Help and Hope
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please use these resources.
Receive immediate help
Emergency Services
911 Emergency Line: For immediate life-threatening situations
Local Police Non-Emergency Number: For urgent but non-life-threatening situations
East Palo Alto PD: 1-650-321-1112
San Francisco PD: 1-415-553-0123
San Mateo Sheriff’s Office: 1-650-363-4911
Crisis Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7 support)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7 support)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
More Bay Area resources
211 Bay Area (call, text, online)
Alameda County Coordinated Entry
Dignity on Wheels schedule
Santa Clara County Partners
Santa Clara County Housing and Homeless Services covers a large area of the Peninsula and South Bay, spanning from Palo Alto down to Gilroy. In nearly every city, there are nonprofits and faith-based organizations and churches that are dedicated to helping the homeless or those in need. If you are experiencing homelessness or at-risk and need help, contact a referral service and request to speak to a social worker.
San Mateo County Partners
If you are homeless or at-risk and need help, contact a referral service and request to speak to a social worker. Depending on your situation, they may provide an overnight emergency shelter referral to WeHOPE.
What to do first
Call 211 to get connected to shelter and housing support.
Visit Dignity on Wheels if you need hygiene, showers, laundry, or a consistent support team.
Keep going back. Getting housed can take time, but you do not have to do it alone. Advocate and keep hope alive. Your situation can change.
You are not alone
If you are overwhelmed, start with one step. Call 211. Then connect with a team that can help you navigate what comes next.
Services are free. Availability, locations, and services can vary by day and site.