Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If you need a safe place to sleep tonight, I am really glad you picked this up. You are not alone, and there are people whose whole job is helping you find a bed.
Here is the easy first step in Florida: dial 211 and ask about emergency shelter near you. We will walk through the rest together, one page at a time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
In most of Florida, you don't find a bed by walking from door to door. Beds are usually filled through one phone line or a process called Coordinated Entry.
That's good news, honestly. One call can open more doors than a dozen visits.
In Miami Dade, shelters do not take walk ins, so the Homeless Helpline at 877.994.4357 is the best way in. In Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, you can meet with a trained worker at a Hub or Access Point, or call 211 any time.
I want to be straight with you, because you deserve that. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida says most emergency shelters there, and family shelters most of all, are full, and housing programs have waiting lists. That's exactly why it helps to call early and keep calling.
Please don't give up on yourself. One phone call is a real step, and it counts.
From the Bunklow team
How to look for a bed tonight, step by step
- If you can, get to a safe, public place where you can use a phone.
- Dial 211. Say your city or county, and that you need a place to sleep tonight.
- Ask how shelter works where you are.
- Answer the questions as best you can. It's okay to say you don't know.
- Write down who you talked to, what they said, and when to call back.
- If no bed is open tonight, ask what to do next and when to call back.
- If you are in danger at any point, call 911.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need a place to sleep tonight. I'm near [your city or cross streets]."
"It's just me." Or: "I have [number] kids with me." Or: "My partner is with me."
"I have a dog with me." Or: "I use a wheelchair." Say whatever matters for you.
"Is there a shelter or a list I can get on tonight?"
"If there isn't a bed, what should I do tonight, and when should I call back?"
Keep your numbers with you
Charge your phone any chance you get. Then take a screenshot of the numbers in this guide, so you have them even with no data. Easy peasy!
What kinds of shelter are there?
Not every shelter is the same, and that's a good thing. Here is a quick rundown of the words you may hear, so nothing catches you off guard.
What's open near you depends on your county, so ask 211 which ones exist where you are.
- Emergency shelter. A place to sleep for a short time, often with meals and showers. Many have set check in times.
- Cold weather or heat shelter. Some places open extra beds when the weather turns dangerous. Ask 211 if one is open tonight.
- Domestic violence shelter. A safe, private place for people escaping abuse, often at a confidential address. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find one at 800.799.7233.
- Youth shelter. For young people on their own. Covenant House Florida serves young people in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
- Family shelter. For parents or caregivers with children. These fill up fast, so call early in the day if you can.
- Faith based shelter or rescue mission. Run by churches or faith groups. Many welcome anyone. Some ask you to join a program, so it's fair to ask what's expected.
- Veterans programs. If you served, there may be beds set aside just for you. Call the VA line at 877.424.3838.
What is a shelter usually like?
Walking in for the first time can feel scary. That's normal, and you're braver than you think.
Here is what many shelters have in common. Every place sets its own rules, so ask when you call.
- Intake. Staff will ask some questions, like your name, if you have ID, and what brought you there. Answer what you can. No ID? Say so and ask what they suggest.
- Rules. Most places have rules about quiet hours, alcohol and drugs, and respect for others. Ask for the rules up front so there are no surprises.
- Curfew and check in. Many shelters have a time you need to arrive by, and a time you need to leave in the morning. Ask both when you call.
- What you can bring. Space is often tight. Ask about bag limits, lockers, and things they don't allow, like weapons.
- Pets. Many shelters can't take pets, but some can, so it never hurts to ask. A trained service dog is different. See the example below.
- Families. Some shelters keep families together and some serve only adults. Ask before you go so nobody gets split up by surprise.
- Couples. Some places house men and women in separate areas. If you're a couple, ask if there's space for you to stay together, or nearby.
Say you have a service dog
Say you call a shelter and mention your dog. Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog trained to do work or tasks for a person with a disability.
When it isn't obvious, staff may ask only two questions: is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
This is an example to show how a call can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
Ask these three before you go
What time do I need to be there? What time do I leave in the morning? Can I bring my bags, my kids, my partner or my pet? Three quick questions save a lot of worry.
What if the shelters are full tonight?
This is the part nobody wants to hear, but I'd rather you be ready. Sometimes there just isn't a bed open tonight.
That is not your fault, and it doesn't mean the door is closed for good.
What to do if there is no bed tonight
- Ask the person on the phone: "What do people do tonight when there's no bed?" They often know options that aren't written down anywhere.
- Ask if there is a waitlist, and get on it. Ask what time to call back tomorrow.
- Ask about day centers, meals and showers for tomorrow. In Miami Dade, Camillus House Day Center offers meals, showers and mail.
- In Central Florida, go to a Hub or Access Point when it opens. For families, only the head of household needs to come to that first meeting.
- If you are a Veteran, a young person, or escaping abuse, say so. There may be separate help just for you.
- Call back when they told you to. Steady calls really do make a difference.
Say you need a bed tonight in Tampa
Say it's early evening and you have nowhere to stay in Hillsborough County. You could dial 211, or call the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative at 813.223.6115.
Coordinated Entry staff talk with you once and work to match you to the right housing program. If there isn't a bed tonight, you can ask what to do next and when to call back.
This is an example to show how a call can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
How can I stay safe tonight?
Your safety comes first, always. These are simple, common sense ideas, not rules.
Use what fits.
- If you are in danger right now, call 911.
- Stay in well lit, public places when you can, and around other people.
- Tell someone you trust where you are going to be tonight.
- Keep your phone charged. Libraries and some day centers have outlets.
- Trust your gut. If a place or a person feels wrong, leave.
- If you are hurting inside, call or text 988. It's at no cost and open 24/7.
- If someone close to you is hurting you, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800.799.7233, or text START to 88788.
If you need help from someone nearby
"Excuse me, I'm not safe right now. Can you call 911 for me?"
"I'm trying to find a shelter tonight. Can I use your phone to dial 211?"
How do I keep my things and papers safe?
Losing your ID or papers is the last thing you need right now. A little planning protects you, and it makes the next steps so much easier.
Protect your papers
A quick photo of every important paper takes two minutes and can save you weeks later. It protects you and the folks trying to help you!
From the Bunklow team
Getting to a bed can be its own puzzle. Here are some ideas.
- Ask 211 or the shelter about rides. Some places can help with a bus pass or a ride. Ask, because the answer is sometimes yes.
- Use local transit. Most Florida metro areas have city buses. Ask the driver or 211 which route gets you closest.
- Plan around check in times. Leave early so a late bus doesn't make you miss curfew.
- If you are in danger and can't get away safely, call 911.
What if I have medical needs?
Please don't let a health need keep you from asking for a bed. Tell the shelter about it when you call, so they can tell you honestly if it's the right fit.
- Bring medicines in their original bottles, and ask how the shelter stores them.
- If you use oxygen, a wheelchair or other equipment, say so up front.
- For a medical emergency, call 911.
- For help with drugs or alcohol, the SAMHSA National Helpline is at no cost, private and open 24/7, in English and Spanish: 1.800.662.4357. TTY: 1.800.487.4889.
- For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Tonight is about a safe place to sleep. Tomorrow is about getting you back into a home of your own. Here is how that usually starts.
- Coordinated Entry. You talk with a trained worker once, and they work to match you with the housing programs that fit. It's how most Florida counties line people up for housing help, so getting assessed early matters.
- Rapid Rehousing. HUD describes Rapid Rehousing as permanent housing with short term rental help (up to 3 months) or medium term rental help (4 to 24 months), plus support services. HUD does not require a disability to qualify, but each program has its own rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/coc-esg-virtual-binders/coc-program-components/permanent-housing/rapid-re-housing/
- Waitlists are real. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida says housing help depends on eligibility and usually isn't given at the first visit. Keep your phone on and return calls fast.
Say you and your kids need help in Lee County
Lee County does its Coordinated Entry assessment by phone. You would call 239.533.7996, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Outside those hours, dial 211 for help tonight, then call Coordinated Entry the next weekday.
This is an example to show how a call can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get into a shelter?
Not always. Rules vary, so ask when you call. Don't let a missing ID stop you from asking.
Does it cost money?
Most emergency shelters are at no cost. If a place asks for money, it's fair to ask why and what other options exist.
Can I stay during the day?
Many shelters ask people to leave in the morning. Ask about day centers nearby.
What if I work nights?
Tell them. Some places can work around a job schedule.
How long can I stay?
It's different everywhere. Ask, and ask what happens next.
I got turned away. Now what?
Ask why, and ask who else to call. Then call 211 again. You are not done, my friend.
Write it down
Keep a short list of each place you call, the time, and what they said. It makes call backs faster and way less stressful.
Who can I call in my county?
Every county does it a little differently, so here are some places to start near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
They cover the whole state.
Not sure which one to call? Start with the first one listed for your county. If it's not the right fit, they can usually point you to who is.
From the Bunklow team
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers No cost, private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk, and for people calling on their behalf. Staff connect you to your nearest VA homeless program.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838.
Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 16, 2026
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers No cost, private support 24/7 for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
1 800 RUNAWAY
What it offers No cost, private support 24/7 for young people who are thinking of running away, have left home or are in a crisis, and for worried family members.
How to reach Call 1.800.786.2929.
Source https://www.1800runaway.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
SAMHSA National Helpline
What it offers No cost, private treatment referral and information 24/7 for mental health or substance use, in English and Spanish.
How to reach Call 1.800.662.4357. TTY: 1.800.487.4889.
Source https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Last checked October 16, 2026
HUD Find Shelter
What it offers An online tool to search for housing, shelter, health care and clothing near you.
How to reach Visit https://www.hud.gov/findshelter
Source https://www.hud.gov/findshelter
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 (United Way 211, all of Florida)
What it offers Dial 211 to reach your local 211. A real person can connect you with housing, food, crisis support and more.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Miami Dade Homeless Trust: Homeless Helpline
What it offers Shelters in Miami Dade do not take walk ins, so the Helpline is the best first step. Outreach teams assess your situation and talk through next steps.
How to reach Call 877.994.4357.
Source https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Camillus House Day Center
What it offers Hot meals, showers and mail for people without housing, per the Homeless Trust. Showers start 6:30 am, Monday to Friday. Mail is Monday to Friday, 11 am to noon.
How to reach 1603 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136.
Source https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
211 Broward
What it offers No cost help 24/7 with crisis support and community resources in Broward County, in English, Spanish and Creole.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://211-broward.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Covenant House Florida
What it offers Shelter and services for young people experiencing homelessness in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
How to reach Fort Lauderdale: 954.561.5559. Orlando: 407.482.0404.
Source https://covenanthousefl.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
Palm Beach County Homeless Services
What it offers The way into homeless services in Palm Beach County.
How to reach Call 833.442.9455 or dial 211.
Source https://discover.pbc.gov/communityservices/humanservices/Pages/Homeless.aspx
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Assesses a household once and matches it to the right housing program. Its resource list covers shelter, food, showers, ID, medical care and rent help.
How to reach Call 813.223.6115.
Source https://www.thhi.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties
Here are some places to start.
First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares)
What it offers A 211 call center with a Homeless Helpline. Its site lists Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando among the counties it serves.
How to reach Dial 211, or call 727.210.4211.
Source https://www.firstcontact.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas
What it offers Leads the homeless response in Pinellas County. For immediate help, dial 211.
How to reach Dial 211. Office: 727.933.0100.
Source https://www.pinellashomeless.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
What it offers Lists Hubs and Access Points in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties where you can meet with a triage specialist. Can't go in person? Call 211, any time.
How to reach Dial 211. Veterans: 407.743.5117.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Christian Service Center for Central Florida
What it offers An Access Point to meet with staff about housing resources, Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon.
How to reach 808 W. Central Blvd., Orlando, 32805.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
SALT Outreach Youth
What it offers An Access Point for young people ages 16 to 24, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
How to reach 5511 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32808.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Osceola County (Kissimmee)
Here are some places to start.
Hope Partnership
What it offers An Access Point to meet with staff about housing resources, Tuesdays 9 am to 11 am, by appointment only.
How to reach Call 321.677.0245. 122 W. Sproule Ave., Kissimmee, 34741.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
The Transition House
What it offers An Access Point for military Veterans, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 4 pm.
How to reach 8 Broadway, Suite 100, Kissimmee, 34741.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Seminole County (Sanford)
Here are some places to start.
Rescue Outreach Mission
What it offers An Access Point to meet with staff about housing resources, Monday to Friday, 9 am to noon and 2 pm to 4 pm.
How to reach 1701 W. 13th St., Sanford, 32771.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
The Sharing Center
What it offers An Access Point to meet with staff about housing resources, Wednesdays by appointment only.
How to reach Call 407.260.9155.
Source https://www.hsncfl.org/help
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Changing Homelessness: Coordinated Entry
What it offers Coordinated Entry for people experiencing homelessness in Jacksonville, plus a list of local help.
How to reach Call 904.354.1100.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Liberty Center
What it offers On the Changing Homelessness help list, with separate locations for women and men.
How to reach Women: 904.353.0446. Men: 904.353.1698.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Family Promise of Jacksonville
What it offers On the Changing Homelessness help list as a resource for families.
How to reach Call 904.354.1818.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
City Rescue Mission
What it offers On the Changing Homelessness help list.
How to reach 234 W. State St. Call 904.387.4357.
Source https://www.changinghomelessness.org/help/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Leon County (Tallahassee)
Here are some places to start.
Big Bend Continuum of Care
What it offers One Coordinated Entry system for Leon and nearby counties. You can start by telling them what's happening on their website.
How to reach Visit https://bigbendcoc.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://bigbendcoc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Lee County Coordinated Entry
What it offers A Coordinated Entry assessment by phone, so staff can understand your housing needs and connect you to help.
How to reach Call 239.533.7996, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.leegov.com/dhs/assistance/homeless
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Coalition of Polk County
What it offers Staying in your car, a shelter, outside or in a hotel? Call for possible help, and leave a voicemail so they can call you back.
How to reach Call 863.687.8386. Veterans: extension 1006.
Source https://polkhomeless.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Brevard County
Here are some places to start.
Serene Harbor
What it offers Safe, private 24/7 support for survivors of domestic violence and their families in Brevard County.
How to reach Call or text 321.726.8282.
Source https://sereneharbor.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Manatee and Sarasota counties
Here are some places to start.
Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness
What it offers Leads homeless planning for Manatee and Sarasota counties. For help tonight, dial 211.
How to reach Dial 211.
Source https://www.suncoastpartnership.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring if you can
My plan for tonight
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Tonight I will sleep at
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Make it the best night you can, and call again tomorrow.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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