If you need shelter tonight, call 211, which connects to your area's homelessness services and shelters, or contact your local coordinated entry access point. If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Youth can call the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-786-2929. Veterans can call 1-877-424-3838.
How it works
The short version, before the detail.
Most areas organise their homelessness services through a Continuum of Care - a local network of shelters, outreach teams and housing programmes funded partly by HUD. Access is usually through coordinated entry: a single assessment, at a hotline, drop-in centre or by an outreach worker, that places you on a priority list for housing programmes based on need.
Emergency shelter is the immediate response: a bed for the night or a short stay. Shelters differ - some serve families, some single adults, some only men or only women, some young people. Capacity is often tight, especially in winter, and some shelters fill each day by a set time.
Beyond shelter, the system offers housing programmes. Rapid rehousing helps people move quickly into a rental home with short-term rent help and support. Permanent supportive housing combines long-term rental help with services for people with disabilities and long histories of homelessness. Prevention funds help people about to lose housing stay put.
Specialised help exists for particular groups: domestic violence shelters with confidential locations, youth shelters and drop-ins, veterans' programmes through the VA and SSVF, and services for families with children that work with schools.
If you are still housed but about to lose it - an eviction date, a relative asking you to leave - say so. Prevention help is far easier to provide before someone ends up on the street.
Who usually qualifies
Factors the agency looks at. Only they make the final decision.
Definitions of homelessness differ between programmes. Families staying temporarily with others may count as homeless for school services even if not for HUD shelters. Always explain your full situation.
How to apply, step by step
Call 211, or a specialised line if it fits
Tell them where you are and who is with you. Ask what shelters have space tonight and how to get there.
Get assessed through coordinated entry
This puts you on the list for housing programmes. Ask where your area's access points are.
Go to shelter or a warming/cooling centre
Some shelters require arrival by a set time. Ask about rules and what to bring.
Ask about rapid rehousing and prevention
If you have income or could, rapid rehousing may move you into a rental quickly.
Keep your documents safe
ID, Social Security card, birth certificate. Many shelters and agencies help replace lost documents.
Apply for benefits at the same time
Medicaid, SSI if disabled, TANF if you have children. Homelessness does not prevent applications - shelters can serve as an address.
Stay in contact with your caseworker
Housing offers can come quickly. Keep a phone number they can reach.
What to have ready
Missing one item is rarely a reason to wait - start now.
- Any ID you have - do not let lack of ID stop you
- Social Security card or number
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of income or benefits
- Any eviction notice or letter showing you must leave
- Medications and prescriptions
- DD-214 if you are a veteran
What happens after you apply
How it compares
Similar programmes, and which one fits which need.
| Programme | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency shelter | A bed tonight and rapid rehousing help | No safe place to sleep |
| Rapid rehousing | Short-term rent help and support to move into a rental | People who can sustain rent with some help |
| Permanent supportive housing | Long-term rent help plus services | People with disabilities and long homelessness |
| Emergency rental assistance | One-off payment of back rent, often to landlord | Arrears and eviction risk now |
Real situations
How this plays out for people in common circumstances.
Family evicted, staying in a car
A couple and two children have been sleeping in their car since an eviction.
They call 211 and are directed to a family shelter and the coordinated entry hotline. The children's school homeless liaison arranges transport so they stay in the same school.
Fleeing an abusive partner
A woman leaves home with her toddler at night.
She calls the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which connects her to a confidential shelter and safety planning.
Young person kicked out
An 18-year-old was told to leave by a parent.
He contacts a youth drop-in centre through 211 and the National Runaway Safeline. Youth-specific programmes have separate beds and housing options.
Veteran living outdoors
A veteran has been sleeping in a park.
He calls the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans and is connected to the VA, SSVF and HUD-VASH.
What people miss
True, rarely explained, and it changes the outcome.
Prevention is easier than rehousing
If you are about to lose housing, call before you leave.
Schools must help homeless students
Every district has a homeless liaison who helps children stay enrolled and get transport.
Shelters can be your mailing address
This lets you apply for benefits and ID.
Coordinated entry is the door to housing
Shelter alone does not put you on housing lists - the assessment does.
Specialised lines open specialised beds
Domestic violence, youth and veteran programmes have their own capacity.
Common reasons people get stuck
Only seeking shelter, not assessment
Ask how to get assessed for housing programmes.
Losing contact with caseworkers
Keep a working number; offers can expire.
Not applying for benefits
Income and Medicaid make housing easier to secure.
Leaving documents behind
Protect your ID and papers.
Waiting until the last day
Call as soon as you know you will lose housing.
How it differs by state
Every area has a Continuum of Care, but shelter capacity, access points and programme availability vary greatly. Some cities guarantee shelter; others have waiting lists even for beds. 211 knows the local system.
Key terms explained
The words on forms and letters, in plain English.
- Continuum of Care
- The local network of homelessness services funded partly by HUD.
- Coordinated entry
- The single assessment process that prioritises people for housing programmes.
- Rapid rehousing
- Short-term rent help and support to move quickly into a rental home.
- Permanent supportive housing
- Long-term rental help with services for people with disabilities and long homelessness.
- Warming centre
- A place to stay warm during cold weather, separate from shelter beds.
- Homeless liaison
- A school district staff member who helps homeless students stay enrolled.
Questions people ask
How do I find a homeless shelter near me tonight?
What should I do if I am about to be homeless?
What is coordinated entry?
Can families stay together in a shelter?
Where can I go if I am fleeing domestic violence?
Is there help for homeless veterans?
Is there help for homeless youth?
Do I need ID to stay in a shelter?
What is rapid rehousing?
Can I apply for Medicaid if I do not have a home address?
Can my children stay in their school if we are homeless?
What if shelters are full?
Can I bring my pet to a shelter?
What is a warming centre?
Can I work while living in a shelter?
How long can I stay in a shelter?
Numbers to call
Free lines. We are not affiliated with any of them.
Official sources
Current figures and applications live here.