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 California 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 California.
- 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 California. 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 renter basics.
- 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, Medi Cal 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, California ID and Social Security cards.
- Guide 12, Phones and Internet. Lifeline discounts, no cost WiFi and low cost internet.
- Guide 13, Legal and Tenant Help. No cost legal aid and renter help.
- Guide 14, How to Make Blessing Bags. A simple way to help others.
How do I apply for benefits like CalFresh and Medi Cal?
In California, food benefits are called CalFresh, and low or no cost health coverage is called Medi Cal. You can apply online, and applying is always at no cost.
- CalFresh: GetCalFresh is an official State of California partner with step by step help. Apply at https://www.getcalfresh.org/
- Medi Cal: apply online through BenefitsCal at https://benefitscal.com/ or by mail, by phone or in person at your county office.
- Lost or stolen EBT card? Call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at 877.328.9677 right away. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-card
Say you just lost your job in Fresno
Say your hours were cut and money is suddenly tight. You could apply for CalFresh and Medi Cal online the same day, then look for job search help at a local job center (see Guide 6).
If rent is the worry, you could dial 211 and ask about rent help in Fresno County. The Multi Agency Access Program (MAP) at 559.512.6777 is a single place to start for housing, food, health care and benefits.
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. You can order a copy from the county recorder in the county where you were born, or from the California Department of Public Health. If you are experiencing homelessness, CDPH has a no fee option with an affidavit signed by a homeless services provider. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records-Obtaining-Certified-Copies-of-Birth-Records.aspx
- California ID card. The DMV offers a no fee ID card for people experiencing homelessness, with a DL 933 form from a qualified provider, and a reduced fee ID card for some people with low incomes. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/reduced-no-fee-id-card-program-information-for-organizations/
- 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 WiFi. 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. For help with feelings and stress, the CalHOPE Warm Line is 833.317.4673.
- 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 WiFi.
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.
California
Here are some places to start.
211 California
What it offers A at no cost, private service that connects people with housing, food, health care and other help across California. Search by your location on the website.
How to reach Dial 211. Search at https://www.211ca.org/
Source https://www.211ca.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CalFresh (California's SNAP)
What it offers CalFresh helps people buy groceries. GetCalFresh is an official State of California partner with step by step help, and real people can answer questions by chat, text or email.
How to reach Apply at https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Source https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Medi Cal
What it offers California's low or no cost health coverage. You can apply online through BenefitsCal or Covered California, by mail, by phone or in person at your county office.
How to reach Apply at https://benefitscal.com/ or see all the ways to apply at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
Source https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/medi-cal/apply/
Last checked October 16, 2026
CalHOPE Warm Line
What it offers A peer run warm line with at no cost, private emotional support for Californians. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Thursday, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Closed holidays.
How to reach Call 833.317.4673 (833 317 HOPE), or use live chat at https://www.calhope.org/
Source https://www.calhope.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
LawHelpCA
What it offers Find at no cost and low cost legal aid offices near you in California, plus easy guides on housing, benefits and family issues.
How to reach Search at https://www.lawhelpca.org/
Source https://oag.ca.gov/tenants
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
What it offers Help finding shelter, housing and homeless services in Los Angeles County.
How to reach Information line: 213.233.4798, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Get help at https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Source https://www.lahsa.org/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
Regional Task Force on Homelessness: Get Help
What it offers San Diego County's guide to Coordinated Entry access sites, where people experiencing homelessness can get connected to housing help.
How to reach Find access sites at https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Source https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Orange County Care Coordination: Get Help
What it offers The county points people to 211 Orange County (211OC) for shelter and local services. For a person experiencing homelessness who is in a mental health crisis, the county lists its Crisis Assessment Team.
How to reach Dial 211. Crisis Assessment Team: 855.625.4657.
Source https://ceo.oc.gov/office-care-coordination/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Path of Life Ministries
What it offers Shelter in Riverside, listed by the county as open 24 hours. 2840 Hulen Place, Riverside.
How to reach Call 951.683.4101.
Source https://rivcohws.org/get-help-connect-homeless-services
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Bernardino County
Here are some places to start.
San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services
What it offers The county says to call 211 for basic needs and homeless help. The 211 Coordinated Entry System is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
Santa Clara County Here4You Hotline
What it offers Matches people to emergency shelter and transportation, directs people who need rent help to prevention services, and makes referrals. Serves singles, couples and families. Open every day, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Call 408.385.2400.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Health: Housing and Homelessness
What it offers The county says to call 211 if you are looking for housing or services. Housing Resource Centers offer housing problem solving and Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://homelessness.acgov.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento Steps Forward: Get Help
What it offers If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Sacramento County, call 211 and press 8 for shelter, housing and other homeless services. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How to reach Dial 211 and press 8. If 211 won't connect, call 916.498.1000 and press 8.
Source https://www.sacramentostepsforward.org/access-support/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Contra Costa Health: Homeless Services
What it offers Call 211 or text HOPE to 20121 for resources, any time. Drop in CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer meals, showers, laundry, mail and case management. For outreach teams, call 211.
How to reach Dial 211 or text HOPE to 20121.
Source https://www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/homeless-services/get-help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fresno County
Here are some places to start.
Multi Agency Access Program (MAP), Fresno
What it offers A single place to start for Fresno County residents. MAP helps people find services for housing, food, health care, benefits and more. The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care also says to start with 211.
How to reach Call 559.512.6777 or dial 211.
Source https://fresnomaderahomeless.org/general-assistance-advocacy
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
