Emergency shelter tonight in Maine
The short answer
Dial 211 and say you need a place to sleep tonight. If someone is hurting you, call the Domestic Violence Helpline at 1 866 834 4357. Veterans can call 1 877 424 3838. Youth can call 1 800 786 2929.
Need help tonight?
Call 211 first
Maine DHHS points people to 211 Maine to find community services like shelter. Ask about warming centers on cold nights.
"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: maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/hotlines, hud.gov/states/maine
If someone is hurting you
Maine's Domestic Violence Helpline is 1 866 834 4357. The Sexual Assault Helpline is 1 800 871 7741, 24 hours.
Official page: maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/hotlines
Youth and veterans
- Young people who ran away or can't go home: National Runaway Safeline, 1 800 786 2929, 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 Maine
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.