Essentials
Most in early recovery have little to nothing to their name. This page is full of resources that can aid in recovery life and life in general. In the links provided you can find access to free cell phones, transportation, and more.
1
Free Phone Services
Communication is key for recovery. In order to build up support networks, and break old habits, those in recovery need a phone. Sometimes it is important to do so to protect yourself from calling old using acquaintances and dealers. If you need a phone at no charge and meet the criteria, you could get a free government phone. If you do not like that option, we have listed the top cheap wireless providers as well. In order to break old habits we have to start taking responsibility for ourselves. Starting with a phone at no or low cost to you is a great way to break the cycle of co-dependence.
Free Phone Links
Cheap Phone Plans
2
Transportation Services
Virginia Free Ride/ Low Cost Transportation Resources
Ride United is a free transportation service for the Rappahannock area, however, you must have the LYFT app installed on your phone to access your free ride.
Lets Go Services is a non-profit organization in Richmond, Virginia that provides donation-based transportation services for veterans, families in need, senior citizens, and those in our community with disabilities.
Medicaid offers non-emergency transportation assistance statewide. Click the link to access important numbers.
Free Rides to Work (Richmond, VA)
Individuals under 200% of the federal poverty level with dependent children and TANF eligibility can receive fully covered rides to work, education, and childcare via Community Transportation Inc. or Dependacare vans.
I-RIDE Transportation (South Hampton Roads & Western Tidewater)
Free rides for residents aged 60+ within a 30-minute drive zone (includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton County).
DAV Medical Transportation (Veterans)
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization offers free volunteer-driver transportation to and from VA medical facilities for injured or ill veterans across the U.S.
Metro Lift Reduced-Fare Program (NOVA/DC Metro Area) SNAP benefit recipients in DC, Maryland, or Virginia can apply for free enrollment in Metro Lift for a 50% discount on Metrorail and Metrobus fares for one year.
Fairfax Connector – Free & Reduced-Fare Programs (Fairfax County)
Student Bus Pass: Middle and high school students ride Fairfax Connector and Fairfax City CUE buses for free (valid 5 a.m.–10 p.m., daily).
Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP): Low-income riders receive a 50% fare reduction on Fairfax Connector routes plus free transfers to Metrobus and Metrorail.
CUE Bus (Fairfax City “City. University. Everyone" Fairfax’s local bus system has been operating fare-free under a pilot program through at least June 2026.
Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) City transit in Charlottesville is fare-free through June 2026, including a free trolley connecting downtown to the University of Virginia. UVA students, faculty, and staff ride free with ID.
3
Food Banks
Use search engines like Feeding America and Virginia Federation of Food Banks to find a food bank, meals on wheels, and children's food resources.
4
Free Clothing
Catholic Charities is a wonderful organization that helps those in need in various ways, including clothing (based out of Arlington, Virginia).
FindHelp.Org is a valuable resource when it comes to finding free or little to no cost help. All you need to do is type in your zip code and explore the options they have for clothing (and more) in your area.
5
Free/Discounted Clothing RVA
Organizations like the Caring Closet offer free clothes to those in need and offer a list of resources to places that hand out free clothes to the public in the Richmond, Virginia area.
Mercy Mall is a free boutique offering clothing, housewares, and baby items to families and individuals overcoming challenges. Their mission is to provide essentials in a dignified, supportive environment while connecting guests to long-term stability resources.
Community Thrift is a nonprofit thrift store that offers affordable secondhand items and partners with local agencies to provide free clothing, food, and household goods through a voucher program.
6
Free/Discounted Clothing Maryland
Through its “Rescued Treasures” program, Frederick Rescue Mission provides free, gently used clothing for men, women, and children in need across Maryland.
House of Ruth Maryland-Ruth’s Closet offers free women’s clothing and accessories to survivors of intimate partner violence, helping restore dignity and confidence.
Interfaith Works (Rockville) offers free clothing and home goods to low-income families in Montgomery County, serving thousands each year.
Shepherd’s Table (Silver Spring) provides free clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories to individuals and families, alongside meals and support services.
Located in La Plata, LifeStyles of Maryland-Rosemary’s Closet offers casual and professional clothing to households in need, including families overcoming domestic violence.
HOPE For All provides free clothing, furniture, and household essentials to families transitioning from homelessness or facing financial hardship.
The Franciscan Center of Baltimore distributes free clothing, meals, hygiene products, and case management support to individuals and families in crisis.
7
Housing
Our Sober Living page offers a variety of affordable living spaces for those in recovery. But what about those in recovery who have no income or are homeless? While we wish our grants and other grants listed on our Sober Living page could help everyone it cannot. Below, we are collecting information on housing programs and shelter options for those who are displaced.
Virginia Housing and Family Support Resources
At Housing Families First, the mission is simple yet powerful: Every family deserves a home. Serving the Richmond region since 2001, they provide emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and long-term support for families experiencing homelessness. Programs like Hilliard House, Building Neighbors, and Bringing Families Home help parents and children move quickly into safe, permanent housing—while also connecting them with childcare, tutoring, employment assistance, and community resources.
HomeAgain (Richmond, VA)
Offers emergency shelters and community housing programs helping families and individuals secure and maintain stable housing.
Virginia Housing Alliance (Statewide)
Statewide nonprofit focused on expanding affordable housing and ending homelessness through advocacy, education, and support.
Virginia Homeless Solutions Program (Statewide)
A state program that funds local emergency housing, rapid re-housing, and crisis response systems across Virginia.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS)
Runs the SERVE Family Shelter (90 beds) and provides rental, utility, and case management support to families in Northern Virginia.
New Hope Housing (Northern VA)
The oldest and largest family homelessness provider in Northern Virginia, offering shelters, housing, and supportive services.
Homestretch (Virginia)
Helps families experiencing homelessness achieve long-term self-sufficiency through housing, education, and financial support.
Our Community Place (Harrisonburg, VA)
Provides meals, case management, and housing placement assistance while serving as a community center for individuals in need.
Maryland Housing & Family Support Resources
Advocates for Homeless Families (Frederick County, MD)
Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing for families and individuals in crisis. Operating since 1988 .
Maryland Department of Human Services – Homeless Services
Connects those at risk of eviction or homelessness to prevention programs, emergency assistance, and community services via state systems .
Family Promise (Maryland affiliates)
A national nonprofit with Maryland chapters that prevent and end family homelessness through community-based support and services .
Sarah’s House (Anne Arundel County, MD)
Provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, rapid re-housing, meals, employment services, behavioral health support, and case management to families in need .
Arundel House of Hope (Anne Arundel County, MD)
Offers emergency, transitional, and permanent affordable housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness .
Harford Family House (Harford County, MD)
The largest provider of shelter and support services in Harford County, helping families and individuals achieve housing stability and independence. (410) 273-6700
Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (Rockville, MD)
Works to end homelessness in Montgomery County through shelter, supportive services, and community engagement .
Howard County Housing & Community Development (Howard County, MD)
County agency offering affordable housing programs, rental assistance, homeownership initiatives, emergency grant services, and public housing administration .
Associated Catholic Charities (Baltimore & surrounding counties)
Operates ~80 programs offering shelter, food, meals, family support, behavioral health, and more across Baltimore and multiple central Maryland counties .
The House of Ruth Maryland (Baltimore area)
Serves survivors of domestic violence (many with children), offering emergency/transitional housing, counseling, legal aid, and supportive services .
211 Maryland (Statewide Resource Hotline)
Dial 2-1-1 to access hundreds of local programs—including rent, utility, food, and homelessness prevention assistance—statewide. It’s free, confidential, and available to everyone .