How to Get Into a Homeless Shelter

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.

Call the shelter or local homelessness access point and ask which intake route applies. Some shelters accept direct intake, while others use a central hotline, referral, outreach team, or specialized system. Coordinated Entry may help with housing and services, but it is not always required for an emergency shelter bed.

Admission and availability vary by provider and location.

Immediate danger: Call 911 for an immediate physical danger or medical emergency. Call or text 988 for a suicide or mental-health crisis.

Step 1: Identify the correct intake route

A shelter may use:

• direct telephone intake;
• walk-in intake;
• a centralized shelter hotline;
• a local access center;
• Coordinated Entry;
• street outreach;
• hospital or service-provider referral;
• a youth, veteran, or domestic-violence system; or
• a seasonal or severe-weather process.

Ask: "Do you accept direct intake, or do I need to contact another office first?"

Step 2: Confirm who the shelter serves

Programs may be limited to certain groups or household types. Confirm whether the shelter serves:

• single adults;
• families with children;
• women;
• men;
• couples;
• youth or young adults;
• veterans;
• survivors of domestic violence; or
• people with particular medical or accessibility needs.

Do not rely only on the program name.

Step 3: Ask whether intake is open

Ask:

• Are you accepting new guests today?
• When does intake start and end?
• Is there a waitlist?
• Is transportation available?
• What happens if I arrive and no bed is available?
• Can I call back at a specific time?
• Is there an overflow location?

A directory cannot verify real-time capacity.

Step 4: Explain your household and urgent needs

Tell the intake worker:

• how many people need shelter;
• the ages of children;
• whether a partner needs to stay with you;
• whether you have a service animal or pet;
• whether anyone needs an accessible space;
• whether there is domestic violence or another immediate safety concern;
• whether medications need secure or refrigerated storage; and
• whether you lack identification, transportation, or a phone.

This helps staff determine whether the program can safely serve you or whether another referral is more appropriate.

Step 5: Complete the intake questions

Staff may ask about:

• where you slept recently;
• how long you have been without stable housing;
• household members;
• immediate danger;
• health and disability-related needs;
• veteran status;
• domestic violence;
• income and benefits;
• prior shelter stays; and
• a way to contact you.

Ask why information is needed if something is unclear.

Step 6: Bring what you have

A shelter may request identification, medication information, custody or household documents, or referral paperwork. Requirements vary.

Bring available documents, but call even if you do not have them. Explain what is missing and ask whether another verification method is accepted.

Step 7: Review the rules before agreeing

Ask about:

• curfew and check-in;
• work or school schedule exceptions;
• belongings and storage;
• medication;
• meals;
• smoking and substance-use rules;
• visitors;
• pets and service animals;
• length of stay;
• required meetings; and
• grievance or complaint procedures.

Rules differ by program.

What is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated Entry is a local process used to assess needs and connect people with participating housing and service programs. It can help communities organize limited resources.

It is not one national application, and it does not guarantee a referral or placement. Emergency shelter intake may still be direct or program-specific.

If you are denied or the shelter is full

Ask:

1. Why was I not admitted?
2. Is the issue eligibility, capacity, timing, or missing information?
3. Is there another shelter or intake route?
4. When should I try again?
5. Is there a day center or outreach team?
6. Is there an accommodation or alternate process I can request?
7. How do I use the grievance process?

For advice about a specific legal issue, contact qualified local legal aid.

Sources

• HUD Exchange: Coordinated Entry
• HUD Exchange: Coordinated Entry System
• United Way 211
• HUD Find Shelter

*Information reviewed in June 2026. Local eligibility, shelter availability, documents, and intake procedures vary.*