How to Find a Homeless Shelter Near You
If you need shelter tonight, you don't have to read first — search shelters near you or call 211 or use your local 211 service.
Start with the local shelter directory, call 211, or use HUD's Find Shelter tool. Then call the shelter before traveling whenever possible. Ask whether it serves your household, whether intake is open, and whether a referral is required.
A directory listing helps you find providers. It does not confirm that a bed is open or guarantee admission.
Need immediate help? Call 911 for immediate physical danger or a medical emergency. Call or text 988 for a suicide or mental-health crisis.
1. Search the local shelter directory
Enter a city, state, or ZIP code to find nearby programs. Review each listing for:
- who the shelter serves;
- phone number and intake instructions;
- whether the location is public or confidential;
- accessibility information;
- family, youth, veteran, or other population focus; and
- the date the listing was last verified.
Call before traveling. Hours, eligibility, and availability can change after a listing is updated.
2. Call 211
211 connects people with local community resources. Ask specifically for:
- emergency shelter;
- overflow beds;
- low-barrier shelter;
- family or youth shelter;
- domestic-violence services;
- veteran-specific programs;
- day centers;
- street outreach;
- warming or cooling centers; and
- transportation assistance.
The correct intake path may be different from the shelter's public phone number. Ask whether your community uses direct intake, a central access point, or another referral process.
3. Use HUD's Find Shelter tool
HUD's Find Shelter tool searches for nearby shelter, food, health-care, and clothing resources. It is another way to identify organizations to contact.
HUD does not operate the listed providers, and the tool is not a live bed-availability system. Confirm details directly with the provider.
4. Search for the right type of shelter
A general search may not show the program best suited to your situation. Try asking for:
- single-adult shelter;
- family shelter;
- women's shelter;
- youth or young-adult shelter;
- veteran shelter;
- domestic-violence shelter;
- low-barrier shelter;
- shelter that accepts couples;
- pet-friendly options;
- accommodations for a disability or service animal; or
- severe-weather shelter.
Domestic-violence programs may keep their addresses confidential. Contact the hotline or provider rather than traveling to an address found elsewhere.
5. Ask these questions before traveling
- Are you accepting new guests today?
- Do you accept direct intake?
- Is a referral or assessment required?
- Who does the program serve?
- What time does intake begin and end?
- What identification is requested?
- Can family members or partners stay together?
- How are service animals and pets handled?
- Is the location accessible?
- What belongings can I bring?
- What should I do if you are full?
Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the time, and the instructions if you can.
If you cannot call
Try one or more of these options:
- use 211's local website or resource search;
- ask a library, day center, outreach worker, hospital social worker, school liaison, or other service provider to help make the call;
- visit a public access point during its posted hours;
- use Wi-Fi messaging or chat when an official service supports it; or
- ask a shelter whether outreach intake is available.
Do not assume a walk-in will be accepted simply because a location appears in search results.
If the first shelter is full
Ask for another referral before ending the call. Specifically ask about overflow, seasonal beds, severe-weather sites, low-barrier shelter, day centers, and street outreach.
See What to Do When Homeless Shelters Are Full for a step-by-step backup plan.
Sources
*Information reviewed in June 2026. Local eligibility, shelter availability, and intake procedures vary.*