Youth experiencing homelessness can run into complicated legal issues around things like housing or immigration. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. There are free legal aid resources to help you get the support and services you deserve.

This information is also available for download in the Know Your Rights Toolkit for Youth Experiencing Homelessness, page 4.

Start Here to Find Free Legal Help

  • Take Charge of Your Legal Rights

  • Identify local legal aid providers.

  • Keep lawyer contact info handy.

  • Gather any relevant documents (identification, documentation of what happened, etc).

  • Follow up on appointments via email so you have documentation.

  • What you can say: “I am a youth experiencing homelessness and need legal assistance with [state your issue briefly]. Can you help me?”

Quick, Free Help: Hotlines and Emergency Contacts

Name Purpose Contact Availability
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis support and suicide hotline 988 24/7 call or text
Trevor Project LGBTQ+ youth in crisis 1-866-488-7386 24/7 call or text
National Runaway Safeline Homeless or runaway youth needing help 1-800-786-2929 24/7 call or text
National Immigration Detention Hotline Help if detained by ICE 9233# Call M-F 11 AM – 11 PM Eastern Time
Vital Documents Hotline Help obtaining IDs, birth certificates, and social security cards Call OR text 1-888-870-3627 Call Wednesdays from 9 – 5 PM Eastern Time AND 24/7 for voicemails and texts
National Domestic Violence Hotline Help leaving an unsafe relationship Call 1-800-799-7233 OR text “START” to 88788 24/7 call or text

Additional Resources