Your Social Security number.
Your HEAplus login and any case number DES gives you.
Letters from DES, your landlord or the court.
A list of key phone numbers.

How do I stay connected?

A phone makes everything easier. The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who get benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.

Libraries have computers and Wi-Fi you can use. Guide 12 has more.

BUNKLY TIP

Write it down

Phones get lost and batteries die. Keep your most important numbers on paper too.

Where can I get help right away?

If you're in danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988, any time, day or night.

Arizona also has a 24/7 crisis line for each part of the state, listed below.

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

Questions people ask a lot

Do I need an address to get help?

No. Many programs serve people with no address. You can often use a shelter or a trusted friend's address for mail.

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes. HEAplus lets you apply for food, cash and medical help at once.

What if I don't have a phone?

Libraries, shelters and day centers often let you use a phone or computer.

What if I don't speak English well?

Ask for an interpreter. Many programs offer one. 211 Arizona helps in English and Spanish.

What if I was turned down?

Ask why, in writing if you can. You may be able to ask for a review or try another program.

BUNKLY TIP

I'm really glad you're here

You picked up this guide, and that's a real step. Be kind to yourself today.

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.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for anyone facing emotional distress, mental health struggles or alcohol or drug concerns, and for people supporting someone they love. Spanish text and chat are available.

How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at https://chat.988lifeline.org/

Source https://988lifeline.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

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/

Source https://www.thehotline.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.

How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/

Last checked October 22, 2026

HUD approved housing counselors

What it offers HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home.

How to reach Call 800.569.4287 (TTY 202.708.1455). Search online at https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/

Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

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

AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid)

What it offers Health coverage for people who qualify, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and behavioral health care.

How to reach Call 602.417.4000 in Maricopa County or 800.654.8713 from elsewhere. TTY: dial 711. Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/contacts.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

DES Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

What it offers Help paying heating and cooling bills for households who qualify, including help in a utility crisis. Apply through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal, on paper, or with your local Community Action Agency.

How to reach Call the LIHEAP service line at 866.494.1981, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Learn more at https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/utility-assistance

Source https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/utility-assistance

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

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

City of Phoenix Family Services Centers

What it offers Crisis help for Phoenix residents, including eviction prevention, move in help, emergency utility help and case management, when funds allow. Centers are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm: John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave. Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Rd. Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave.

How to reach Call the appointment line at 602.534.2433 or 866.882.1778. If no times are open, try again next week.

Source https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/humanservices/programs-services/crisis-assistance.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Maricopa County Human Services Department

What it offers Rent and utility help for county residents who live outside Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix, through Community Action Program (CAP) offices. Apply online through the Client Portal, or call your local CAP office.

How to reach Call 602.506.5911, or 602.506.0589 for general questions about rent and utility help. Office: 234 N. Central Ave., Suite 3000, Phoenix.

Source https://www.maricopa.gov/5582/Rental-Assistance

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.

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

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

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

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

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.