Emergency shelter tonight in Alabama
The short answer
Dial 211 and say you need a place to sleep tonight. If someone is hurting you, call 1 800 650 6522. Youth can call 1 800 786 2929. Veterans can call 1 877 424 3838.
Need help tonight?
Call 211 first
211 Connects Alabama keeps the list of local shelters and can tell you what is open tonight. Ask about family, women's, men's and youth shelters, and warming or cooling centers when the weather is bad.
"I need a safe place to sleep tonight. I'm near [city or ZIP]. It's [just me / me and my kids]."
"What time is check in, and what should I bring?"
Official pages: 211connectsalabama.org, hud.gov/states/alabama
If someone is hurting you
Alabama has domestic violence shelters across the state. Call the Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800 650 6522 and ask them to locate the nearest shelter. ACADV also lists each program by county with its crisis line.
Official page: acadv.org/get-help/#shelters
Youth and veterans
- Young people (under 21) who ran away or can't go home: National Runaway Safeline, 1 800 786 2929, call or chat 24 hours.
- Veterans who are homeless or about to be: VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 1 877 424 3838, 24 hours.
Official pages: 1800runaway.org, va.gov/homeless
What to bring if you can
- Any ID you have, and papers for your kids.
- Medicines in their bottles.
- A phone charger.
- A change of clothes and a small bag you can carry.
More help in Alabama
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.