You Need Help. We've Got You.
Whether you lost your job, are facing housing insecurity, or just need someone to point you in the right direction — this page is for you. No sign-up required. No judgment.
🚨 Emergency Resources
Free, immediate help — available right now.
211 Helpline
Free · 24/7Free, confidential service connecting you to local food, housing, employment, health, and crisis services. Available 24/7.
Call or text 211
SNAP (Food Assistance)
Federal BenefitApply for food stamps online. If you lost your job, you may qualify immediately — processing can take as little as 7 days.
Apply for SNAP
Medicaid / Free Healthcare
Free HealthcareLost your job-based insurance? You may qualify for Medicaid. Apply anytime — no open enrollment required.
Check eligibility
Unemployment Benefits
File Same DayFile for unemployment the same day you lose your job. There's a waiting period — the sooner you file, the sooner you get paid.
File now by state
National Crisis Hotline
Crisis Support · 24/7If you're overwhelmed, hopeless, or in crisis — call or text 988. Free, confidential, and available every hour of every day.
Call or text 988
Emergency Food Banks
No PaperworkFeeding America's network includes 200+ food banks nationwide. Find free food near you — no paperwork required at most locations.
Find a food bank
💼 Lost Your Job? Start Here.
The first 30 days after a layoff are the most important. Here's what to do.
File for Unemployment First
Do this on Day 1 — before updating your resume, before anything. Most states have a 1-week waiting period. Every day you delay costs you money.
Tell Your Network Immediately
More than 70% of jobs are filled through connections — not job boards. Send a short message to 20 people today: 'I'm looking for X — do you know anyone?'
Fast-Hire Industries Right Now
Healthcare (CNAs, aides), logistics/warehousing, grocery retail, gig work (delivery, rideshare), and skilled trades are actively hiring in most markets.
Gig Work as a Bridge
DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats approvals take 2–5 days. Not a career — but $400–$700/week while you job search is real income.
Read our full job recovery guides
Resume tips, side hustles, and step-by-step layoff survival plans.
🏠 Housing Crisis & Emergency Shelter
If you're at risk of losing housing or already have, these resources can help tonight.
Shelter Finder (211)
Call or text 211 to find emergency shelter near you. Operators know local availability in real time.
Call 211
HUD Rental Assistance
The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers emergency rental assistance, public housing, and Section 8 vouchers.
Find HUD help
National Homeless Hotline
1-800-HOMELESS (1-800-466-3637). Connects you to local shelters, transitional housing, and services 24/7.
Call 1-800-HOMELESS
Salvation Army
Emergency shelter, food, utilities assistance, and transitional housing in communities across the US.
Find local help
Know Your State Laws — Homelessness is Criminalized in Some States
Several US states have passed laws making it illegal to sleep in public spaces or live in your vehicle. Know the risks before you settle somewhere.
HB 1365 (2024)
Florida banned public camping and sleeping in public spaces statewide. Cities are required to direct homeless individuals to government-approved campsites or face fines. Living in your car on public property is illegal in many jurisdictions.
SB 971 (2023)
Tennessee made camping on public property a Class E felony — punishable by up to 6 years in prison and loss of voting rights. This is one of the harshest anti-camping laws in the country.
HB 1925 (2021)
Texas banned homeless camping statewide in public areas, with fines up to $500. Enforcement varies by city.
Various local ordinances
Several Missouri cities have ordinances against sleeping in vehicles or public spaces. Check local laws before settling.
Laws change frequently. Always verify current local ordinances. This is not legal advice.
🤝 Find Your Community
You don't have to go through this alone. Real people are here.
Join a Community
Find people going through the same things — job loss, housing, food insecurity. Share experiences and get support.
Read Real Stories
Articles written by real people who've been through layoffs, housing crisis, and came out the other side.
Budget & Life Tools
Free tools to track your spending, find savings, and stretch every dollar while you get back on your feet.
You're taking the right steps today.
Getting through a crisis takes everything you have. But when you're ready — even just a little — BttB will be here to help you build a life where the next crisis doesn't hit as hard. That's what self-sufficiency really means.
Your journey forward — at your own pace
Step 1
SurviveYou are here
Emergency shelter, food, crisis support. You are here — and that's okay.
Step 2
Stabilize
Find income, manage money, know your rights. Build a floor under your feet.
Step 3
Grow
Learn new skills, join a community, start building real independence.
Step 4
Thrive
Self-sufficient, resilient, and ready to help the next person on their journey.
BttB is your companion for every stage. Bookmark this page. Come back when you're ready for the next step. We'll be here.
Know a resource we should add? Write about it and help the next person who lands here.
Resource links point to external organizations. BttB is not affiliated with any listed service.