What to Bring to 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.
Bring identification and medication information if you have them, along with a small amount of essential clothing and personal-care items. Call the shelter before packing because storage, prohibited items, documents, and bedding rules vary.
Do not delay asking for help because you are missing identification or belongings. Explain what you have and ask what the shelter accepts.
Call before you pack
Ask:
- How many bags may I bring?
- Is secure storage available?
- Are blankets or bedding provided?
- Which items are prohibited?
- How are medications stored?
- Can I bring food?
- Are chargers and electronics allowed?
- What is the service-animal or pet policy?
- What documents are requested?
Avoid carrying more than the shelter can store.
Identification and important documents
Bring available originals or copies of:
- photo identification;
- Social Security card;
- birth certificate;
- immigration documents, when relevant and safe;
- benefits or insurance cards;
- veteran documents;
- school records;
- custody or guardianship documents;
- court or protection orders;
- medical information; and
- shelter or referral paperwork.
Keep documents together in a waterproof envelope or bag if possible.
Requirements vary. Call even if documents are missing.
Medications and health information
Bring:
- medication in its labeled container;
- a medication list;
- dosage instructions;
- allergy information;
- prescriber and pharmacy contact details;
- insurance information;
- medical-device supplies; and
- refrigeration instructions, if needed.
Tell staff immediately if medication must be refrigerated, secured, or taken on a strict schedule.
Do not share medication. Ask the shelter about its storage and self-administration rules.
Clothing
Prioritize a few practical items:
- underwear and socks;
- weather-appropriate layers;
- sleepwear;
- durable shoes;
- work or school clothes;
- rain protection; and
- a laundry bag.
Label belongings discreetly when possible.
Personal-care items
Travel-size items are easier to store:
- toothbrush and toothpaste;
- soap;
- shampoo;
- deodorant;
- menstrual products;
- comb or brush;
- towel, if requested;
- eyeglasses or contact supplies; and
- incontinence or medical-hygiene supplies.
Ask which items the shelter already provides.
Phone and contact information
Bring:
- phone and charger;
- portable battery, if allowed;
- written emergency contacts;
- provider and caseworker numbers;
- account-recovery information stored safely; and
- a paper copy of important numbers in case the phone is lost.
Do not depend on having continuous charging or Wi-Fi access.
Money and valuables
Bring only what you need. Ask whether lockers or secure storage are available.
Keep identification, cash, cards, keys, and essential medication close to you unless staff instructs otherwise. Do not leave valuables unattended.
For children
Bring, when available:
- identification or birth records;
- school and medical information;
- medication;
- diapers and feeding supplies;
- a change of clothes;
- a comfort item;
- homework or school device; and
- custody or guardianship documents.
Ask whether the shelter provides cribs, diapers, formula, transportation, and school coordination.
Service animals and pets
A service animal is different from a pet or emotional-support animal. Ask the shelter about its process and what supplies to bring.
Useful items may include:
- leash or carrier;
- food;
- bowls;
- medication;
- waste bags;
- veterinary or vaccination records, if available; and
- service-animal information requested under applicable rules.
Do not assume a shelter that cannot accept pets will use the same process for a service animal.
Items shelters may restrict
Policies vary, but shelters may restrict:
- weapons;
- alcohol or illegal drugs;
- open flames;
- certain tools;
- large quantities of belongings;
- outside food;
- unlabeled medication; or
- items that create sanitation or safety concerns.
Ask rather than discarding important property unnecessarily.
A compact packing list
When space is limited, prioritize:
- identification and documents;
- medication and medical supplies;
- phone, charger, and written contacts;
- two or three changes of clothing;
- basic hygiene items;
- children's essentials; and
- service-animal necessities.
If you have nothing to bring
Call or arrive through the instructed intake route anyway. Ask whether the shelter, a day center, or an outreach program can help with clothing, hygiene supplies, document replacement, or medication coordination.
Sources
*Information reviewed in June 2026. Required documents, prohibited items, storage, and medication procedures vary by shelter.*