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 Pennsylvania: 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, the City runs intake centers where you start a shelter assessment, with daytime and after hours sites listed later in this guide. In Allegheny County, the Allegheny Link at 1.866.730.2368 is the front door. In Montgomery County, call the Your Way Home Helpline at 610.278.3522, and in Bucks County, call the Housing Link Helpline at 1.800.810.4434. In Chester and Lancaster counties, 211 is the way in.
I want to be straight with you, because you deserve that. In many Pennsylvania cities, shelter beds fill up fast, and housing programs often 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. In Philadelphia, the Synergy Project at Valley Youth House is the Youth Access Point, at 1.888.468.7315. In Pittsburgh, 412 Youth Zone serves ages 16 to 23 and the Downtown Outreach Shelter serves ages 18 to 24. Guide 10 has more.
- 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 Allegheny County, the county keeps a list of shelters and drop in engagement centers at https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters/
- In Philadelphia during a cold weather Code Blue, the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215.232.1984 can arrange a ride to a warming center.
- 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 Philadelphia
Say it's 8 pm on a weeknight, you're a single woman, and you have nowhere to stay in Philadelphia. The daytime intake centers are closed, but the City lists an after hours site for single women: Gaudenzia's House of Passage, 111 N. 49th St (entrance on 48th St), 267.713.7778, open 5 pm to 7 am.
The City says ID is requested but a household won't be turned away from shelter for not having one. If you're a parent with kids, the after hours family sites are listed later in this guide.
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. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many other Pennsylvania cities have city buses, and Philadelphia also has trains. 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 Pennsylvania 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. Housing help depends on each program's rules and often isn't given at the first visit. Keep your phone on and return calls fast.
Say you and your kids need help in Bucks County
Say your family has to leave where you're staying. You could call the Bucks County Housing Link Helpline at 1.800.810.4434. Staff ask some questions to understand your situation. If you're sleeping outside, they refer you to Street Outreach. If you're being evicted or have to leave a place you share, they refer you to Housing Planning or a prevention program.
If nobody answers, leave a message, and you could also dial 211 to ask what else is open for families tonight.
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.
HUD: help for people experiencing homelessness
What it offers HUD funds local groups but does not give direct help itself. Its page says to dial 211 and press 6 for homeless services. It also has a map of affordable housing (call each property to check for openings) and says to contact your local Public Housing Agency for a Housing Choice Voucher.
How to reach Dial 211, then press 6. Housing map at resources.hud.gov
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans
Last checked October 17, 2026
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
What it offers For Veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing housing.
How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1.
Source https://www.va.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
Philadelphia daytime intake centers
What it offers City funded places to start a shelter or diversion assessment. ID is requested, but a household won't be turned away from shelter for not having ID. Everyone passes a metal detector.
How to reach Appletree Family Center, 1430 Cherry St, 215.686.7150, Monday to Friday 7 am to 5 pm. Roosevelt Darby Center, 804 N. Broad St, 215.685.3700, Monday to Friday 7 am to 5 pm. Veterans Multi Service Center, 213 N. 4th St, 215.923.2600, Tuesday and Thursday 9 am to 2 pm.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Philadelphia after hours intake centers
What it offers Evening, weekend and holiday intake. You may go to the center that best fits your gender identity.
How to reach Families: Red Shield Family Residence, 715 N. Broad St, 215.787.2887, 5 pm to 7 am plus weekends and holidays. Families: ACTS After Hour Intake, 1300 E. Tulpehocken St, 267.297.7870, 5 pm to 7 am weekdays, 24 hours on weekends and holidays. Single men: Mike Hinson Resource Center, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave, 267.737.9099, 3 pm to 11 pm plus weekends and holidays. Single women: Gaudenzia's House of Passage, 111 N. 49th St (entrance on 48th St), 267.713.7778, 5 pm to 7 am plus weekends and holidays.
Last checked October 17, 2026
Philadelphia Homeless Outreach Hotline
What it offers Call if you're worried about someone sleeping outside. In cold weather Code Blue, the same line can arrange a ride to a warming center. The behavioral health office lists weekday hours of 9 am to 5 pm.
How to reach Call 215.232.1984.
Source https://www.phila.gov/2025-01-07-what-happens-during-a-code-blue-and-how-to-get-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
Here are some places to start.
Allegheny Link
What it offers The county's front door for housing and homeless help. Families with children who have nowhere safe to sleep tonight should call here. Single adults can get help reaching the shelter system.
How to reach Call 1.866.730.2368. Live staff Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/get-help-now/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Allegheny County shelters and engagement centers
What it offers Single adults can find an open shelter or engagement center from the county's list. Drop in centers open at different times and serve different groups. A Spanish list is also available.
How to reach https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Young adult shelter options (Allegheny)
What it offers 412 Youth Zone for ages 16 to 23. Downtown Outreach Shelter for ages 18 to 24.
How to reach 412 Youth Zone 412.902.4068 (Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, Wednesday 10:30 am to 3 pm). Downtown Outreach Shelter 412.942.0500, 1601 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/housing-shelter/shelters/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
Your Way Home Helpline
What it offers The county's coordinated housing crisis system for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or about to lose housing. Programs include street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing.
How to reach Call the Your Way Home Helpline at 610.278.3522.
Source https://www.yourwayhome.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Bucks County Housing Link Helpline
What it offers The single place to start for any Bucks County resident in a housing crisis. Staff ask some questions, then refer you. People sleeping outside go to Street Outreach. People being evicted or asked to leave a shared home go to Housing Planning or a prevention program.
How to reach Call 1.800.810.4434.
Source https://www.buckshousinglink.org/need-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Delaware County
Here are some places to start.
Coordinated Entry assessment sites
What it offers To get homeless or housing crisis help in Delaware County, you complete a Coordinated Entry assessment at one of these sites. Hours may vary, so call first if you can.
How to reach Community Action Agency, 1414 Meetinghouse Rd., Boothwyn, 610.874.8451, Monday to Friday 8 am to 3 pm. Horizon House phone and mobile assessments, 610.328.1306 ext. 31131. Salvation Army, 151 W. 15th St., Chester, 610.874.0423. Homeless outreach 267.671.4357.
Source https://delcopa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/DelCo_NoWrongDoorOverview2024Outreach.pdf
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 East Coordinated Entry intake
What it offers 211 is the main way in for homelessness help in Lancaster County. Intake specialists screen you for Coordinated Entry and connect you with county partners.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 855.567.5341, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
Source https://east.pa211.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chester County
Here are some places to start.
Chester County Human Needs Network (211)
What it offers The county's single point of entry for people facing a housing crisis. Call takers screen for emergency housing, prevention, diversion and street outreach, and can also help with food, health care, utilities and more.
How to reach Dial 211. The county's local 211 center answers Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. At other times, PA 211 takes the call.
Source https://www.chesco.org/5529/Human-Needs-Network
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 shelter search
What it offers Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Lancaster, Chester and every other county: dial 211 and say "I need emergency shelter tonight in [your county]."
How to reach Dial 211 or search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 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 17, 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
_(20250110-USDA-FNS-UNK-084).jpg){kind=link}
