Emergency Housing Assistance Resources
At Benefit The Youth Foundation, we understand that housing emergencies can happen unexpectedly due to financial hardship, domestic violence, natural disasters, family crises, job loss, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you or your family are in immediate need of temporary shelter or emergency housing support, the organizations and resources below may be able to help.
Emergency housing programs are designed to provide immediate assistance and temporary shelter while individuals and families work toward securing long-term housing stability.
Emergency Shelter Resources
National Shelter Directory
Search emergency shelters, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, food pantries, and housing assistance programs throughout the United States.
Website:
https://www.shelterlistings.org
Homeless Shelter Directory
Locate emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and emergency housing resources nationwide.
Website:
https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org
Family Emergency Housing
Family Promise
Family Promise helps families experiencing housing crises by providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing assistance, housing stabilization services, and support programs.
Website:
https://familypromise.org
Salvation Army Emergency Housing Services
Many Salvation Army locations provide emergency shelter, motel vouchers, family assistance programs, and housing support services.
Website:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Find Local Services:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/plugins/gdosCenterSearch
Domestic Violence Emergency Housing
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Provides confidential assistance, safety planning, and referrals to emergency shelters and housing programs for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Call:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website:
https://www.thehotline.org
Women's Shelters Directory
Search domestic violence shelters, women's shelters, and emergency safe housing programs.
Website:
https://www.womenshelters.org
Youth Emergency Housing
National Runaway Safeline
Provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter referrals, family reunification services, and support for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Call:
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
Website:
https://www.1800runaway.org
Covenant House
Provides emergency shelter, housing support, and crisis services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
Website:
https://www.covenanthouse.org
Veteran Emergency Housing
Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs
Provides emergency housing assistance, shelter referrals, rapid rehousing programs, and supportive services for veterans.
Website:
https://www.va.gov/homeless
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Call:
1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
Available 24 hours a day.
Website:
https://www.va.gov/homeless
Disaster & Emergency Housing Assistance
American Red Cross
Provides emergency shelter, disaster relief assistance, temporary housing support, and emergency resources following natural disasters and emergencies.
Website:
https://www.redcross.org
FEMA Housing Assistance
Provides temporary housing assistance following federally declared disasters.
Website:
https://www.fema.gov
California Emergency Housing Resources
California Department of Housing and Community Development
Provides emergency housing resources, shelter information, and housing assistance programs.
Website:
https://www.hcd.ca.gov
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
Emergency shelter and housing resources for residents throughout Los Angeles County.
Website:
https://www.lahsa.org
Need Immediate Assistance?
If you are experiencing a housing emergency:
Contact the emergency housing provider closest to your location.
Reach out to local shelters as soon as possible, as bed availability can change quickly.
Contact domestic violence or youth-specific resources if your situation involves safety concerns.
Gather identification, important documents, medications, and emergency contact information if possible.
Our Commitment
Benefit The Youth Foundation believes that everyone deserves access to safe shelter during times of crisis. Through this resource center, we aim to connect individuals and families with emergency housing providers, shelter programs, and support services that can help them find safety, stability, and a path toward permanent housing.