Finding Support and Safety: Resources in Fresno, CA

Fresno offers vital resources for individuals facing difficult circumstances, including exploitation or involvement in dangerous situations. If you or someone you know needs help, safety, or a way out, numerous local organizations provide confidential support, healthcare, legal aid, and pathways to stability.

What Support Services Are Available in Fresno for Vulnerable Individuals?

Several Fresno organizations focus on helping individuals escape exploitation, find safety, and rebuild their lives. They offer crisis intervention, safe housing, counseling, and case management.

• Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHT): Provides comprehensive services to survivors of human trafficking, including 24/7 crisis response, emergency shelter, case management, legal advocacy, and therapy. (559) 214-1111.
• Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) Central Valley Against Human Trafficking Program: Offers outreach, case management, shelter, and support services specifically for trafficking survivors. (559) 263-1140.
• Fresno County Department of Social Services: Can connect individuals with emergency housing, food assistance (CalFresh), healthcare (Medi-Cal), and other essential safety net programs.
• Rape Counseling Services (RCS Fresno): Provides 24/7 crisis support, counseling, advocacy, and resources for survivors of sexual assault and exploitation. 24-Hour Hotline: (559) 222-7273.

Where Can Individuals Access Healthcare and Mental Health Support?

Accessing healthcare, including sexual health services and mental health support, is crucial. Fresno has clinics offering confidential and low-cost care.

• Fresno County Department of Public Health – Sexual Health Services: Provides confidential testing and treatment for STIs, HIV testing and counseling, and education. (559) 600-6401.
• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (Fresno Health Center): Offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing/treatment, birth control, and wellness exams. (559) 486-7371.
• Mental Health Access Line (Fresno County): Provides information, referrals, and crisis support for mental health services. Call or text 988 or (800) 654-3937.
• Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC): Offers walk-in crisis mental health services and ongoing support. (559) 600-9170.

What Legal Assistance is Available?

Understanding legal rights and accessing legal aid is important. Resources include:

• Central California Legal Services (CCLS): Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, potentially including issues related to exploitation, housing, benefits, and family law. (559) 570-1200.
• Victim Witness Assistance Center (Fresno County District Attorney’s Office): Offers support, information, and advocacy for victims of crime, including help navigating the criminal justice system and accessing victim compensation. (559) 600-3150.
• California Victims Compensation Board (CalVCB): Can provide financial assistance for crime-related expenses (medical bills, counseling, lost income, relocation) for eligible victims. (800) 777-9229.

Are There Programs to Help Individuals Exit High-Risk Situations?

Yes, specialized programs focus on helping individuals leave situations of exploitation and build sustainable futures.

• CVAHT & Fresno EOC CVAHT Program: (See contact info above) Both programs specifically focus on exit strategies, including long-term housing support (like transitional housing), job training, education assistance, and life skills development tailored for survivors.
• Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation (FAWIC): Offers job training, placement assistance, and career counseling services that can be crucial for economic independence. (559) 230-3000.
• Fresno County Probation – Specialized Supervision Programs: For those involved in the justice system, specialized caseloads may offer enhanced support and connection to services aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting stability.

How Can Someone Report Exploitation or Seek Immediate Help?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected human trafficking or exploitation:

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888, text 233733 (BEFREE), or chat online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Operates 24/7, confidential, and can connect to local Fresno resources.
• Fresno Police Department: Non-emergency line: (559) 621-7000. Ask to speak to Vice or the Human Trafficking Unit if reporting exploitation.
• Fresno County Sheriff’s Office: Non-emergency line: (559) 600-3111.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. These resources are available confidentially to offer support, safety, and a path forward without judgment.