Feeding & Sheltering the Homeless - Finding Emergency Shelter
Finding Emergency & Temporary Shelter
Accessing emergency shelter is essential for individuals & families without a place to stay – but not easy.
You can’t usually just simply walk into a shelter and there are guidelines and many are limited to specific groups: singles, families, teenagers, veterans, domestic violence survivors etc.
In NYC
There is a required centralized intake system for both public and non-profit shelters.
Contact the Department of Homeless Services by dialing 311 or (800) 994-6494.
There are also Drop-In Centers that provide services such as meals, showers, laundry and clothing.
Many shelters and drop-in centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Other NYC Shelters
There are a very small number of shelters that do not use the centralized system.
Call the Catholic Charities Helpline at: 888-744-7900 for information about these.
Outside of New York City
Each NYS county has different guidelines. To find local options, call Catholic Charities Helpline at: 888-744-7900.
Tap below to go to our website for more information and links to organizations:
