Emergency Shelter Tonight in Arizona

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, this guide is for you. Take a breath. There are people in Arizona whose job is to help you find a bed, and you can reach them today.

In Maricopa County, adults can go to the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix, and families can dial 211 for the Family Housing Hub. Everywhere else, dial 211 and ask for shelter near you.

211

Dial 211Shelter and local help.

911

In danger?Call 911 right away.

988

In crisis?Call or text 988, 24/7.

Veterans877.424.3838, any time.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

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.

Where can I sleep tonight?

Start by dialing 211. Tell them where you are and who is with you.

They can tell you which shelters may have space and how to get there. If you're in Maricopa County, there's also a front door for adults and one for families, explained below.

If you're in danger right now, call 911. If you're not safe at home because of someone who hurts you, guide 8 has safe shelter options and hotlines.

Sources: https://211arizona.org/

Tonight, in order

If you're in danger, call 911.
Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661, and ask for shelter near you.
In Phoenix, adults can go to the Human Services Campus at 204 S. 12th Ave.
Families with children in Maricopa County can dial 211 and ask for the Family Housing Hub.
Pack your ID, medicine, phone charger and any papers you have.

How does shelter work in the Phoenix area?

In Maricopa County, adults 18 and older can start at the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix. Keys to Change runs the campus, and many groups work there together, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS).

The campus is open 24/7 and can help with shelter intake, meals, mail and more.

Families with children can dial 211 and ask for the Family Housing Hub. UMOM New Day Centers also helps families and young adults in the Phoenix area.

Sources: https://keystochange.org/

Valley Metro light rail in the Phoenix area

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say when you call

"Hi. I need a place to stay tonight."

"I'm in (town or ZIP code)."

"It's just me," or "I have (number) kids with me," or "I have a pet."

"Is there anywhere with space tonight, and how do I get there?"

What about Tucson and other towns?

In Pima County, dial 211 first. The Primavera Foundation offers emergency services and housing help in Tucson, and Pima County's Community Assistance Division can help with some housing costs.

Our Family Services runs Reunion House, a shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.

In other counties, dial 211 and call your Community Action Agency. Many of them help with emergency shelter when funds allow. The list is near the back of this guide.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask about the weather

Arizona summers can be dangerous, and nights in the high country get cold. Ask 211 about cooling centers, warming centers and places to get water.

What should I bring?

Bring what you can carry easily. Shelters may have limited space for belongings.

A small go bag

Your ID, or a photo of it, and any papers you have.
Medicine, in its labeled bottles.
A phone and charger.
Water, a hat and sunscreen in hot months, or a warm layer when it's cold.
A change of clothes and basic hygiene items.

What if every shelter is full?

That can happen, and it is not your fault. Keep trying, and ask each place where else you could try.

Ask 211 for a list of places, not just one.
Ask if there's a day center where you can rest, eat, charge your phone and use a bathroom.
Ask about a waitlist, and how you'll hear back.
If it's very hot, go somewhere cool, like a library or a cooling center, during the day.
Call 988 any time if you feel overwhelmed. Someone will listen.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly on what to do when the shelters are full (0:22). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

EXAMPLE

Say you lost your apartment in Chandler

You could dial 211 in the morning and ask about shelter and day centers. If you're an adult on your own, you could head to the Human Services Campus in Phoenix. If you have kids, you could ask 211 for the Family Housing Hub. Then you could start a Nutrition Assistance application on HEAplus so food is covered while you look for housing.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly on your next step after tonight (0:23). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

Questions people ask a lot

Can I bring my partner?

Some shelters serve couples. Ask 211 which ones do.

Can I bring my pet?

Some places can help with pets, or know who can. Ask when you call.

Do I need an ID?

Many shelters don't require one to start. Bring it if you have it.

What if I work nights?

Tell the shelter. Some can work with your schedule.

What if I have a disability?

Tell them what you need. Ask about help or changes that would make it work for you.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

BUNKLY TIP

Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

What it offers Private, no cost 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. The Hotline does not give cash or hotel vouchers, but it can connect you to local groups that may.

How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/

Source https://www.thehotline.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.

How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/

Last checked October 22, 2026

National Runaway Safeline

What it offers Private, no cost, nonjudgmental support 24/7 for young people in crisis and the adults who care about them. Staff listen, help you look at options and connect you to local help. Its Home No cost program can give young people ages 12 to 21 a no cost ride to a confirmed safe adult or safe place.

How to reach Call or text 800.786.2929. Chat at https://www.1800runaway.org/

Source https://www.1800runaway.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)

What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona crisis lines (AHCCCS)

What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are for anyone, with or without coverage.

How to reach Call or text 988, or call the line for your county: Maricopa and Pinal, Mercy Care at 800.631.1314. Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Yuma, 866.495.6735. Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai, 877.756.4090.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV)

What it offers Connects survivors with local domestic and sexual violence programs across Arizona through its helpline, and shares safety information.

How to reach Call 602.279.2900. Visit https://www.acesdv.org/

Source https://www.acesdv.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)

What it offers Emergency shelter and help finding housing for adults, plus Vista Colina for families and The Haven for adults 55 and older. Adults 18 and older start intake at the Human Services Campus. Families start by calling 211 for the Family Housing Hub.

How to reach Call 602.256.6945. TTY: 800.367.8939. Office: 230 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix.

Source https://www.cassaz.org/get-help

Last checked October 22, 2026

UMOM New Day Centers

What it offers Shelter and housing help for families and young adults in the Phoenix area.

How to reach Call 602.275.7852. Main campus: 3333 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. Families can also dial 211 for the Family Housing Hub.

Source https://umom.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Maricopa County Human Services Department

What it offers Rent and utility help for county residents who live outside Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix, through Community Action Program (CAP) offices. Apply online through the Client Portal, or call your local CAP office.

How to reach Call 602.506.5911, or 602.506.0589 for general questions about rent and utility help. Office: 234 N. Central Ave., Suite 3000, Phoenix.

Source https://www.maricopa.gov/5582/Rental-Assistance

Last checked October 22, 2026

City of Phoenix Family Services Centers

What it offers Crisis help for Phoenix residents, including eviction prevention, move in help, emergency utility help and case management, when funds allow. Centers are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm: John F. Long, 3454 N. 51st Ave. Sunnyslope, 914 W. Hatcher Rd. Travis L. Williams, 4732 S. Central Ave.

How to reach Call the appointment line at 602.534.2433 or 866.882.1778. If no times are open, try again next week.

Source https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/humanservices/programs-services/crisis-assistance.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Primavera Foundation

What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.

How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Source https://primavera.org/contact/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

Our Family Services

What it offers Help for youth, families and adults in Tucson, including Reunion House, a shelter for youth ages 12 to 17.

How to reach Call 520.323.1708. Office: 2590 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson.

Source https://www.ourfamilyservices.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Crisis line for Pima and southern Arizona

What it offers Talk to someone right away if you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis. Open 24/7, for anyone.

How to reach Call 866.495.6735, or call or text 988.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.