Quick answerCall 211 or your coordinated entry access point, describe who needs shelter and any safety, medical, or accessibility needs, and ask where to go next if a shelter is full. Shelters vary a lot—ask about check-in times, curfew, storage, pets, and whether families or couples can stay together. You have the right to request disability accommodations, and ADA-covered shelters generally must admit trained service animals, subject to limited exceptions.
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Getting in

How do I get a bed tonight? Call 211 and ask for emergency shelter and coordinated entry. If there’s a local shelter hotline, use it. Describe where you are, who needs shelter, and any safety, health, or accessibility needs. See how to find emergency shelter.

Do I need an ID? Not always. Many shelters admit people without ID; some check ID or run background checks. Ask when you call. Case managers can help you replace documents.

Is there a cost? Emergency shelter is usually free. Some longer-term or transitional programs charge a program fee or ask residents to save part of their income.

How long can I stay? Limits range from one night to several months. Ask about the stay limit and how to request an extension while you work on housing.

What if I’m in danger? Call 911 for immediate danger. For domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking, use a specialized confidential program (National DV Hotline: 800-799-7233), because a general shelter or public voicemail may not be safe.

Rules and daily life

What rules should I expect? Common rules include check-in and curfew times, chores, no weapons, no drugs or alcohol on site, quiet hours, and visitor limits. Some shelters require you to leave during the day. Ask for written rules at intake.

Can I keep my belongings? Space is usually limited to a bag or locker. Ask about storage for larger items; some cities have free storage programs. Keep medications, documents, and your phone with you.

Can I get mail there? Some shelters accept mail for residents. If not, ask about a general delivery address at the post office or a mail service at a day center.

Is my information private? Most HUD-funded providers enter data into the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). You should be told how it’s used and shared. Domestic violence programs may not enter identifying information into HMIS.

Can I be kicked out? Shelters can discharge people for serious rule violations. HUD-funded programs must have a grievance or termination process. Ask for the policy and request a review if you believe a discharge was unfair or related to a disability.

Families, couples, and gender

Will my family stay together? Tell intake every household member and age. HUD-funded shelters generally may not deny admission to, or separate, a family because of a child’s age. Ask whether fathers, adult children, and partners can stay with the family and what alternative is offered if not.

What about transgender and nonbinary people? Federal protections are in flux. HUD halted enforcement of the gender-identity provisions of its Equal Access Rule in February 2025 and proposed revising the rule in April 2026. Many states and cities still prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and many shelters have inclusive policies. Ask about the shelter’s placement policy and contact a local LGBTQ+ legal organization if you’re refused.

Disabilities, health, and animals

Can I get accommodations? Yes. Shelters must consider reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, such as a lower bunk, accessible bathroom, space for a wheelchair or medical equipment, storage for medication or refrigeration, a quieter area, or an exception to a rule. Ask in writing if possible.

Can I bring my service animal? ADA-covered shelters generally must admit dogs trained to do disability-related work or tasks. A dog may be excluded if it is out of control and its handler does not regain control, or if it is not housebroken; the person must still be offered services without the animal. No service-animal certification or registration is required. Different housing rules can also cover assistance animals, including emotional support animals; ask which rules apply to the shelter.

Can I bring my pet? Only if the shelter allows it. Some shelters and DV programs accept pets or partner with kennels. Ask 211 for pet-friendly options.

What if I’m sick or just left the hospital? Ask about medical respite (recuperative care) programs. Hospitals should have a discharge plan; ask the social worker not to discharge you to the street without a plan.

Work, school, and benefits

What if I work nights or early mornings? Tell intake; some shelters allow late check-in or hold beds for workers.

Can my kids keep going to their school? Yes. Under McKinney-Vento, children experiencing homelessness have school-of-origin and transportation rights, subject to the student’s best-interest determination. Contact the district’s homeless liaison. See homeless students’ rights.

Can I get benefits while in shelter? Yes. You can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, TANF, and unemployment using the shelter address if allowed. SNAP has special rules for shelter residents.

Next steps

Ask your case manager about:

Frequently asked questions

How do I find an open bed?

Call 211 or your local coordinated entry line, or go to a drop-in or navigation center. Directory listings don’t show real-time availability, so call first. Many shelters fill by late afternoon.

Can shelters turn me away?

Shelters can turn people away when full or when someone doesn’t fit their population (for example, a family shelter and a single adult). They may not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, and must consider reasonable accommodations. Ask for a referral to the next option.

Can I stay with my partner?

It depends on the shelter. Many single-adult shelters separate by sex, while family and some non-congregate shelters allow couples. Ask 211 which shelters accept couples.

What if I work nights?

Tell the intake worker. Some shelters hold beds or have exceptions to curfews for work schedules; others can refer you to a shelter that does.

Sources and verification

Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.

Update note (2026-10-01): Clarified ADA service-animal exceptions and school-of-origin qualifications; replaced a missing program reference.

  1. Frequently asked questions about service animals and the ADAU.S. Department of Justice
  2. Find shelterU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  3. 24 CFR Part 576: Emergency Solutions GrantsElectronic Code of Federal Regulations
  4. Americans with Disabilities Act: Service animalsU.S. Department of Justice
  5. Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions (proposed rule)Federal Register

Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.

Published by Housing Assistance Info

Independent guidance based on the sources listed above. Read our sourcing, automated-tool, and correction policies.