Call 211 for shelter and coordinated entry
Ask for emergency shelter and a coordinated entry assessment. If a shelter is full, ask for the next option, overflow sites, or motel vouchers.
Call 211 Shelter guide
Use emergency or confidential support
Call 911 for immediate danger. If domestic violence is involved, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential help, safety planning, and shelter referrals.
Call 911 TheHotline.org
Apply to several programs at once
Federal pandemic rent relief has ended. Contact 211, county human services, community action agencies, and charities, and talk to your landlord before the due date.
Emergency rent help in 2026 Protect the deadline first
Read every page, note the response and court dates, and contact legal aid. Applying for rent help does not automatically stop a court case.
What to do after an eviction notice This is usually illegal
Only a court can order you out. Call the police non-emergency line with proof you live there, and contact legal aid about an emergency order.
Illegal lockouts guide Call the utility and apply for crisis aid
Ask for a payment plan and medical or winter protections. Tell the LIHEAP office the shutoff date and any immediate health risk. Eligible crisis applicants have expedited response rules; ask what assistance can resolve your emergency.
Shutoff protections Call the VA’s homeless-veteran line
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is free and available 24/7. Family members can call too.
Call 877-424-3838 Contact the National Runaway Safeline
Free, confidential support and connections to local youth shelters and services.
Call 800-786-2929 Bring these details when you call
- Your current location and a safe way to contact you
- How many people need housing, including ages and accessibility needs
- The date you must leave or the deadline on any notice
- Income, veteran status, disability, or other factors a program asks about
- Whether you can safely remain where you are while help is arranged
There is no universal emergency-housing application. Availability changes daily. If one provider is full, ask whether they can make a referral, add you to coordinated entry, or name the next provider to call.
