Survival and Community Resources
Resources for those struggling with poverty, homelessness, disability, healthcare access, and navigating social services. Whether you need immediate aid or long-term strategies, start here.
Mutual Aid Networks
Mutual Aid
Link
Description
r/MutualAid Active subreddit for requesting mutual aid, asking questions, and finding community support.
Mutual Aid 101 Toolkit (PDF) Essential reading. A step-by-step guide on how to build a mutual aid network in your own neighborhood.
Mutual Aid Group Resources Open-source library of templates, guides, and tools for running a mutual aid group (via Mutual Aid NYC).
Steal This Wiki - Survive A comprehensive collection of survival resources, direct action guides, and DIY living strategies.
The Big Book of Everything A system for organizing your vital documents and information (financial, legal, medical) in case of emergencies.
Nolo: Renters' Rights Comprehensive legal encyclopedia covering lease laws, privacy, evictions, and repairs for all 50 states.
Wikis and Guides
Link
Description
r/Homeless (Friends!) A subreddit for those who are homeless, unhoused, or about to be. They feature this page in their wiki ❤️
r/almosthomeless Wiki Subreddit for those who are about to be homeless.
Steal This Wiki - Survive A comprehensive collection of survival resources, direct action guides, and DIY living strategies.
The Big Book of Everything A system for organizing your vital documents and information (financial, legal, medical) in case of emergencies.
Nolo: Renters' Rights Comprehensive legal encyclopedia covering lease laws, privacy, evictions, and repairs for all 50 states.
Poverty and Homelessness
Government and Nonprofit Assistance
Link
Description
FindHelp.org Search by zip code for local food pantries, housing assistance, and financial help. Highly recommended starting point.
211.org Call 2-1-1 or visit the site for 24/7 confidential help with housing, food, and crisis support.
Lifeline Program Federal program providing discounted or free phone and internet service for low-income households.
SafeLink Wireless Free smartphone and service for those on government benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, VA Benefits, SSI, etc).
TextNow Wireless Unlimited 5G text and talk for those who do not qualify for the Lifeline Program. No data and ad supported, but a legitimate option if you desperately need service. Free eSIM or $4 for a physical SIM.
LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Help with heating and cooling bills.
Gov Home Repair Programs Directory of federal assistance programs for home repairs and modifications (USA).
Furniture Bank Network Furniture Bank Network's map of North American furniture banks (a place where you can go to get free furniture if you cannot afford any).
Compudopt Provides free computers, internet connectivity, and technology education to under-resourced youth and communities.
Food and Scavenging
Link
Description
FoodFinder Map of food pantries nationwide.
Feeding America Find your local food bank and holiday food boxes.
211 Food Finder United Way's essential resource for finding local food assistance.
Plentiful A free app to find food pantries and reserve times to avoid waiting in lines.
Falling Fruit A massive collaborative map of urban foraging locations. Find free fruit, nuts, and edible plants in your city.
r/DumpsterDiving Community advice, safety tips, and first-hand accounts of finding food and goods in the trash.
Wild Fermentation Guide to preserving food without refrigeration. Learn to make sauerkraut, pickles, and sourdough.
Safe Food Temp Chart Official USDA guide on safe internal temperatures for cooking meat and food handling. Essential for safety.
Eating Acorns Guide Guide on processing acorns (leaching tannins) to make them edible flour. A vital wild food skill.
Guerrilla Gardening Intro to planting food and pollinators in neglected public spaces.
Food Pantries List of food pantries within your city
Pantry Ready An interactive online tool meant for food pantry goers, to assist with meal planning
DIY Living and Hygiene
Link
Description
Laundry "Spa Day" Guide A detailed breakdown of how to deep-clean clothes (stripping) to make them feel new again. Useful if you lack regular machine access or buy second-hand.
Washing Clothes Without a Washer Is Easier Than You Think An article detailing how to wash regular clothes by hand in a tub or basin
r/castiron How to take care of a cat iron skillet. Seasoning, repair, rust, etc.
Primitive Toothcare (Zine) A DIY guide to maintaining oral hygiene without modern dentistry. "Uncivilized" methods for tough situations.
FreeCampsites.net Community-driven map and database of free camping locations, public lands, and boondocking spots.
It's Vacant, Take It! Essential guide on finding empty buildings, securing a squat, and dealing with property owners.
Squatters' Handbook Practical tips on the legalities of squatting, turning on utilities, and fighting evictions.
Shoplifting: The Art and the Science (PDF) Educational/Informational PDF. "This book is intended to raise consciousness of what shoplifting entails and what issues are linked to it."
Cloak and Dagger (PDF) Zine covering dumpster diving and other survival tactics.
Parenting, Family, and Childcare
Parenting, Family, and Childcare
Link
Description
r/Parenting A subreddit for parents, by parents. They have multiple helpful wikis on parenting, sexual health, crisis, and more. I suggest starting here!
National Diaper Bank Network Directory Directory of diaper banks located in the USA
Disability Resources
Financial, Insurance, and Beaurocracy
Link
Description
ABLE Today Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities that allow you to save money *without* losing government benefits (like SSI/Medicaid).
Medicaid Eligibility Check your eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP by state.
Survival Guides and Community Support
Link
Description
How to Get On "A self-advocacy guide for anyone who is homebound or bedbound in the US."
Goons with Spoons A wiki of cooking resources and recipes designed for "spoonies" (people with limited energy/chronic illness).
Can I Play That? Video game accessibility reviews for deaf, blind, and disabled gamers.
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Blind and Visually Impaired
Link
Description
DOTS RPG Project - Braille RPG Dice
↳ Download Page
Free 3D printable braille RPG dice, like for Dungeons and Dragons. Also available for purchase.
Tools for Independence Formerly known as "the Free White Cane and Free Slate and Stylus program," Tools for Independence offers a free white cane and a free slate and stylus to all blind or low-vision Americans in need.
New Eyes A program providing free glasses to youth and adults in need
Vision Care Financial Assistance Information A directory of websites, contact information and programs that provide financial assitance for eye/vision care.
EyeCare America Eyecare America provides underinsured and uninsured adults with one time referrals for free medical eye exams done by volunteer doctors.
Zenni Optical Affordable glasses online. Can be used to order eyewear without verifying a doctor's prescription (you can input your own numbers if you know them).
ZeeLool Very affordable eyeglasses online. Can be used to order eyewear without verifying a doctor's prescription. My prescription with standard single vision lenses was quoted at $18.35 including shipping.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Trauma Disorders
Uncategorized
Link
Description
OpenAPS The Open Artificial Pancreas System project. An open source effort to make safe and effective basic Artificial Pancreas System technology widely available to reduce the burden of Type 1 diabetes.
Healthcare and First Aid
Free and Low-Cost Access
Link
Description
GoodRx Compare pharmacy prices and get free coupons to lower prescription costs significantly.
ScriptCycle Another option for prescription discounts.
NeedyMeds National non-profit directory connecting people to programs that assist with healthcare and medication costs.
First Aid
Gynecological Care, Birth Control and Menstruation
Link
Description
Aid Access Ordering abortion pills online for shipping to the US (even restricted states).
All-Options Unbiased peer counseling and support for abortion, adoption, surrogacy, and parenting.
Crisis Pregnancy Center Map Interactive directory helping users identify and avoid fake clinics and anti-abortion centers.
Expose Fake Clinics Information and reporting campaign identifying deceptive crisis pregnancy centers.
Hey Jane Online telehealth clinic providing telemedicine abortion care, birth control, and sexual health services.
I Need an Abortion Vetted, vetted search engine to locate verified abortion clinics, mail-order pills, and funding support.
Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline Free, confidential medical advice from doctors for managing miscarriages or self-managed abortions.
Missed Period Pills Information and resources regarding period pills taken before pregnancy is confirmed.
National Network of Abortion Funds Directory connecting patients with local and national funds for financial, travel, and practical care support.
Plan C Pills Guide and directory for accessing abortion pills by mail across all 50 states.
Repro Legal Helpline Free legal advice and information regarding self-managed abortion and reproductive rights.
Reprocare Peer-based emotional and practical support healthline for individuals taking abortion pills.
The Brigid Alliance Travel, lodging, childcare, and logistical funding support for individuals traveling for abortion care.
U.S. Abortion Clinic Locator Comprehensive directory of verified provider locations, telemedicine options, and assistance programs.
HOW TO HAVE AN ABORTION WITH MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL (PDF)
↳ Mirror (Locally Hosted)
A step by step guide on how to self-administer mifepristone and misoprostol to have a safe, successful abortion.
Abortion Zines Archive Collection of zines covering self-managed abortion, history, and aftercare.
Sterilization-Friendly Doctors Crowdsourced list of doctors who will perform tubal ligations/hysterectomies without gatekeeping.
Opill The first FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill. No prescription required.
Free the Pill Directory of where to get birth control pills online, including low-cost options.
Plan C Pills Guide to accessing abortion pills by mail in all 50 states.
Alliance for Period Supplies Directory of local programs providing free menstrual products in the US.
r/PeriodPantry A subreddit dedicated to requesting and providing free menstrual products.
Planned Parenthood Health centers Many centers offer free pads, tampons, and cups upon request. They may also offer condoms, pregnancy tests, and low-cost emergency contraceptive pills.
Put A Cup In It Quiz to help you find the right menstrual cup (reusable options save money long-term).
Homemade Reusable Cloth Pads Tutorial and FREE Pattern Approachable, if not a bit lengthy, reusable cloth pad tutorial. Can be completed in as little as 20 minutes for experienced seamsters.
Condoms, PrEP and STI testing
Psychiatric Care, Crisis and Hospitalization
Link
Description
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources (Call or Text 988).
MindFreedom International - Resources Resources for those who have been involuntarily committed to psychiatric treatment.
Kids Help Phone (Canada) 24/7 mental health support for youth. Excellent self-guided resources for anxiety, depression, and crisis.
MaleSurvivor Resources, support groups, and healing communities specifically tailored for men who have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or trauma.
1in6 24/7 confidential online helpline, support groups, and resources for male survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
HeadsUpGuys Targeted depression and suicide prevention resource providing practical tools, self-assessments, and support for men facing mental health struggles.
Uncategorized Healthcare
Link
Description
VitaminDWiki Comprehensive, science-based information on Vitamin D supplementation (for those who don't get enough sun/outdoors time).
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory A searchable database of doctors and providers in the USA who have verified they are queer-safe and competent.
Healthcare Bill of Rights A wallet-sized PDF you can print that lists your legal rights as a queer patient. Good to carry with you.
Education and Employment
Low Cost and Free Education
Link
Description
Khan Academy Free, comprehensive online learning platform covering math, science, humanities, and test preparation.
freeCodeCamp Learn to code for free and earn certifications.
Open Learn Free courses on a huge variety of topics, many with certificates of completion.
Atomic Hands STEM education resources in ASL (American Sign Language).
Be There Certificate Free, self-paced course on how to recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health and how to support them.
University of the People A WSAC and BPPE accredited online university without tuition costs - students still pay price of classes. Scholarships available.
Employment Resources
Link
Description
JobCorps A US Government funded program for youth ages 16 through 24 that provides career training. They provide food, shelter, basic medical care, transportation, and a small monthly allowance.
My Next Move Interactive career exploration tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor to help job seekers find career paths and skills training.
PRIDE Industries Nonprofit organization providing job training, placement, and support services for individuals with disabilities and employment barriers.
Honest Jobs Employment marketplace specifically for people with a criminal record.
CoolWorks Jobs with housing provided.
Occupation Wild Outdoorsy jobs, jobs with travel, some include food and lodging.
Immigration
Safety Note: If you are undocumented, be careful sharing personal details online. Use a VPN and Tor Browser when researching legal options.
Noticia de Seguridad: Si usted no tiene documentos o papeles, que tenga cuidado cuando este compartiendo detalles personales en linea. Use un VPN y/o el browser TOR para investigar opciones legales.
ICE
Link
Description
ICE List "The ICE List Wiki is a public, verifiable record of immigration enforcement activity in the United States."
Know Your Rights with ICE Crucial guides on what to do if ICE comes to your home, work, or stops you on the street. Available in multiple languages.
LGBTQIA+
Link
Description
National Immigrant Justice Center Provides legal services specifically for LGBTQ+ immigrants, including those in detention centers.
LGBT Asylum Project San Francisco-based group helping LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking asylum in the US. Great for high-risk cases.
Immigration Equality The leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization. Provides direct free legal representation to asylum seekers.
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A Note on Our Geographic Focus
This manual is made by Americans, for Americans. Most resources are US-specific due to our worsening political climate. International folks may still find value here, but be aware that laws, services, and contexts will differ in your region.
