Outside Resources
Basic Needs: Food, Housing & Disaster
Feeding America – Food Bank Finder
Food insecurity is more common than many realize. Feeding America operates a nationwide network of food banks and pantries. With their zip-code-based search tool, you can quickly find a local food bank that can provide groceries or meals to you and your family.
bit.ly/FA_ref
Homeless Shelter Directory
This directory lists shelters across the United States, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find affordable housing options, soup kitchens, medical and dental clinics, and even rent assistance programs. It’s a practical tool for anyone facing housing insecurity or looking to connect someone else with shelter services.
bit.ly/3v3pOi3
Watch Duty
For those in wildfire-prone areas, having up-to-date information is critical. Watch Duty provides real-time wildfire maps and evacuation alerts across 22 states. The app and website use trusted data sources and local reporting, making it one of the best tools for staying safe during fire season.
Web bit.ly/wdweb_ren IOS bit.ly/wdios_ren Android bit.ly/wdplay_ren
Find Help
This is a searchable online database for local resources like food, housing, childcare, job training, and medical care. It’s especially useful for finding low-cost care options and local nonprofits offering practical help. (Available for ages 13+)
bit.ly/AB_ref
Medical & Health Resources
211
Think of 211 as the first step when you don’t know where to start. By calling, texting your zip code to 898211, or going online, you’ll be connected to trained specialists who can help you find local services. This includes everything from medical care and prescription assistance to housing, food, and financial support. Available nationwide and designed to point you directly to the help closest to you.
👉bit.ly/211_ref
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
The CDC provides reliable, science-based health information. From emergency preparedness and healthy living guides to travel safety and updates on public health concerns, the CDC is one of the most trusted sources. You can also find information on vaccines, clinics, and guidance during health outbreaks.
👉bit.ly/CDC_ref
Cost Plus Drug Company
This company is changing the way prescriptions are priced. Instead of hidden markups, they use a transparent model, often reducing medication costs significantly. For people without insurance—or those paying too much even with insurance—this is an affordable way to access life-saving medications.
👉bit.ly/cpdc_r
HealthWell Foundation
For many, insurance doesn’t cover everything, and the out-of-pocket costs can feel overwhelming. HealthWell steps in by helping people afford copays, premiums, deductibles, and necessary medications. Their programs focus on serious and chronic conditions, helping families focus on healing instead of bills.
👉bit.ly/HWFe_res
Give an Hour
Military life can come with unique emotional challenges, and not all services are covered by the VA. Give an Hour connects military members, veterans, and their families with licensed mental health providers who volunteer their time. These services are confidential and free, offering support for stress, trauma, and other nee
👉bit.ly/GAH_ref
Mental Health & Emotional Support
Crisis Text Line
When you’re in emotional pain or facing a crisis, you can text 741741 anytime, day or night, to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. It’s completely free and confidential. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, or simply need someone to talk to, this line is available within minutes and designed to provide immediate support.
👉bit.ly/CTLfaq_ref
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Natural disasters, human-made crises, and even the recovery afterward can take a serious toll on mental health. This helpline provides immediate, multilingual crisis counseling 24/7. It’s free, confidential, and open to anyone in the U.S. affected by disasters—including first responders. Just call 1-800-985-5990 to be connected.
👉https://bit.ly/DDH_res
Cost Plus Drug Company
This company is changing the way prescriptions are priced. Instead of hidden markups, they use a transparent model, often reducing medication costs significantly. For people without insurance—or those paying too much even with insurance—this is an affordable way to access life-saving medications.
👉bit.ly/cpdc_r
Find a Helpline
If you’re outside the U.S., or supporting someone abroad, Find a Helpline connects you with emotional support lines in nearly 200 countries. The site lists close to 1,600 hotlines covering everything from suicide prevention to child support services and domestic violence help. It’s one of the fastest ways to connect with a trusted resource no matter where you are.
👉https://bit.ly/FAH_r
Empower Work
Sometimes the biggest stress in our lives comes from the workplace. Empower Work provides immediate, confidential support by text or web chat for people navigating workplace stressors. Whether it’s harassment, discrimination, burnout, or tough decisions about employment, trained volunteers will listen, support you, and help you explore your options.
👉 Text 510-674-1414 or visit https://bit.ly/EW_res