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Resources and Assistance

Reaching out for support for yourself or someone else can feel scary or overwhelming, but when you do you will find there are many people ready to listen to you and help.  All of our VCRHYP agencies are available around the clock for crisis support.  There are many other resources available, too. Click through to help you or someone you know find the support they need.

IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, PLEASE NOTE: In Vermont, some adult helpers you call may be required to make a report to the Department for Children and Families if they think you are experiencing physical or sexual violence or living in an unsafe situation.   This is called mandated reporting.   This shouldn’t stop you from reaching out!   Tips to knowing and having control over what will happen with the information you share:

 

Get Help Now (Crisis Resources)

Local Resources

Vermont 2-1-1 – Comprehensive list of community resources available in Vermont, including emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, health care, child care, drug and alcohol problems, legal assistance, transportation agencies, educational and volunteer opportunities and more. Available online or over the phone.

  • Call: 211, 1-866-652-4636 (toll free in VT), or 1-802-652-4636 (from outside of VT) [24/7]
  • Text: Your zip code to 898211 to connect with a Contact Specialist [Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm EST]
  • Click: here to send a message to a Contact Specialist [Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm EST]

Vermont Department for Children and Families – Branch of the VT Agency of Human Services with a mission to foster healthy development, safety, wellbeing, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters. DCF works to: reduce poverty and homelessness; eliminate hunger; improve the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families; keep children safe from abuse; provide financial supports for individuals and families; and support Vermont's most vulnerable citizens.

  • Call: the Child Protection/ Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-649-5285 if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected [24/7] Click here to learn more about making a report.

Vermont Crisis Text Line – The Crisis Text Line provides free, round-the-clock support by providing access via text messaging to a trained Crisis Counselor at the moment help and support are needed. When you text, you will get a response within five minutes: first an automated text response and then a response from a trained crisis counselor. Texts are confidential and will not show up on your phone bill. To learn what to expect when you reach out and get answers to frequently asked questions, click here.

  • Text: "VT" to 741741 [24/7]
  • Click: here and then on the chat icon in the right-hand corner to chat with the Crisis Text Line through Facebook [24/7]
  • Visit: mentalhealth.vermont.gov for more mental health supports

Vermont Suicide Prevention Center – Organization dedicated to ensuring that people of all ages have the knowledge, skills, and resources to reduce the risk of suicide.

  • Call: the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) [24/7] To find out what to expect when calling, click here.
  • Click: here for a list of other ways to get help now

U Matter U Can Get Help – A site specifically for youth who think they may need help or support so they don’t harm themselves, or for people who may be worried about someone else.

  • Download: uMatterUCanGetHelp mobile app for Android and iPhone/iPad to help you find resources and support centers near your location. To learn more about the app, click here.
  • Click: here and then on any county name to find resources in your area

Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence – Statewide resource on domestic and sexual violence support services. If you are under 18 years old, you may want to consider using a fake name to ensure that your conversation remains confidential.

  • Call: the Domestic/Dating/Stalking Violence Hotline at 1-800-ABUSE-95 (800-228-7395) [24/7]
  • Call: the Sexual Violence/Exploitation Hotline at 1-800-489-RAPE (800-489-7273) [24/7]
  • Click: here and then on any county name to find resources in your area. To learn what to expect when contacting a local program, click here.

Outright Vermont – Organization providing support, advocacy, and celebration of young queer people in Vermont.

  • Call: 1-802-865-9677 [Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST]
  • Email: Noa, Director of Programs, at noa@outrightvt.org to set up a time to get one-on-one support
  • Message: Send a DM through Instagram or Facebook to connect about getting more support
  • Text: Queer, trans, questioning, intersex, and allied youth can text the SASS Textline at 1-724-888-SASS (724-888-7277) for answers to questions about sex and sexuality. Safe, confidential, and provides medically accurate information. Receive free and confidential answers within 24 hours.

Give Way to Freedom - A non-profit working with charities and organizations to provide safe and supportive environments where victims of trafficking can receive services and the support and advocacy needed to re-enter mainstream society in a healthy and productive way. In Vermont, Give Way to Freedom developed the Rapid Response Support System to provide crisis response to aid potential victims during the initial 48-72 hours of an actual or suspected human trafficking case.

  • Call: 211 to access this statewide service

National Resources

National Runaway Safeline – Support and resources for youth, teens, parents, guardians, and community members. The National Runaway Safeline is here to listen whether you are thinking of running away or already have. Services are confidential and nonjudgmental.

  • Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY (800-786-2929) [24/7]
  • Click: "Chat" for live chat service [5:30pm – 12:30am EST]
  • Text: 66008 [24/7]
  • Visit: the National Runaway Safeline Forum, a place where you can post if you have questions, thoughts, or concerns about what it's like to be a teenager or a parent.

National Safe Place – A national youth outreach and prevention program for young people in need of immediate help and safety. To learn what to expect when reaching out, click here.

  • Text: “SAFE” and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357) to receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number for the local youth agency. For immediate help, reply with "2chat" to text interactively with a trained counselor. Free and confidential. [24/7]
  • Click: here and enter an address or zip code to find a Safe Place location nearest you

Crisis Text Line – Free support for anyone in crisis. Text from anywhere in the USA to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor. Learn what to expect when you reach out by clicking here.

  • Text: “HOME” to 741741 [24/7]
  • Click: here and then on the chat icon in the right-hand corner to chat with the Crisis Text Line through Facebook [24/7]

Disaster Distress Helpline – A hotline providing crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, and other traumatic events. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories, including survivors of disasters, loved ones of victims, first responders, rescue, recovery, and relief workers, and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

  • Call: 1-800-985-5990 [24/7, multilingual]
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517 [24/7]
  • Text: “TalkWithUs” (for English) or "Hablanos" (for Spanish) to 66746 [24/7]

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – A hotline with resources to aid in every child abuse situation. If you are being hurt, know someone who might be hurting, or are afraid you might hurt another, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. Your voice on the phone, your voice in text, or your online voice chatting with one of our professional crisis counselors will be a first step in breaking the silence and getting help. If you see any signs of abuse in someone you know, or if you yourself are involved in an abusive relationship, get help right away. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

  • Call: 1-800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453) [24/7 in over 170 languages]
  • Text: 1-800-422-4453 [24/7]
  • Click: "Live Chat" [24/7]

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

  • Call: 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) [24/7] To find out what to expect when calling, click here.
  • For Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-799-4889 [24/7]
  • Click: "Start Chat" to be connected to a crisis counselor [24/7]
  • Visit: You Matter, a safe space for youth to discuss and share stories about mental health and wellness

IMAlive – A live, online network that uses instant messaging to respond to people in crisis. 100% of volunteers trained and certified in crisis intervention.

  • Click: "Chat Now" to chat online with a volunteer [24/7]

loveisrespect – Highly-trained advocates offer support, information, and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. Information and support is also available for concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers, and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential. Learn what to expect when reaching out by clicking here.

  • Call: 1-866-331-9474 [24/7]
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-787-3224 [24/7]
  • Text: “LOVEIS” to 1-866-331-9474 or 22522 [24/7]
  • Click: "Chat" to start a live chat [24/7]

National Domestic Violence Hotline – A hotline that provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Highly trained, experienced advocates offer compassionate support, crisis intervention, information, educational services, and referral services in more than 200 languages. To find out what to expect when reaching out, click here.

  • Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) [24/7, multilingual]
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-787-3224
  • Reach advocates who are deaf: by videophone at 1-855-812-1001, instant messenger (DeafHotline) or email [Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm PST/12pm-8pm EST]
  • Click: "Chat" to reach an advocate [24/7]

RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network – Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Safe and confidential service.

National Human Trafficking Hotline – A national anti-trafficking hotline and resource center that connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Communication is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously. To learn more about what happens when you reach out, click here.

  • Call: 1-888-373-7888 [24/7 in more than 200 languages]
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired/Speech Impaired: 711 [24/7]
  • Text: BeFree (233733) [24/7]
  • Click: "Chat with an Advocate" to start a webchat [24/7]
  • Submit: an anonymous tip online (reviewed 4 times a day) [24/7]

Department of Defense Safe Helpline - Hotline for members of the Department of Defense (DoD) community affected by sexual assault. Completely anonymous, confidential specialized service - providing help and information anytime, anywhere. A Safe Helpline user can access one-on-one support, peer-to-peer support, information, resources, and self-care exercises to aid in their recovery. To learn how the helpline works, click here.

  • Call: 1-877-995-5247 [24/7]
  • Click: "Go Chat" to chat online with a trained staff member [24/7]
  • Download: Safe Helpline app to access support, get information and resources, and help managing your self-care [24/7]
  • Text: Your zip code or installation to 55-247 (in the US) or 202-470-5546 (outside of the US) to receive information about local and national responders and resources [24/7]
  • Click: "Join Group Chat Now" to connect to the Safe HelpRoom, a moderated and secure group chat service that allows survivors to connect with and support one another [24/7]

National Eating Disorders Association – An organization advocating on behalf of and supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

  • Call: 1-800-931-2237 [Mon-Thu, 11am-9pm EST & Fri, 11am-5pm EST – Holiday Closures]
  • Click: "Chat" to speak with a live, trained volunteer [Mon-Thu, 9am-9pm EST & Fri, 9am-5pm EST – Holiday Closures]
  • Text: 1-800-931-2237 [Mon-Thu, 3pm-6pm EST; holiday chat hours on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas Day from 10am-2pm EST]
  • For crisis situations, text: "NEDA" to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line

ANAD: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders – Promotes eating disorder awareness, prevention, and recovery through supporting, educating, and connecting individuals, families, and professionals.

  • Call: 1-630-577-1330 [Mon-Thu, 10am-10pm EST; Fri, 10am-6pm EST; Sun, 6pm-10pm EST]
  • Email: ANAD
  • Click: here to find ANAD Support Groups and eating disorder professionals in your area

S.A.F.E. Alternatives – A nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base, which is committed to helping you and others achieve an end to self-injurious behavior.

LGBT National Youth Talkline – Organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections, and resource information to youth with questions about sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

  • Call: 1-800-246-PRIDE (800-246-7743) [Mon-Fri, 4pm-12am EST & Sat, 12pm-5pm EST]
  • Click: "Click Here" to chat one-on-one for peer support [Mon-Fri, 4pm-12am EST & Sat, 12pm-5pm EST]
  • Email: help@LGBThotline.org for peer support
  • Join: weekly moderated chats for LGBT youth ages 19 and younger [Tue & Wed, 7pm-10pm EST] or for trans youth ages 19 and younger [Thu & Fri, 7pm-10pm EST]

The Trevor Project – Organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth

  • Call: the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 [24/7]
  • Click: "TrevorChat" for online instant messaging with a counselor [24/7]
  • Text: “START” to 678678 for confidential text messaging with a counselor [24/7]
  • Join: TrevorSpace, an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24
  • Visit: the Trevor Support Center, where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and more

Trans Lifeline - A national trans-led organization dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of our community with direct service, material support, advocacy, and education. Peer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning callers.

  • Call: 1-877-565-8860 [10am-4pm EST; volunteers may be available during off-hours, so please call whenever you need to] To learn what to expect when calling, click here.

Fenway Health LGBT Helpline & Peer Listening Line - CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE Helplines are anonymous and confidential phone lines that offer LGBTQ adults and young people a safe place to call for information, referrals, and support. Trained volunteers can help with a wide range of issues, including locating LGBT groups and services in your local area. All volunteers staffing the Peer Listening Line are 16-25 years old. 

  • Call: the Peer Listening Line for ages 25 and younger at 1-800-399-PEER (800-399-7337) [ Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm EST]
  • Call: the LGBT Helpline for ages 26 and older at 1-888-340-4528 [Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm EST]

Planned Parenthood – Information and resources covering sexual and reproductive health topics.

  • Call: 1-800-230-PLAN (800-230-7526) to be directed to a Planned Parenthood clinic near you and get counseling for STDs, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues.
  • Text: "PPNOW" to 774636
  • Click: "Chat Now" to get answers about pregnancy, birth control, emergency contraception, STDs, and abortion
  • Connect: with Roo, by clicking here on a mobile device or texting "Roo" to 22422, and get answers to your questions about sexual health, relationships, growing up, and more.
  • Download: the Planned Parenthood Direct app to get birth control or UTI prescriptions delivered to your door. Find out more about the app here.

American Sexual Health Association - Organization focused on educating, building alliances, and advocating for sexual health policy.

CDC-Info - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national contact center, offering live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, science-based health information on more than 750 health topics. 

  • Call: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) [Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm EST]
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-888-232-6348 [Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm EST]
  • Click: here to send a question [24/7]
Housing & Homelessness

Local Resources

Vermont Youth Development Program  – YDP supports youth who have been in DCF custody make the transition to young adulthood. YDP services encompass support, guidance, and financial assistance tailored to the individual needs and goals of you and your family. Focus areas include education, employment, self-sufficiency with transportation, housing, money management, health and risk reduction, permanency, and social and emotional well being.   

Pathways Vermont - Provides access to choice, connection, and home for Vermonters with mental health and other life challenges. The Pathways Vermont Support Line provides anonymous, non-judgmental support and connection from local peers who can listen, talk with you, provide insight, and help you face life's challenges. 

  • Call or text the Pathways Vermont Support Line: 833-VT-TALKS (833-888-2557) [every day, 3pm-6pm EST]

Vermont Tenants - Provides free information and referral services directly to tenants by phone and face-to-face tenant counseling.

  • Call the free tenant hotline: 802-864-0099 or 800-287-7971

Vermont State Housing Authority – Provides critical assistance for safe and affordable housing in Vermont.

Vermont Directory of Affordable Rental Housing - Tools to help Vermonters make informed decisions about affordable housing, such as a real-time directory of all Vermont apartments with rents made affordable by subsidies.

Vermont Agency of Human Services Office of Economic Opportunity - Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families that supports organizations around the state that provide direct services to low-income Vermonters.

Vermont Housing & Conservation Board - A non-profit organization working to ensure affordable housing, farmland, jobs, and recreational assets for Vermonters.

Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition – A group of 80 organizations committed to ensuring all Vermonters have decent, safe, and affordable housing.

Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness - The planning and governing body for Vermont's Balance of State Continuum of Care.

Chittenden County Homeless Alliance - A partnership of people, organizations, and government entities, serving Chittenden County, working together to make homelessness rare and brief.

Vermont Agency of Education – Information about Vermont's Education for Homeless Children and Youth program.

Vermont Center for Independent Living - A nonprofit organization directed and staffed by individuals with disabilities, works to promote the dignity, independence and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance to achieve independence, you can contact the Information, Referral & Assistance specialist.

  • Call the Information, Referral & Assistance Specialist: 1-800-639-1522 (Voice/TTY)

Vermont's Legal Help Website - A partnership between Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont providing general civil legal information and help finding free and low-cost civil legal aid, help, and services in Vermont. Visit the Housing page for information on housing discrimination, the foreclosure process, landlord/tenant rights, and other topics.

Vermont Council on Homelessness - A 22-member council appointed by the Governor to develop, monitor, and revise Vermont's Plan to End Homelessness. The Council makes annual recommendations to the Governor and Administration regarding resource, policy, and regulatory changes necessary to reduce and end homelessness in Vermont.

National Resources

National Network for Youth – The nation’s leading organization advocating to educate the public and policy makers about the needs of homeless and disconnected youth.

Runaway and Homeless Youth Training & Technical Assistance Center – Training and technical assistance provider for runaway and homeless youth service programs and grantees

National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth & Families - A national resource for organizations that support runaway and homeless youth and their families with programs and services.

National Resource Center for Youth Services – Training, technical assistance, and resource provider for the youth services community

The Search Institute – Leader and partner for organizations around the world in discovering what youth need to succeed. Research, resources, and expertise help partners in organizations, schools, and community coalitions solve critical challenges in the lives of young people. 

National Center for Homeless Education - The U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program.

National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth - A national membership association dedicated to ensuring educational equity and excellence for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Youth Collaboratory - A non-profit organization working with communities on coordinated responses to preventing and ending youth and young adult homelessness.

For Adults with Youth In Their Lives

Local Resources

Vermont Family Network - Empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs so that all children reach their potential.

  • Call: 1-800-800-4005 or 1-802-876-5315 [Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm)
  • Email: info@vtfn.org

Vermont Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health - Exists to support families and children where a child or youth, age 0-22, is experiencing or at risk to experience emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Vermont Judiciary Juvenile Court - Information, forms, and frequently asked questions related to juvenile court matters in Vermont.

Vermont Parent Representation Center, Inc. - A not-for-profit law, social work, and public policy organization that provides legal advocacy and family support services for parents at risk of having their children placed in state or other out-of-home custody.

VT Department for Children and Families Helplines & Hotlines - A list of helpful phone numbers to maintain benefits, get help with childcare, report abuse, etc.

General Resources

Adolescent Brain Development – Information from the National Institute of Mental Health on how the brain of an adolescent is changing and developing.

Positive Youth Development – Information on the intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups and families in a manner that is productive and constructive.

Adolescent Health & Youth Development – Research from the National Center for Children in Poverty about the transitional period between childhood and adulthood and the crucial milestones necessary to ensure optimal physical health, emotional health, and identity formation.

Search Institute – Research, resources, and expertise to help organizations, schools, and community coalitions solve critical challenges in the lives of young people so they have what they need to succeed.

YouthThrive – An approach from the Center for the Study of Social Policy that works to transform the systems serving youth in equitable ways so that all young people have the opportunity to succeed.

Advocates For Youth – Partnering with youth leaders, adult allies, and youth-serving organizations to advocate for policies and champion programs that recognize young people’s rights to honest sexual health information; accessible, confidential, and affordable sexual health services; and the resources and opportunities necessary to create sexual health equity for all youth.

Child Trends – A group that improves the lives and prospects of children and youth by conducting high-quality research and sharing the resulting knowledge with practitioners and policy makers.

Words Can Work – Website for parents and educators that provides guidance in talking about a range of issues with children and youth, including sexual health, mental health, and opioid addition.

National Parent Helpline - A toll free helpline designed to build on the strength of families. Helpline Advocates are available to provide emotional support and referrals to parents, caregivers, and organizations.

  • Call: 1-855-4A PARENT (855-427-2736) [Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm PST/1pm-10pm EST, English & Spanish]

Child Welfare Information Gateway - Parenting tips, resources, and assistance locating help in your community.

Parent Up - A resource to help parents talk with their children about drug and alcohol use.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Resources on trauma for parents, adoptive parents, resource/foster parents, grandparents, caregivers, and all others who care for children and youth.

Adverse Childhood Experiences - Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how they can be prevented by assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships, and environments

LGBT Youth Resources - Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for LGBT youth and their friends/supporters.

Talking to Teens About Anxiety - A guide from the Child Mind Institute that offers basic tips on talking with teens about a variety of subjects related to anxiety, such as the intersection of social media and social anxiety, how anxiety is a risk factor for serious issues like depression and substance use, and the difference between an anxious temperament and an anxiety disorder. 

Evicted? Doubled Up? Your Child Has the Right to Stay in School!  A Know Your Rights Toolkit for Families who Lack Stable Housing - Developed by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, this toolkit provides information about how the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the rights of children and youth to stay in schools while their families are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents - A brief from the National Center for Homeless Education to help you address concerns and offer additional assistance.

For Member Agencies

Please visit the new For Member Agencies section of our website!