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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 Health & Recovery Health Clinics in Homeless Shelters: Getting Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Care For a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency department. For non-emergency care, ask a shelter, outreach team, HRSA-funded health ce… Read guide →
Health & Recovery Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Help While Homeless For an overdose, severe withdrawal, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or another medical eme... Help for Specific Groups Youth Shelters: Help for Runaway and Homeless Youth A young person who needs a safe place should contact a youth-specific service when possible. Call or... Understanding Homelessness Common Myths About Homeless Shelters Debunked Homeless shelters do not all operate the same way. Rules, safety practices, hours, services, eligibi... Understanding Homelessness Homelessness in America: 2025 Statistics and Trends HUD estimated that 745,652 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2025. That w... How Shelters Work How the Homelessness Response System Works: CoC, Coordinated Entry, and Shelter Intake A Continuum of Care, or CoC, is a local or regional network that plans and coordinates homelessness...