THREE FOOT PRESS · PRACTICAL HELP
A Place to Start
When you need help, finding the right door shouldn’t be another obstacle.
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to begin. You may be looking for yourself, for someone you love, or simply for a place to ask a question. This page is here to give you a few direct, practical options.
You do not owe anyone an explanation for needing help. You also don’t need to be certain that a service is the perfect fit before making contact. A phone call, text message, or visit is a way to find out what might be available.
No single organization can solve every problem. The person who answers may not have the right information, there may be waiting lists, and you may need to try another place. This page makes no promises about outcomes. Its purpose is to help you find a place to start.
If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency in the United States, call 911. If you’re struggling emotionally or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. The resources below focus on U.S. services; availability and eligibility can vary by location.
Someone to Talk to Right Now
You do not have to have the right words prepared. These services offer a starting point for a conversation.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Support for people experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental-health crisis, as well as people worried about someone else.
Available around the clock in the United States.
Veterans Crisis Line
For veterans, service members, and people concerned about them. VA health-care enrollment is not required.
Available around the clock.
Find a Place to Start
For everyday needs, personal safety, or circumstances that are difficult to explain, these services can help you find possible next steps.
Food, Housing, Bills & Local Services — 211
If you need food, a place to stay, help with utilities, transportation, or other community services, 211 can help identify programs in your area.
Programs, hours, eligibility, and available assistance vary by community.
Domestic Violence & Relationship Safety
If you feel controlled, threatened, frightened, or unsafe in a relationship, you can talk through options, including safety planning.
If your device or browsing is monitored, consider a safer phone or computer before opening links.
Sexual Assault & Abuse
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline connects people affected by sexual assault or abuse with support and information.
Runaway, Homeless or Unsafe Youth
Young people who have run away, are considering leaving, or do not feel safe where they are can contact the National Runaway Safeline to discuss options.
Phone and online services are available; check its site for current text and chat instructions.
Missing or Exploited Children
To report information about a missing child or suspected child sexual exploitation, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Human Trafficking
People experiencing or concerned about labor or sex trafficking can seek information, safety planning, and referrals from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
If you suspect trafficking, avoid confronting a suspected trafficker.
Alcohol, Drugs & Treatment Options
For information and treatment referrals concerning substance use, mental health, and recovery, SAMHSA offers a national helpline and provider search.
For an immediate mental-health crisis, call or text 988.
Disaster, Evacuation & Recovery
Following a fire, flood, severe storm, or other disaster, the American Red Cross provides information about shelters and local recovery services.
Services and open locations change with conditions.
Organizations Worth Knowing
These organizations carry out ongoing work in areas that matter to many readers. They are listed separately from the immediate-help services above; their websites are not substitutes for an emergency response.
Stop Soldier Suicide
Works specifically to reduce suicide among U.S. veterans and service members through focused services and research.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Provides programs for injured service members, first responders, Gold Star families, and veterans facing homelessness.
Our Rescue
Works against human trafficking and child exploitation through partnerships, prevention, investigations support, and survivor care.
American Red Cross
Supports people affected by disasters and provides preparedness and recovery information.
The First Step Is Yours
People around you may care very much and still not know what you’re dealing with. They cannot always see what you’re carrying. Reaching out gives someone an opportunity to understand, and gives you an opportunity to learn what help may exist.
Make the call. Send the text. Walk through the door. If the first place cannot help, that does not mean there is nowhere else to try.
About this directory: Three Foot Press does not operate these services, receive their calls, or review what visitors tell them. Listing an organization does not guarantee availability, qualifications, confidentiality in every circumstance, or results. Please confirm current information on the organization’s official website. The links above lead to outside services with their own privacy practices.
Notice an incorrect number or broken link? Please write to editor@threefootpress.org. Directory contact details reviewed October 14, 2026.
