Life-threatening emergency? Call 911 · Shelter directory & resources — call 211 or use your local 211 service · Mental health crisis — call or text 988
Shelters for Homeless Free nationwide directory
Resources & guides

Clear, practical guidance on shelter and homelessness

Written in plain language for people seeking help, and for the friends, family, and workers supporting them.

All topics Understanding Homelessness How Shelters Work Help for Specific Groups Health & Recovery Finding & Entering a Shelter
Featured guide Finding & Entering a Shelter How to Find a Homeless Shelter Near You Find local homeless shelters, learn which intake questions to ask, and use 211 or HUD's Find Shelter tool without assuming a listed bed is available. Read guide →
Finding & Entering a Shelter How to Get Homeless Help Without ID, Money, or a Phone Learn practical ways to contact shelters, explain missing identification, use public phones or Wi-Fi... Finding & Entering a Shelter How to Get Into a Homeless Shelter Learn how homeless shelter intake works, what questions staff may ask, and why direct intake, referr... Finding & Entering a Shelter What to Bring to a Homeless Shelter Use this practical homeless shelter packing checklist for identification, medications, clothing, chi... Finding & Entering a Shelter What to Do When Homeless Shelters Are Full Use this step-by-step plan when local homeless shelters are full, including 211, overflow options, o... Understanding Homelessness Understanding Homelessness: Causes, Definitions, and Common Misconceptions Homelessness means more than one living situation, and federal programs do not all use identical def... How Shelters Work Types of Homeless Shelters and Housing Programs Emergency shelters provide temporary places to stay. Rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housi... Help for Specific Groups Women's Shelters: Safe Shelter Options for Women and Children Women's shelters, family shelters, and domestic-violence shelters are not always the same. A general... Help for Specific Groups LGBTQ+ Homeless Shelters: Finding Safe and Affirming Shelter Options Search local shelter options and call before traveling. Ask how the provider handles names, privacy,... Help for Specific Groups Homeless Shelters for Veterans: VA Programs, Shelter Access, and Support Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness can call the National Call Center for...