Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Miami Florida

Homelessness is a persistent and complex problem in Miami-Dade County. While traditional shelters meet much of the need, they are sometimes overcrowded or don’t accommodate all individuals or families. This is where hotel (or motel) voucher programs come in, offering a temporary, separate place to stay when other options are unavailable.

Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Miami?

Eligibility requirements vary by agency, but many programs consider:

● Individuals and families experiencing homelessness

People without stable housing, sleeping rough or in unsafe locations.

● Families with children

Some programs prioritize minors, single parents, and pregnant women.

● People fleeing domestic violence

Confidential shelter in a safe and discreet location.

● Older adults and people with disabilities

Additional priority during extreme weather or personal emergencies.

● People displaced by fire, flood, or other disasters

Short-term assistance after losing their homes.

● People recently evicted or at risk of homelessness

Case managers make decisions based on urgency and available funding.

Who Provides Hotel Voucher Assistance in Miami

The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust

The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust is the primary organization providing hotel voucher assistance in Miami. It manages the county’s homeless response system and coordinates emergency housing when shelters are full.

Individuals or families experiencing homelessness can contact its Homeless Helpline at 1-877-994-4357 for immediate assistance. Depending on availability, the Trust can temporarily house individuals in hotels or motels through its network of emergency housing providers.

It also collaborates with many local agencies, making it the primary access point to hotel voucher programs in the area.

Phone: 1-877-994-4357 (Homeless Helpline)

Camillus House

Camillus House is another major provider in Miami that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness. While their services focus on emergency shelter, supportive housing, and basic needs, they occasionally assist with temporary motel accommodations or refer clients to programs that can provide hotel vouchers.

Individuals seeking help can visit or contact Camillus House to request emergency assistance and inquire about motel accommodations or referrals.

Phone: (305) 374-1065
Address: 1603 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL

Salvation Army of Miami

The Salvation Army of Miami provides emergency shelter, meals, and case management to individuals and families in crisis.

While they don’t always specifically advertise hotel vouchers, they often assist people when shelter beds are unavailable and can provide motel accommodations or referrals through their housing assistance programs.

Contacting the Salvation Army of Miami directly can help determine if hotel vouchers or other emergency accommodations are available.

Phone: (305) 637-6700
Address: 1907 NW 38th St, Miami, FL

Lotus House Women’s Shelter

Lotus House serves women, teens, and children. Hotel vouchers can be used in cases of pregnancy, medical needs, or when the shelter reaches capacity.

Phone: (305) 438-0556
Address: 217 NW 15th St, Miami, FL

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami

Catholic Charities sometimes arranges hotel stays for families, seniors, and people in imminent danger.

Phone: (305) 757-6241

Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS)

JCS provides emergency housing support, hotel accommodations for seniors or people at high risk, and crisis management.

Phone: (305) 576-6550

How to Apply for Hotel Vouchers?

Finding safe, temporary shelter can be difficult, especially during emergencies, homelessness, or sudden displacement. In Miami, several organizations offer hotel vouchers, but the application process often depends on your situation, documentation, and funding availability. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to apply and what to expect.

Contact Local Emergency Assistance Programs

Miami has several key agencies that distribute hotel vouchers through partnerships with the government or funding from nonprofit organizations. To begin your application, you will need to contact these organizations by phone, online, or in person.

Call the Miami-Dade Homeless Helpline (The First Step)

In most cases in Miami, you should start by calling the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust’s Coordinated Entry Helpline. This hotline determines your eligibility and directs you to emergency shelters or hotel voucher programs, if available.

Visit Local Nonprofits and Churches That Offer Vouchers

Some charities offer hotel vouchers based on donations and emergency situations. This assistance is usually limited and only for urgent needs.

During an in-person visit, you may need to fill out a brief application, explain your emergency, and show identification. Social workers will then determine whether they can offer you a voucher or refer you to another program.

Apply Through Emergency Shelters and Outreach Teams

If you can’t contact an agency directly, visiting an emergency shelter or speaking with a street social worker can help you obtain hotel vouchers more quickly. Shelters sometimes distribute vouchers to families who can’t find accommodation or to people at high risk.

Social workers will document your situation and connect you with the nearest available program.

Additional Resources for Homeless Individuals in Miami

Miami Rescue Mission / Center for Men and Women

Phone: (305) 571-2200

Feeding South Florida

Phone: (954) 518-1818

Health and Medical Resources (HRMC Clinics)

Low-cost medical care for the homeless.

Food Bank and Clothing Pantries

Several local churches provide support.

Conclusion

Hotel vouchers in Miami, Florida, offer essential emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families. While funds are limited, many local agencies, faith groups, and government programs collaborate to provide temporary housing, safety, and support services. Calling the Miami-Dade Homeless Helpline and contacting major service providers are the quickest ways to get help.