Many people become homeless due to job loss, medical bills, rent increases, family problems, or other unexpected issues. The good news is that there are programs, organizations, and real places that can help if you are about to become homeless.
If you are at risk of homelessness or are already homeless, the first and most important step is to contact your local 211 hotline. This service operates 24/7 in most of the United States and connects you directly with trained staff who can refer you to emergency shelter, food, medical care, and social services.
Below, we’ll explain where you can go and what steps to take if you are about to become homeless.
1. Contact Local Homeless Assistance Hotlines
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the United States, your first and most important action is to call 211. This is the primary national hotline connecting people with emergency shelters, food, and local social services.
211 is available 24/7 in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Trained specialists provide direct referrals to local organizations that manage shelter beds and emergency housing. You can also visit 211.org to search for resources by zip code. You can find open shelters nearby by texting SHELTER followed by your zip code to 4FEMA (43362).
If you are facing eviction, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor at 1-800-569-4287 for advice on remaining in your current housing.
2. Contact Your Local Homelessness Assistance Program
The federal government funds local housing assistance programs through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD supports Continuity of Care (CoC) programs. These programs work with shelters, nonprofit organizations, and housing services in your area.
CoCs are the gateway to homelessness services in most communities. You can find your local CoC’s contact information through the HUD Exchange.
Use HUD’s “Find Shelter” tool: This tool allows you to search by city or zip code for local shelters, food banks, health clinics, and clothing resources.
3. Visit a Local Homelessness Shelter
If you are about to lose your home and have nowhere to stay, visiting a local homelessness shelter can be one of the quickest ways to find a safe place to spend the night. Homeless shelters are designed to provide temporary housing and basic support to people experiencing a housing crisis. Many shelters accept people on a first-come, first-served basis, while others may require a referral from a social services agency or a homeless hotline.
You can call 211, a free and confidential helpline that connects people with local community resources. This service is supported by the United Way and can help you find shelters, food banks, and emergency services in your area.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers the “Find Shelter” tool, which allows you to search by location for shelters, medical care, food banks, and free clothing resources.
The Salvation Army operates shelters and social service centers in nearly every ZIP code. You can search their website by ZIP code to find the nearest center.
4. Contact Churches and Religious Organizations
If you are at risk of homelessness, churches and religious organizations can be an important source of help. Some well-known religious organizations that offer support services include The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
If you need help, you can start by contacting churches in your area. Many churches have outreach programs or community support programs specifically designed to help people in need. When contacting them, you can:
- Call the church office and ask about assistance programs.
- Visit during office hours and speak with a staff member.
- Ask if they partner with local charities or housing programs.
5. Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance
If you think you might lose your home because you can’t pay rent, emergency rental assistance can help you keep it. These programs offer money to help people pay rent, utilities, or overdue security deposits.
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer long-term programs, such as Section 8 vouchers, but they also maintain lists of local, short-term emergency resources. Use the HUD PHA Contact Directory to find your local office.
Search the CFPB Interagency Portal: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) maintains a portal to help renters find active state and local assistance programs that may have replaced the federal ERA.
You can also contact the following organizations, which often offer one-time emergency rental grants:
The Salvation Army: Often offers one-time emergency assistance to prevent eviction.
Catholic Charities: Offers emergency assistance grants for essential needs such as rent. St. Vincent de Paul Society: Frequently manages local emergency funds for neighbors in crisis.
6. Look for transitional housing programs
In the U.S., transitional housing offers subsidized temporary housing (typically 6 to 24 months) along with support services to help people transition to permanent, independent living. Unlike emergency shelters, these programs often require participants to follow a structured plan, such as attending job training or therapy. Here’s how to find transitional housing near you:
Call 211: The most direct way to find programs in your city. Specialists can refer you to local nonprofits that manage transitional beds.
HUD Housing Search Tool: Use the HUD Housing Search Tool to find transitional housing, medical care, and food resources by location.
Continuity of Care (CoC): CoCs are local networks that coordinate all services for people experiencing homelessness in a region. You can find your local CoC contact for information on specific transitional housing vacancies. Online search: Use directories such as FindHelp.org or the Homeless Shelter Directory to filter by “temporary housing” or “transitional housing.”
7. Visit Local Social Service Offices
If you are facing homelessness, visiting a local social services office can help you find important support programs. These offices help people struggling to access housing, food, medical care, and other basic needs.
Social services agencies are often run by the government or local community organizations. Local social services offices can help you apply for different types of assistance, such as:
- Emergency housing programs
- Financial assistance for basic needs
- Food assistance programs
- Health or medical assistance
- Job training and employment services
They can also connect you with shelters, rental assistance programs, and nonprofit organizations that offer additional support.
Many programs are supported by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which funds services designed to help low-income individuals and families.
You can find nearby social services programs by calling 211, a free helpline sponsored by the United Way. This service can direct you to local offices and community resources that can help you with housing and financial support.
You can also search online for your city or county social services department or visit local community centers that offer referrals.
8. Look for and apply for hotel or motel voucher programs
In the United States, hotel and motel vouchers are offered as short-term emergency housing when local shelters are at capacity or for people with specific needs (such as families with children or people with disabilities). These vouchers are not usually issued directly by hotels but through government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations.
- The Salvation Army: Many Salvation Army locations offer emergency motel vouchers for one to three nights, depending on local funding and individual circumstances.
- Catholic Charities: This organization often offers emergency housing vouchers for homeless families and individuals.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society: Local conferences of this charity often offer small grants or one-time vouchers for emergency hotel stays.
- Community Action Agencies: These public agencies often manage emergency housing funds. You can find your local agency through the Community Action Association.
9. Visit a Food Bank or Community Pantry
If you are at risk of homelessness or are having trouble affording food, visiting a food bank or community pantry can help you get free food. Food banks collect donated food from supermarkets, farms, and community groups. The food is then distributed through local pantries, churches, and community centers to people in need. Find your local food bank or pantry, or call 211 for more information or its location.
Let’s Create a Short-Term Safety Plan for Yourself
This is a stressful transition, but having a concrete plan for the first 48 hours can help you stay safe and focused. Here is a prioritized safety plan:
1. Secure Your Essentials (Your “Emergency Bag”)
Pack only what you can carry. If you have a car, use it as a locked storage space.
Documents: ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and any proof of income or eviction notices. Store these in a waterproof bag.
Communication: A portable charger (external battery) and a written list of emergency contacts in case your phone dies.
Health: 30 days’ worth of medication and a basic first-aid kit.
Comfort: A sturdy blanket or sleeping bag, extra socks, and travel toiletries.
2. Establish your “base of operations”
Before losing your current home, identify where you will spend your time:
Day: Public libraries are the safest places to access Wi-Fi, charge devices, and cool down.
Night: If shelters are full, identify well-lit areas open 24/7, such as hospital waiting rooms or large truck stops.
Storage: If you have more than a backpack, look for the smallest and cheapest storage unit you can find or ask a trusted friend to store an emergency box for you.
3. Establish your communication hub
Mail: Ask a local shelter if they offer Mail ID services. Otherwise, find a USPS “General Delivery” address at a specific post office so you can continue receiving benefits and work mail.
Phone: If you lose phone service, request a toll-free “Lifeline” phone (sometimes called ObamaPhones) through providers like Assurance Wireless or Safelink.
4. Immediate Income and Food Protection
Apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) today: Don’t wait until you’re homeless. Having an active EBT card ensures you’ll have food from day one.
Blood Plasma Donation: If you’re healthy, this is the fastest way to get $50 to $100 in cash the same day for immediate needs like bus fare or laundry.
5. “Door-to-Door” Contacts
Save these numbers in your phone now:
211: Call this number as soon as you have nowhere to sleep. Ask for “Coordinated Entry” or “Rerouting Services.”
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 if stress becomes overwhelming and you need to talk to someone right away.
Prepare Important Documents
If you are about to become homeless, try to gather important documents. Many programs require them.
Important Documents:
- ID or driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Lease agreement or eviction notice
- Pay stubs or proof of income
- Bank statements
Keeping these documents in a secure folder can make it easier to apply for housing programs.
First Steps for Those at Risk of Homelessness
- Call 211 immediately to find local shelters and resources.
- Gather important documents (ID, Social Security card, medical records) if possible.
- Ask trusted friends or family for temporary support.
- Visit your local Department of Social Services for emergency housing and benefits.
