Real help, by need
InnerLight exists to get you to real people. This page is a plain list of established services — who they are, what they actually do, and how to reach them. All are free or low-cost unless noted.
We list these because getting people to real human help is the whole point of InnerLight. None of these organizations pays to be here, and we are not affiliated with any of them. Numbers can change; each organization’s own website is always the surest path.
If you are in danger right now
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Trained crisis counselors who will talk with anyone in suicidal crisis or overwhelming distress — free, confidential, 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. If a life is in immediate danger, call 911.
Crisis Text Line
Real, trained crisis counselors over text message, for any kind of crisis — free, 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.
Veterans Crisis Line
Crisis support from responders who understand military life — for veterans, service members, and the people who love them. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care. Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
The Trevor Project
Crisis counselors for LGBTQ+ young people, around the clock. Call 1-866-488-7386, or text and chat through thetrevorproject.org.
Trans Lifeline
A peer-support hotline run by and for trans people — someone who understands, no judgment, no forced intervention. Call 877-565-8860.
Mental health & substance support
SAMHSA National Helpline
The federal government’s free, confidential, 24/7 referral line for mental-health and substance-use treatment — they connect you to local programs, support groups, and community organizations. Call 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP).
FindTreatment.gov
The federal directory of licensed mental-health and substance-use treatment facilities, searchable by location. findtreatment.gov — it is the same source InnerLight’s own nearby-help finder uses.
Housing & eviction
211
A nationwide line, run through United Way, that connects you with local help of nearly every kind — emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, food, and more. Dial 211, or search at 211.org.
HUD Housing Counseling
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development connects you to approved housing counselors who help with eviction, foreclosure, renting, and homelessness — free or low-cost. Call 800-569-4287, or find a counselor at hud.gov.
National Coalition for the Homeless
An advocacy organization with practical directories of local shelters and services for people facing homelessness. nationalhomeless.org.
Legal help
Legal aid — the LSC finder
The Legal Services Corporation funds free civil legal aid offices across the country — help with eviction, benefits, family law, debt, and more for people with low incomes. Find your local office at lsc.gov.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
A directory of free and low-cost immigration legal help, searchable by state and county, maintained by the Immigration Advocates Network. immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory.
Your state bar association
Most state bar associations run free lawyer-referral services and can point you to pro bono help. Search your state’s name plus “bar association lawyer referral” — the American Bar Association keeps a directory at americanbar.org.
Food & essentials
Feeding America
The national network of food banks — their finder shows the food bank and pantries nearest you, no paperwork needed to ask. feedingamerica.org.
211 (again, on purpose)
For food, diapers, clothing, utility help, and almost any essential need, 211 remains the fastest local door. Dial 211.
Domestic violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Advocates who listen, help you plan for safety, and connect you to local shelters and services — confidential, 24/7, in many languages. Call 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. If it is not safe to talk, the website explains safer ways to reach out.
Veterans
Veterans Crisis Line
Listed above and worth repeating: call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 — 24/7, whether or not you are enrolled in VA care. veteranscrisisline.net.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Health care, mental-health services, benefits, and housing help for veterans — including same-day mental-health care at many VA facilities. va.gov.
Older adults & caregivers
Eldercare Locator
A free federal service that connects older adults and caregivers to local aging services — meals, in-home help, transportation, caregiver support, and reporting concerns about an older person’s safety. Call 800-677-1116, or search at eldercare.acl.gov.
Disability rights
ADA Information Line
The U.S. Department of Justice answers questions about rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act — work, housing, services, and access. Call 800-514-0301, or read at ada.gov.
National Disability Rights Network
Every state has a federally mandated protection-and-advocacy agency that defends the rights of people with disabilities; this network helps you find yours. ndrn.org.
If your need is not listed here, 211 is the best first call for almost anything local, and a session with InnerLight can help you find licensed mental-health care near you. And always: if you are in immediate danger, call or text 988, or call 911.