DCF Emergency Housing Line
Apply for state emergency housing. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. You can also apply on paper or at a district office.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
Emergency Shelter Tonight in Vermont: Burlington, Barre, Brattleboro and How to Get Help
How to find a safe place tonight in Vermont: Vermont 211, the DCF Emergency Housing Line, and shelters like COTS in Burlington, Good Samaritan Haven in central Vermont and Groundworks in Brattleboro.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If you need somewhere to go tonight, you are not alone. Start with a call to 211 or to a shelter near you, and they can tell you what is open.
Quick answers
Where can I sleep tonight in Vermont?
Call 211 to find a shelter near you. The VTLawHelp list gives phone numbers by town. Examples: Bennington 802 442 2424, Rutland 802 775 5661, St. Albans 802 527 0847, White River Junction 802 295 6500. Youth shelters are listed too.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
How does hotel or motel emergency housing work now?
Call the DCF Emergency Housing Line at 800 775 0506, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, or apply on paper or at a DCF district office. Since September 1, 2026, the program has a 70 day limit during a one year period, an assessment and waitlist when rooms run short, and housing plan and case management rules. Being found eligible does not mean a room is open right away.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
Where can I go in Burlington?
COTS has a Daystation at 95 North Ave, open 9 am to 5 pm every day, and the Waystation overnight shelter for single adults 18 and older at 58 Pearl St, open 6 pm to 8 am. Families with children under 18 can ask about the COTS family shelters. Call 802 864 7402, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Outside those hours, call 211.
Official page: cotsonline.org/emergency-shelter
How do I get a bed in Barre or Montpelier?
Good Samaritan Haven runs year round shelters in Montpelier, Berlin, Barre and Barre Town. Call the intake coordinator at 802 341 5740, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm. You must be 18 or older and meet their rules, and a bed has to be open. Street outreach is at 802 613 4494.
Official page: goodsamaritanhaven.org/programs/find-shelter
What if I'm denied a shelter or emergency housing?
Fill out the form on VTLawHelp and legal aid will call you back, or call 800 889 2047. Give as many details as you can about how to reach you. Legal Services Vermont screens requests for both Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont.
Official page: vtlawhelp.org/homeless-shelters-and-help-homeless-people
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: Good Samaritan Haven only does intake by phone from 7 am to 3 pm on weekdays, so call early in the day. Special winter rules start December 1.
Who to call in Vermont
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter)
Daystation, overnight shelter for single adults, and family shelters. Open 365 days a year.
Official page: cotsonline.org/emergency-shelter
Good Samaritan Haven
Year round shelters for adults. Call intake, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.
Official page: goodsamaritanhaven.org/programs/find-shelter
Groundworks Collaborative
Drop in center and overnight shelter at 54 South Main St, with 34 beds and a hot meal each evening.
Official page: groundworksvt.org/programs/housingworks
Upper Valley Haven
Temporary housing for adults and families at 713 Hartford Ave. Main building open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Official page: uppervalleyhaven.org
Spectrum Youth and Family Services
Emergency shelter and transitional housing for ages 16 to 24 in Burlington and St. Albans.
Official page: spectrumvt.org/need-help-now
Vermont 211
Call for shelters near you, including winter warming shelters in some towns.
Official page: vermont211.org
More help in Vermont
Housing help in Vermont (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Vermont: Where to Start with 211, 3SquaresVT, Medicaid and ShelterNo cost Food Help in Vermont: 3SquaresVT, WIC and Food ShelvesNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in VermontJob Help and Free Job Training in Vermont: Job Centers, JobLink and MoreFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in Vermont: Medicaid, 988 and ClinicsDomestic Violence Help in Vermont: Safety, Shelter and Legal SupportHelp for Veterans in Vermont: Housing, Crisis Support and VA CareHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Vermont: Shelter, Drop In Centers and Crisis LinesGetting an ID and Replacing Papers in Vermont: DMV, Birth Certificates and MailFree and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Vermont: Lifeline and MoreFree Legal Help and Tenant Rights in Vermont: Eviction, Benefits and ShelterHow to Make Blessing Bags in Vermont: Heat, Cold and What Neighbors Need
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.