Losing your home is one of the most frightening things that can happen. If you’re homeless right now or about to be, the most important thing is getting safe tonight. After that, there are programs that can help you find stable housing again.
If you need a safe place tonight
- Call or text 211 and say you need emergency shelter. They can tell you which shelters have space.
- Contact your local homeless coordinated entry program, which many communities use to connect people with shelter and housing.
- If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential help and shelter options.
- Young people can contact the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-786-2929.
- Veterans can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838.
If anyone is in danger or needs urgent medical care, call 911.
If you’re about to lose your home
Act quickly. Many communities have homelessness prevention programs that can help with back rent, deposits, or moving costs. 211 and local community action agencies are good places to start. If you’ve received an eviction notice, contact legal aid right away.
Longer-term housing help
- Rapid rehousing programs help people move into apartments quickly, often with short-term rent help and case management.
- Permanent supportive housing helps people with disabilities or long histories of homelessness.
- Section 8 and public housing waiting lists sometimes give preference to people who are homeless.
Other help you can get
- SNAP, which you can receive even without a permanent address
- Medicaid and free clinics for health care
- Lifeline for a phone, which helps shelters, employers, and caseworkers reach you
- A mailing address through some shelters, churches, or general delivery at the post office
Keep important documents safe
Try to keep your ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and benefit letters together in a waterproof bag. If you’ve lost them, a caseworker can help you replace them, which is often the first step to getting housing and benefits.
A real-life example
After a fire, Kevin and his teenage daughter had nowhere to stay. He called 211, which placed them in a family shelter that night. A caseworker at the shelter connected them to a rapid rehousing program.
Within two months, they moved into an apartment. The program helped with the deposit and the first few months of rent while Kevin got back on his feet.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Ask every shelter or agency about coordinated entry so you get on housing lists.
- Keep your phone charged. Libraries and shelters often have outlets.
- Write down the names and numbers of caseworkers.
- Accept help with replacing documents early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get SNAP without an address?
Yes. You don’t need a permanent address to get SNAP.
Do shelters accept families?
Many communities have family shelters. Ask 211 which ones serve families with children.
Can I bring my pet?
Some shelters accept pets, but many don’t. Ask 211 about pet-friendly options.
Related guides
- Emergency Rental Assistance: Where to Find Help When You Are Behind on Rent
- What Is 211? The Free Helpline That Connects You to Local Services
- Section 8 Waiting List Open: How to Find Open Lists Near You
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.