Community Resource Checklist

Local services to identify in advance: shelters, clinics, transit hubs, and support organizations.

Community Resource Checklist

How to Use This Checklist

Use this checklist to map out nearby places and services that might be useful for safety, health, or basic needs. You can write details on paper, in a note on your phone, or in another safe place.

Shelters

Identify shelters that may offer short-term housing, safety, or support services.

• Names of nearby shelters
• Address and nearest intersection for each shelter
• Phone numbers (main line and any 24/7 line)
• Admission process (call first, walk-in, referral needed)
• Eligibility (gender, age, family status, pets, accessibility)
• Languages available
• Distance from home, work, school
• Transportation options to get there (walking routes, transit, taxi)
• Back-up shelters if the first option is full

Clinics and Health Services

List health resources that could be useful for medical care or documentation.

• Nearest urgent care or walk-in clinic
• Nearest hospital emergency department
• Community health centers
• Sexual health or forensic exam services, if available in your area
• Phone numbers and after-hours contact instructions
• Hours of operation for each clinic
• Identification or documents usually requested
• Insurance or payment options (including low-cost or no-cost options)
• Safe way to get there (routes, transport options)

Police Stations and Legal Contact Points

Identify law enforcement or related locations you might choose to contact.

• Address of the closest police station
• Non-emergency police phone number
• Local station hours (if not 24/7)
• Safest route to the station from home, work, and usual locations
• Any specialized domestic violence or family safety units, if available
• Contact information for any local legal aid or advocacy groups you might use
• Where to store this information so it is easy to reach but still feels safe

Transit Lines and Transportation Options

Note transport options that might help you leave quickly or reach safer places.

• Nearest bus, train, or subway stops to home and work
• Lines that go toward:
  • Shelters you have listed
  • Trusted friends or relatives
  • Clinics and hospitals
  • Police stations, if you might choose to go there
• First and last daily departure times for key routes
• Frequency of service (e.g., every 10 minutes, hourly)
• Alternative routes if the main route is closed or delayed
• Safe meeting points near transit stops (well-lit, public places)
• Taxi or rideshare options you might use, if that feels appropriate
• Any prepaid cards, passes, or stored value you can keep accessible

24/7 Services

List services that are clearly available all day and night, every day.

• 24/7 crisis or helpline numbers you may want to keep handy
• Any 24/7 shelter intake phone lines
• Hospitals or emergency departments that operate 24/7
• 24/7 taxi or transport services in your area
• 24/7 security or front desk contacts for your building, if available
• National or regional hotlines relevant to safety, legal information, or housing
• Interpreter or language-access services that can be reached at any time

Organizing Your Information

Consider creating a simple record of these details in one or more places.

• Write a short list on paper that can be folded and stored discreetly
• Create a note in your phone with neutral labels (for example, “Clinic A”, “Bus Route 3”)
• Store important numbers under code names if that feels safer
• Share key details with a trusted person, if that feels appropriate
• Review this list regularly and update addresses, numbers, and hours

Quick Review Checklist

You can use this short checklist to see what you have already covered.

• Shelters:
  • At least two options listed with addresses and phone numbers
  • Basic eligibility information noted
• Clinics:
  • Nearest urgent care or hospital identified
  • Hours and access details written down
• Police and legal points:
  • Local station address and non-emergency number listed
  • Any relevant legal or advocacy contacts noted
• Transit:
  • Main routes to key locations mapped out
  • First/last service times recorded
• 24/7 services:
  • Key 24/7 phone numbers collected
  • At least one always-open medical facility identified
• Storage:
  • Information saved in at least one safe, accessible place
  • Plan to review and update the list regularly

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• Safety Planning Checklist
• Gathering Evidence
• Documenting Incidents
• Digital Safety Basics
• Packing a Go-Bag