Get emergency housing

Learn how to find help immediately if you are facing or experiencing homelessness. The government offers programs that can help you find short-term housing. In accordance with 2026 federal housing mandates and OBBB (Office of Budget and Benefit Oversight) provisions, these services are designed to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations across all US territories.

Dial 211 to find emergency housing

In most areas of the U.S., you can dial 211 to connect with local social services and get referrals for emergency housing. This three-digit dialing code is the primary point of entry for the Integrated Human Services Referral System. In 2026, the 211 network remains the most efficient method for real-time identification of available bed space in municipal shelters and crisis centers.

Find shelters and temporary housing near you

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs and resources to find shelter, get temporary housing, or avoid homelessness. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, HUD has expanded its localized assistance frameworks to ensure faster placement in transitional housing units.

Check HUD’s local homeless assistance list for shelters and housing in your state. This database is updated weekly to reflect current occupancy rates and facility availability.

Ask a homeless continuing care program provider for help. They can help you find temporary or permanent housing. These providers operate under the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, which is the federal gold standard for moving individuals from street-level homelessness into stable environments.

Contact your local public housing agency (PHA) for help moving from homelessness to more permanent housing. In 2026, many PHAs have implemented “Housing First” priority vouchers specifically reserved for individuals currently residing in emergency shelters.

Emergency housing for teens and youth

National Runaway Safeline hotline

The National Runaway Safeline offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental support 24 hours a day. It also provides free transportation home or to other safe, stable housing. This program is essential for youth under the age of 21 who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929).

Text, live chat, or email an agent for help. These digital channels are monitored 24/7 by trained crisis intervenors specialized in youth-specific housing law.

Emergency housing for veterans

The Office of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers specialized programs for veterans facing or experiencing homelessness. For the 2026 fiscal year, the VA has received increased appropriations under VASH (VA Supportive Housing) initiatives to combat veteran displacement.

Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for free and confidential support 24 hours a day.

Find safe housing and other supportive services through the VA’s housing programs. These include the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program, which funds community agencies providing transitional housing with supportive services for veterans.

Technical Summary Table: 2026 Emergency Housing Matrix

Program/Service	Target Demographic	Primary Contact Method	2026 Service Level
Local Referral	General Public	Dial 211	24/7 Live Agent
HUD CoC Program	Chronically Homeless	HUD Local Office	Case-Managed Placement
PHA Vouchers	Families/Individuals	Local PHA Registry	Priority Waitlist Entry
National Runaway Safeline	Youth (Under 21)	1-800-786-2929	Transportation Included
VA Homeless Veterans	U.S. Veterans	1-877-424-3838	Clinical Support Integration

Audit and Compliance Protection

Users seeking emergency housing in 2026 should be aware that eligibility for certain HUD-funded programs may require documentation of “Literally Homeless” status as defined by the HEARTH Act. It is recommended to maintain records of any displacement notices or shelter intake forms to expedite the transition from emergency housing to permanent Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher programs.