You have 14 tabs open, a baby on your hip, and one question: who do I call? Here is the cheat sheet. Bookmark this page and stop the endless searching. Every link below goes to an official DC source, so you get the real answer from the real place.
Quick Numbers
- Emergency: 911
- City services and “who do I call?”: 3-1-1 in DC, or (202) 737-4404 from outside DC. 24 hours a day. (source)
- Someone to talk to (DC Behavioral Health Access HelpLine): 1-888-793-4357 (source)
- WIC: 202-442-9397 (source)
- Strong Start early intervention referral: (202) 727-3665 (source)
- Parks and Recreation: (202) 673-7647 (source)
Quick Links by Topic
My Ward and My Neighbors
Babies and Little Ones
- Help Me Grow DC (free helpline, ages 0 to 5)
- Strong Start referral (free, birth to age 3)
- Apply for WIC
Child Care and School
- My Child Care DC
- Child Care Subsidy Program (check the waitlist notice)
- My School DC (lottery and applications)
- Find your in-boundary school
- Office of the Student Advocate
Health, Food, and Money
- DC Healthy Families (Medicaid)
- District Direct app (food, cash, and medical benefits)
- Financially Fit DC
- Paid Family Leave
Out and About
Want the Full Story?
When you have a little more time, our longer guides go deeper: all eight DC wards, Thriving in DC, Navigate DC Like a Pro, and Your Neighborhood, Your People, Your Resources. For real-mom tips, try The Neighborhood Survival Guide.
A note on accuracy: numbers and programs change. If a link or number does not work, call 3-1-1 and ask to be pointed to the right office.
Elizabeth Redd, the Publisher of this website, grew up in a small town called Newhall, West Virginia, before moving to Washington, DC, in 1964. She worked in Prince George's County Public School System in Maryland for 40 years, opened a wig shop, made clothes, and participated in fashion shows during the '70s and '80s. She worked part-time as a caterer for a couple of years. Hand dancing has been one of her passions. She has also worked in Internet marketing for the last ten years. She also has a passion for learning new things.
She has learned that success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life but by the obstacles one has overcome while trying to succeed. One thing is for sure: she is living her best life.
