How to find a family shelter near you
The fastest way to find a family shelter is to call 211 — a free phone line that connects you to local housing and emergency services. When you call, tell them you need emergency shelter for a family, your household size, and whether you have children. They will tell you which shelters have beds available that day and how to get there. Many areas also have a local housing authority or homeless services office that maintains a current list of family shelters and can tell you their intake hours.
If you cannot reach 211 or your local office, search online for "[your city] family homeless shelter" or "[your county] emergency shelter." Most shelters have websites listing their address, phone number, and whether they are currently accepting new residents. Call before you go — shelters fill up, and some require you to arrive during specific intake windows, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
If you are in crisis right now and cannot find a shelter bed, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 if domestic violence is involved, or your local police non-emergency line to ask where families without shelter are directed in your area. Some cities have mobile outreach teams that can connect you to a bed even after regular office hours.
Key Takeaways
- Call 211 to find family shelters with available beds in your area — they know which ones are open that day and how to get in.
- Most family shelters require you to call or arrive during intake hours, usually in the late afternoon or evening, so plan to contact them before you need the bed.
- Have your household size, number of children, and any when ready safety concerns ready when you call, as this information determines which shelter can take you.
- If 211 does not answer or you need help after hours, your local police non-emergency line can direct you to emergency shelter resources.
- Shelters often have rules about length of stay, curfews, and what you can bring, so ask about these when you call so you know what to expect.
What to have ready when you call a shelter
When you contact a shelter, have your household information ready: the number of adults, the number and ages of children, and whether anyone in your household has a disability or medical condition that requires accommodation. Some shelters cannot serve families with teenagers, families with adult men, or families with pets, so knowing your household makeup helps them tell you quickly whether they can help.
If you are fleeing domestic violence, say that when you call — many shelters have confidential locations and can prioritize your safety. If anyone in your household is currently in the hospital, in jail, or in foster care, mention that too, because it affects which shelter can take you and what paperwork you will need to bring.
You do not need to have documents with you to enter a shelter, but bring whatever you have: IDs, birth certificates for children, proof of income if you have it, and medical records if anyone needs ongoing treatment. Shelters can often help you get documents later, but having them speeds up intake.
What happens when you arrive at a shelter
When you arrive, staff will ask you questions about your household, your income, why you need shelter, and whether you have any safety concerns. This is called an intake interview. They will also ask about your health — whether anyone has a contagious illness, mental health conditions, or substance use — so they can place you in the right part of the shelter and connect you to services if you need them.
After intake, you will be assigned a bed or a room, usually shared with other families. Most family shelters provide a cot or bed, a locker for your belongings, and access to bathrooms and showers. Some provide meals; others give you a food voucher or access to a kitchen. Ask about the daily schedule, curfew times, and any rules about visitors or leaving the shelter during the day.
You will also meet a case manager or counselor who will help you understand what comes next. Their job is to help you find permanent housing, not to keep you in the shelter. They can connect you to rental information, housing vouchers, job training, or other services depending on what your family needs.
How long you can stay in a shelter
Length of stay varies widely by shelter and by state. Some shelters limit stays to 30 days; others allow 90 days or longer. A few have no set limit and keep families until they find permanent housing. When you arrive, ask the staff how long you can stay and what happens when that time is up.
Many shelters will extend your stay if you are actively working with your case manager on a housing plan — for example, if you are looking at apartments, explore for rental information, or waiting for a housing voucher. If you reach your limit without permanent housing, staff should help you find another shelter or temporary housing rather than putting you on the street.
Some shelters require you to be looking for work or housing as a condition of staying. Ask about this when you call, so you understand what is expected of you.
Shelter rules and what to expect
Family shelters have rules to keep residents safe and the shelter running smoothly. Common rules include a curfew (often 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.), a requirement to be out during the day (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), no alcohol or drugs on the premises, and no weapons. Some shelters do not allow visitors; others allow them during set hours. Ask about these rules when you call so you are not surprised when you arrive.
Most shelters do not allow pets, though some have exceptions for service animals. If you have a pet, ask whether the shelter can help you find temporary boarding or whether there is a pet-friendly shelter in your area. A few cities have shelters that allow families to keep their pets with them.
Shelters are crowded and have limited privacy. You will share bathrooms and common areas with other families. If you have concerns about safety, mental health, or substance use, tell your case manager — they can connect you to counseling, support groups, or treatment programs.
Moving from shelter to permanent housing
Your case manager's main job is to help you move out of the shelter into permanent housing. This usually means explore for rental information, a housing voucher, or subsidized housing. They can also help you look for apartments, negotiate with landlords, and understand your lease.
Some shelters have partnerships with landlords who rent to people coming out of homelessness. Others can connect you to nonprofits that help with security deposits or first month's rent. Ask your case manager what resources are available in your area and what you need to do to access them.
If you have barriers to housing — a criminal record, bad credit, eviction history, or a disability — your case manager can help you understand your options and find landlords or programs that work with people in your situation. This process can take weeks or months, which is why shelters try to extend your stay while you are actively working toward housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my children to a shelter if I do not have custody?
This depends on the shelter and your situation. If your children are in foster care or you are in a custody dispute, tell the shelter staff when you call — they may not be able to take you, or they may require court documents showing you have the right to have the children with you. If you are fleeing domestic violence and the other parent has a custody order, the shelter can often help you navigate this safely.
What if the shelter is full when I call?
If the shelter you call is full, ask them to refer you to another family shelter in your area or to put you on a waiting list. Call 211 again and ask them to check other shelters. Some areas have overflow shelters or hotel vouchers for nights when regular shelters are full. If you are in when ready danger, call 911.
Do I have to work or look for a job while I am in the shelter?
This varies by shelter. Some require it; others do not. Ask when you call or arrive. If you are not working and the shelter requires it, staff can help you find a job, update your resume, or connect you to job training programs. If you cannot work due to disability or caring for young children, tell your case manager — they can usually adjust expectations.
What happens if I break a shelter rule?
Most shelters give warnings for minor rule violations. Serious violations — violence, weapons, or dealing drugs — can result in being asked to leave. If you are struggling to follow rules due to mental health, substance use, or trauma, tell your case manager so they can connect you to support. Being asked to leave a shelter is not automatic; staff usually try to help you stay.
Can I stay in a shelter if I have a criminal record?
Most family shelters do not turn people away because of a criminal record. However, some have restrictions on certain types of convictions, particularly those involving violence or crimes against children. Be honest when you call — staff can tell you whether the shelter can take you and what documentation you might need to bring.