Shelter & Support Resources in 2026
Free resources for the vulnerable — those experiencing homelessness, disaster survivors, or in crisis. Find shelter, food, and mental health support below.
Finding Shelter
National Resources
Use HUD’s Find Shelter tool for shelters, healthcare, clothing. Contact Continuum of Care (CoC) for local homelessness services.
Local Assistance
Call 2-1-1 (24/7) for shelters/food: 211.org. Red Cross shelters (disasters): RedCross.org.
Eligibility
Red Cross: Name/address only. HUD SSP: Noncitizens (migrants) within 45 days of DHS release get shelter/rental aid. CoC prioritizes based on health/homelessness duration.
Example: Jane, displaced by 2026 floods, uses 2-1-1 to find a Red Cross shelter; no ID needed.
Food Assistance
Food Banks & Programs
Locate food banks: FeedingAmerica.org. Apply for SNAP (~$2,081/month income limit single) or WIC (pregnant/children under 5).
Emergency Food
2-1-1 connects to local distributions. Disaster areas: States fund emergency food (e.g., 2026 wildfire relief) — check 2-1-1 or state sites.
Eligibility
SNAP: Income-based (~130% poverty level). WIC: Pregnant/new mothers/kids under 5. Emergency food: Often open to all affected residents.
Mental Health Support
Hotlines
988 Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988 (24/7). Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1). Disaster Distress: 1-800-985-5990. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.
Specialized
Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233. Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673. Teen Line: 800-852-8336 (6-9 PM PST).
Providers
Find help: FindSupport.gov, SAMHSA locator, or CDC resources.
Supporting the Vulnerable
Free, confidential resources for homelessness, disaster survivors, veterans, and families. Accessible for disabilities, noncitizens, and multiple languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit HUD.gov to start.
