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 in Ohio whose whole job is helping you find a bed.
Here is the easy first step in Ohio: dial 211 and ask about emergency shelter near you. In Columbus and Franklin County, you can also call the 24 hour Homeless Hotline at 614.274.7000. 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 Ohio, you don't find a bed by walking from door to door. Beds are usually filled through one phone line, a process called Coordinated Entry or Coordinated Intake.
That's good news, honestly. One call can open more doors than a dozen visits.
HUD's Ohio page lists the first call in the biggest counties. In Franklin County (Columbus), call the Homeless Hotline at 614.274.7000. In Hamilton County (Cincinnati), call the Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline at 513.381.7233. In Montgomery County (Dayton), call Miami Valley Housing Opportunities at 937.263.4449, ext. 410. In Stark County (Canton), call the Homeless Navigation Hotline at 330.452.4363. In Cuyahoga, Summit, Lucas and every other county, dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Every county's first call is listed at the end of this guide. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hud.gov/states/ohio
I want to be straight with you, because you deserve that. In many Ohio communities, shelter beds fill up fast, and housing programs often have waiting lists. In Columbus, for example, the Community Shelter Board says single adults may be put on a waitlist outside of winter, while families with children, pregnant women and Veterans with no safe place to go are given priority all year. That's exactly why it helps to call early and keep calling. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.csb.org/cdn/file-A-Community-Guide-for-People-Facing-Homelessness8252023.pdf
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, or call your county's shelter line from the list at the end of this guide. 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: "I'm pregnant."
"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. The Toledo Lucas County Homeless Board describes it as a short term stay of 1 to 90 days with a bed, meals and safety, shared spaces, and rules about curfew and check in. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.endinghomelessnesstoledo.org/coordinated-entry
- Cold weather 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 Ohio Domestic Violence Network can help you find a program at 1.800.934.9840, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline answers 24/7 at 800.799.7233. Guide 8 has more. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.odvn.org/find-help/
- Youth shelter. For young people on their own. In Columbus, teens 12 to 17 can call Huckleberry House any time at 614.294.5553. In Dayton, Daybreak serves young people 10 to 21. Guide 10 has more.
- Family shelter. For parents or caregivers with children. Families usually start with the same first call as everyone else, and these beds 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. In Toledo, the Homeless Board says intake can take several hours, so bring what you need and plan for the time. 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. In Cincinnati, Found House runs the area's only shelter pet program, which cares for pets while their owners stay in a shelter. A trained service dog is different. See the example below. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://strategiestoendhomelessness.org/cincinnati-homeless-shelters/
- 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 very cold or very hot weather, ask 211 about warming or cooling centers. Stark County, for example, posts its warming and cooling center information on its homeless help page.
- If you are a Veteran, a young person, pregnant, 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 Cleveland
Say it's a weekday evening, you're on your own, and you have nowhere to stay in Cleveland. You could call Cuyahoga County Coordinated Intake at 216.674.6700, which answers Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. After hours and on weekends, dial 211 for the on call Coordinated Intake worker.
If you're a woman, the YWCA says you can also go straight to the Norma Herr Center after hours, and staff will help you reach Coordinated Intake the next day. If you're a man, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry says adult men can walk into the Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside Ave. with no appointment.
This is an example to show how a call can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.ywcaofcleveland.org/normaherr and https://www.lutheranmetro.org/what-we-do/programs/housing-and-shelter/
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, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233, 24/7, or ask 211 for the domestic violence program in your county.
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. Columbus has COTA, Cleveland has RTA, Cincinnati has Metro, Akron has METRO RTA, Dayton has RTA and Toledo has TARTA. 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. In Toledo, the Homeless Board says you don't have to go to a shelter to get housing help, and a 211 navigator can talk through all your options first. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.endinghomelessnesstoledo.org/coordinated-entry
- Shelter diversion. Many Ohio lines first ask if there is any safe place you could stay, even for a short time, with a little help. Cuyahoga County's Coordinated Intake, for example, explores alternatives to shelter before it makes a shelter referral. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/programs/if-you-need-shelter
- 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 Cincinnati
Say you're a mom with three young daughters, and you have to leave where you're staying in Cincinnati. You could call the CAP Helpline at 513.381.7233. Strategies to End Homelessness says trained intake specialists check for space in shelters and can place callers into programs, including family shelters like Bethany House, which can serve up to 43 families at a time.
CAP is honest that the need is high. If the line is busy or closed, dial 211 for help with rent, food and other needs, and call CAP back when it opens.
This is an example to show how a call can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://strategiestoendhomelessness.org/central-access-point-cap-helpline/ and https://strategiestoendhomelessness.org/cincinnati-homeless-shelters/
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get into a shelter?
Not always. Rules vary, so ask when you call. Some shelters do ask for a picture ID at intake. 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, starting with the counties where the most people live. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
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 in Ohio
What it offers HUD funds local groups but does not give direct help itself. Its Ohio page says to call 211 or text 898211 to get connected, and lists the shelter line for many Ohio counties.
How to reach Dial 211 or text 898211. Ohio county list at hud.gov/states/ohio
Source https://www.hud.gov/states/ohio
Last checked October 18, 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 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ohio
Here are some places to start.
211 in Ohio
What it offers No cost help finding shelter, food, rent help and more near you. HUD says to call 211 or text 898211 to see if your county has 211, and to search by ZIP code if it doesn't answer.
How to reach Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Source https://www.hud.gov/states/ohio
Last checked October 18, 2026
Ohio Domestic Violence Network program finder
What it offers Helps you find a domestic violence program near you. Not every program is a shelter, but many offer advocacy, support groups, counseling and housing help. After hours, ODVN points people to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
How to reach Call ODVN at 1.800.934.9840 or 614.781.9651. National hotline, 24/7: 800.799.7233.
Source https://www.odvn.org/find-help/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Franklin County (Columbus)
Here are some places to start.
Homeless Hotline (Community Shelter Board)
What it offers The way into shelter for single adults and families in Columbus and Franklin County, open 24 hours a day. Families with children, pregnant women and Veterans with no safe place to go are given priority all year. Single adults may be waitlisted outside of winter.
How to reach Call 614.274.7000, any time.
Source https://www.csb.org/cdn/file-A-Community-Guide-for-People-Facing-Homelessness8252023.pdf
Last checked October 18, 2026
Huckleberry House Teen Crisis Program
What it offers A safe, temporary place to stay for teens ages 12 to 17, with doors open 24/7. Young adults 18 to 24 can ask about housing programs.
How to reach Call 614.294.5553, 24/7.
Source https://www.huckhouse.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
CHOICES domestic violence crisis line
What it offers For people fleeing domestic violence in Franklin County, including safe shelter.
How to reach Call 614.224.4663, 24 hours a day.
Source https://www.csb.org/cdn/file-A-Community-Guide-for-People-Facing-Homelessness8252023.pdf
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
Here are some places to start.
Cuyahoga County Coordinated Intake
What it offers The front door to emergency shelter for people with no safe place to sleep. Staff look at alternatives to shelter first, then make a shelter referral if needed. Coordinated Intake does not give rent help, security deposits or utility help.
How to reach Call 216.674.6700, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. After hours and weekends, dial 211 for the on call worker.
Source https://www.ywcaofcleveland.org/normaherr
Last checked October 18, 2026
Norma Herr Center (YWCA, women 18 to 80)
What it offers Cleveland's emergency shelter for women, serving about 220 people a night, with staff who help build a housing plan. After hours, you can go directly to the center and staff will help you reach Coordinated Intake the next day.
How to reach 2227 Payne Ave., Cleveland. Start with Coordinated Intake at 216.674.6700.
Source https://www.ywcaofcleveland.org/normaherr
Last checked October 18, 2026
Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside (Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry)
What it offers The largest shelter in Ohio, for up to 365 men a night. Adult men can come directly for immediate shelter, no appointment needed.
How to reach 2100 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland. For other shelter, dial 211.
Source https://www.lutheranmetro.org/what-we-do/programs/housing-and-shelter/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Domestic violence and Veteran help in Cuyahoga County
What it offers The county lists a Domestic Violence Helpline for safe shelter options, and the VA Community Resource and Referral Center for Veterans who are losing housing.
How to reach Domestic Violence Helpline 216.391.4357. VA CRRC, 7000 Euclid Ave., Suite 202, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, 216.391.0264.
Source https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/programs/if-you-need-shelter
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hamilton County (Cincinnati)
Here are some places to start.
Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline
What it offers One call to check for space in shelters across Hamilton County and get placed into a housing program. CAP does not give rent help.
How to reach Call 513.381.7233. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (closed 12 to 12:45 pm). Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm. For rent and other help, dial 211.
Source https://strategiestoendhomelessness.org/find-services/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Cincinnati shelters (most reached through CAP)
What it offers Family shelter at Bethany House, Shelterhouse for men and for women without children, and City Gospel Mission for men. The library says to call CAP first for shelters it marks.
How to reach Bethany House 513.921.1131. Shelterhouse men, 411 Gest St., 513.721.0643. Shelterhouse women, 2499 Reading Rd., 513.562.1980. City Gospel Mission 513.241.5525.
Source https://chpl.org/services/community-resources-guide/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Youth and domestic violence shelter in Cincinnati
What it offers Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center for young people, and YWCA shelter for people fleeing domestic violence.
How to reach Lighthouse ages 10 to 17: 513.961.4080. Ages 18 to 24: 513.569.9500. YWCA: 513.872.9259.
Source https://chpl.org/services/community-resources-guide/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Summit County (Akron)
Here are some places to start.
Summit County Homeless Hotline and 211
What it offers The way into shelter and housing help in Summit County. The hotline is run by United Way. 211 answers 24/7 in many languages.
How to reach Homeless Hotline 330.615.0577, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Or dial 211, any time.
Source https://www.hmhousing.org/housing-for-persons-experiencing-homelessness.html
Last checked October 18, 2026
Family Promise of Summit County
What it offers Shelter and support for families with children experiencing homelessness.
How to reach Call 330.253.8081. Ask the Homeless Hotline about getting on the list.
Source https://www.familypromisesc.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County (Dayton)
Here are some places to start.
Montgomery County gateway shelters
What it offers The county's shelter front door. St. Vincent de Paul serves single women and families, Gettysburg Gateway serves single men, and Daybreak serves young people 10 to 21.
How to reach St. Vincent de Paul, 120 W. Apple St., 937.461.7837, 24 hours. Gettysburg Gateway, 1921 S. Gettysburg Ave., 937.350.1335, 24 hours. Daybreak, 605 S. Patterson Blvd., 937.395.4600, crisis hotline 937.461.1000.
Source https://www.mcohio.org/1629/Resources
Last checked October 18, 2026
Homeless outreach (PATH) in Dayton
What it offers Outreach for people living outside or in places not meant for sleeping.
How to reach Homeless Outreach (PATH), 937.263.4449, ext. 410.
Source https://www.mcohio.org/1629/Resources
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lucas County (Toledo)
Here are some places to start.
Coordinated Assessment through United Way 211
What it offers The way into homeless services in Lucas County, from emergency shelter to rent and deposit help. People who show up at a shelter are checked for safety, then connected to 211.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 1.800.650.4357. Text your ZIP code to 898211.
Source https://www.endinghomelessnesstoledo.org/coordinated-entry
Last checked October 18, 2026
Toledo walk in shelters
What it offers Cherry Street Mission runs a men's shelter and the Sparrow's Nest women's shelter, both walk in any time for adults 18 and up. Rebekah's Haven serves women with 1 to 3 children under 8. Call first.
How to reach Cherry Street men's shelter, 105 17th Street, 419.214.3287. Sparrow's Nest, 436 West Delaware Ave., 419.321.1835. Rebekah's Haven, 703 Phillips Ave., 419.243.0403.
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Butler County (Hamilton and Middletown)
Here are some places to start.
Serve City emergency shelter
What it offers A shelter for Butler County families and adults experiencing homelessness, with an average stay of about 45 days and help moving to housing. Access Point staff connect people to resources Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
How to reach 622 East Ave., Hamilton. Call 513.737.8900.
Source https://www.serve-city.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Butler County United Way 211
What it offers No cost, confidential help finding shelter, food, rent and utility help and more, 24/7, in more than 180 languages.
How to reach Dial 211. From a prepaid cell or a cell with an out of area number, call 513.938.4297.
Source https://bc-unitedway.org/2-1-1
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Stark County (Canton)
Here are some places to start.
Stark County Homeless Navigation Hotline
What it offers For people with no safe place to stay tonight. Staff do a short interview and refer you to open shelter beds. After hours, leave a message for a call back the next business day.
How to reach Call 330.452.4363, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. Mental health crisis: 330.452.6000 or 988. Domestic violence: 330.453.7233.
Source https://starkcountyhomeless.org/need-help/how-to-get-help/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lorain County
Here are some places to start.
Lorain County Coordinated Entry (Catholic Charities)
What it offers The first call for anyone facing a housing crisis in Lorain County.
How to reach Call 440.242.0455, any time. Leave a message if no one answers and they will call you back.
Source https://www.hmhousing.org/housing-for-persons-experiencing-homelessness.html
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other Ohio counties
Here are some places to start.
211 shelter search for every other county
What it offers For Warren, Lake, Mahoning, Delaware and every other county, dial 211 and say "I need emergency shelter tonight in [your county]."
How to reach Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Source https://www.hud.gov/states/ohio
Last checked October 18, 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 18, 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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