When someone loses their home, the first need is a safe place to stay. Many people become homeless due to job loss, eviction, family problems, health issues, or unexpected emergencies. Temporary housing helps people get off the streets, out of their cars, or out of unsafe places. It gives them time to find stable, long-term housing.
What Is Temporary Housing?
Temporary housing refers to short-term accommodations designed to support people in crisis until they can find permanent housing. These programs are typically run by local governments, non-profit organizations, and Continuing Care (CCC) organizations. Their goals are to:
- Provide access to food, medical care, and social services.
- Provide immediate safety and shelter.
- Build a bridge to permanent housing solutions.
Types of Temporary Housing
Several types of temporary housing programs are available in many cities and communities.
Emergency Shelters
Emergency shelters are often the first place people go when they become homeless. These shelters provide immediate accommodation, usually overnight or for a short period.
Local governments, charities, and organizations such as The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities USA often run them. Emergency shelters may offer meals, showers, and basic support services.
Transitional Housing Programs
Transitional housing provides a place to live for several months while people work toward independence. These programs often include support services such as job training, educational programs, and financial planning.
The goal of transitional housing is to help people achieve stability before moving into permanent housing.
Rapid Rehousing Programs
Rapid rehousing programs help people experiencing homelessness move quickly into rental housing. These programs often provide short-term financial assistance for rent and utilities.
Organizations like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development support rapid rehousing initiatives in many communities. Case managers also help participants find housing and connect with local resources.
Hotel and Motel Voucher Programs
In some cases, local governments or nonprofit organizations offer hotel or motel vouchers to people who need immediate shelter. This is especially common during extreme weather or when shelters are full.
These vouchers allow families, seniors, and others to stay temporarily in a safe room while long-term solutions are sought.
Safe Parking Programs
Safe parking programs help people who live in their cars. These programs provide designated parking areas where people can safely sleep overnight.
Many safe parking sites also offer restrooms, security, and connections to social services.
Who Qualifies for Temporary Housing?
Eligibility for temporary housing depends on the program and location. However, most programs prioritize:
- Families with children
- Seniors
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- People who suddenly become homeless
Some programs require proof of homelessness or income level, while others offer emergency assistance with minimal requirements.
Organizations That Provide Temporary Housing
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates emergency shelters and transitional housing programs in many communities. People can stay in these shelters while they look for work or permanent housing. The organization provides shelter, meals, and support services to families, veterans, and people in crisis.
2. Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America helps people experiencing homelessness by offering affordable housing, emergency shelters, and support services. The organization serves many U.S. states and assists veterans, families, and low-income individuals.
3. Family Promise
Family Promise focuses primarily on helping families with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Its community programs offer temporary shelter, as well as help finding work, childcare, and permanent housing.
4. Bowery Mission
This long-standing nonprofit organization provides overnight shelter, meals, and residential programs for people experiencing homelessness in New York City. It is one of the city’s oldest missions supporting people experiencing homelessness.
5. Casa Blanchet
Casa Blanchet offers shelter and transitional housing programs, as well as meals and others homeless resources, for people experiencing homelessness and addiction.
6. Casa San Francisco
This organization offers daytime shelter, meals, and services that help homeless people rebuild their lives and access stable housing.
7. Interfaith Nutrition Network
The Interfaith Nutrition Network manages soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and long-term housing programs to support people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Find Temporary Housing Near You Online
If someone in your area needs shelter, these resources can help you find nearby programs:
Homeless shelter databases list thousands of emergency shelters and transitional housing programs in different regions.
Government and nonprofit directories also offer maps and contact information for shelters and youth housing services.
These directories allow you to search by city or state to find immediate help.
How long can they stay?
The length of stay depends on the program:
Emergency shelter: From a few nights to 30 days
Transitional housing: From several months to 24 months
Rapid rehousing: Generally, 3 to 12 months of rental assistance
Hotel vouchers: From a few days to several weeks
The goal is always to move to permanent housing as soon as possible.
For immediate help (24/7):
Dial 211: In most of the U.S., dialing 211 connects you with a specialist who can provide referrals to emergency shelters, food, and local social services.
Text for shelters: You can find open shelters by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362).
Specialized hotlines:
- Veterans: Call the National Homeless Veterans Call Center at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).
- Youth (under 21): Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) for confidential support and transportation assistance.
- Domestic violence: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
