Start Here

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 Virginia whose whole job is helping you get back on your feet.

Here is the easy first step in Virginia: dial 211. To apply for food, cash help or health coverage, use CommonHelp. We'll walk through the rest together, one page at a time.

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 Virginia connects people to local help, from shelter and food to rent and utility help. In Virginia, you can dial 211 from anywhere in the state, or search online any time.

Sources: https://211virginia.org/

What is 211, and how does it work?

211 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. If you don't speak English, ask for an interpreter.

Sources: https://211virginia.org/

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 SNAP, WIC, pantries and meals.
• Clothing and Hygiene, for showers, laundry and clothes.
• Jobs and Job Training, for Virginia Career Works and unemployment.
• Health and Mental Health, for Medicaid, crisis help and care.
• Domestic Violence Safety and Housing, if you're not safe at home.
• Veterans, for VA and Virginia 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 Medicaid?

In Virginia, your local department of social services runs food help, cash help and Medicaid applications. You can apply for all of them on CommonHelp, the state's online site, or at your local department of social services.

• SNAP (food stamps) puts money for groceries on an EBT card.
• TANF gives temporary cash help and support to families with children who qualify.
• Medicaid and FAMIS cover health care for people who qualify.
• The Virginia Energy Assistance Program helps with heating, cooling and crisis energy bills. You can apply on CommonHelp too.

For questions, call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.

Sources: https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/

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 a Virginia DMV customer service center for a Virginia ID card. Questions about cost and what to bring? Check the official page below. Guide 11 walks you through it.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/id-cards

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. 988 can also connect you to your local community services board.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/

How do I make CommonHelp easier?

CommonHelp is Virginia's website for applying for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, energy help and more. It can feel like a lot the first time.

Here's what I've seen help people get through it.

• Make an account first, and write your username somewhere safe. You'll use it again to check on your case.
• You don't have to finish in one sitting. Save as you go, and come back when you can.
• Answer what you know. If you're not sure about a question, it's OK to say so and ask your local social services office.
• Upload photos of your papers if you can. A clear phone picture often works.
• After you apply, watch your mail and your phone. Social services may call you for an interview.

Questions about who qualifies or what to send? Check the official page below.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/

BUNKLY TIP

Keep your confirmation

When you hit submit, take a photo of the screen or write down the confirmation number. It helps if anything gets lost.

What happens when I visit my local social services office?

Every city and county in Virginia has a local department of social services. If you'd rather talk with a real person, you can walk in or call.

Staff can help you apply, take your papers and answer questions about your case.

Find your local office on the state's office finder below. Hours and the best way to reach them can differ from place to place, so check before you go.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/

Questions people ask a lot

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 where I live?

Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Greater Richmond

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Northern Virginia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hampton Roads and other areas

Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.

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!

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

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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Last updated October 22, 2026