If you are homeless now, emergency assistance programs may help with health care, food, and temporary, transitional, or permanent housing. For assistance locating programs in your area, this Directory may help you. If you are not homeless yet, it may be possible to avoid becoming homeless by finding out about prevention or emergency assistance programs in your area. The goal should be either to avoid going to an emergency shelter or having a long-term stay at a shelter.

Try to locate an assistance program near you

Some agencies provide homeless prevention assistance. These programs may have waiting lists, require an appointment/interview, or have certain restrictions on who they serve. For these reasons, the sooner you can find a program that may be able help you, the better. For assistance locating programs in your area, this Directory may help you.

Make an Emergency Pack

If you have more than two bags for yourself, or one for each child, try to find someone you know who can and will hold your things for you. Almost every shelter has limits on the amount of baggage people can carry with them because they don't have enough space.

Apply for Public Housing and/or Section 8 Housing

Waiting lists for public and Section 8 housing vary across the country, but in many cases, the waiting list for public housing is shorter than for Section 8 housing. You can find out how to apply by looking for the number of your local public housing authority.