Shelter & Support Resources
We’re here to help the most vulnerable find safety, nourishment, and mental health support. You are not alone.
Finding Shelter
If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, there are resources available to provide immediate assistance and long-term support. Below are options to locate shelter services:
National Shelter Resources
Use the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Find Shelter tool to locate housing, shelter, health care, and clothing resources by entering your location.
Contact your local Continuum of Care (CoC) program, the "front door" for homelessness services, to access shelter and housing support.
Local Assistance
Call 2-1-1 to connect with trained staff 24/7 for shelter, health care, and other services in your community. Find your local 2-1-1 at 211.org.
Visit a Red Cross shelter during disasters—no ID required, and support is free for all, including those with disabilities or pets.
Requirements
Shelter access varies by program. Red Cross shelters require only your name and pre-disaster address. HUD’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP) supports noncitizen migrants within 45 days of DHS release, with per diem ($12.50/night) or rental options. CoC assessments may consider physical/mental health, duration of homelessness, and family status to prioritize needs.
Food Assistance
Access to nutritious food is a vital need. Here are resources to help:
Food Banks and Programs
Locate a food bank near you with Feeding America’s locator.
Apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for eligible families.
Emergency Support
Call 2-1-1 for food distribution information. In disaster areas like Los Angeles (2025 fires), California provides $1 million in emergency funding for 25,000 food boxes—check CA.gov/LAfires.
Requirements
SNAP eligibility depends on income, household size, and citizenship status. WIC targets pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 with income guidelines. Emergency food aid (e.g., California) is available to all impacted residents without strict prerequisites.
Mental Health Support
Mental health is crucial for recovery and well-being. Here’s where to find help:
National Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (TTY via 711), 24/7 for crisis support, routed to your nearest center.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online, available 24/7 for veterans.
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990, 24/7 for disaster-related distress in over 100 languages.
SAMHSA Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357, 24/7 for mental health and substance use support in English and Spanish.
Specialized Support
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or chat online, 24/7 for domestic violence support.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat online, 24/7 for survivors.
CalHOPE Warm Line: Call 24/7 at a peer-run line for emotional support, especially post-disaster (California-specific).
Teen Line: Call 800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863 (6 PM - 9 PM PST), for youth support.
Additional Resources
Find providers via FindSupport.gov or SAMHSA’s locator.
Access state-specific help, e.g., Texas at Texas HHS.
For disaster mental health, visit CDC Mental Health Resources.
Supporting the Vulnerable
At Social Security Answers, we stand with the most vulnerable—those experiencing homelessness, disaster survivors, veterans, and families in crisis. These resources are free, confidential, and designed to meet diverse needs, including disabilities and language support. If you need further assistance, contact us or call 2-1-1 to start your journey to safety and recovery.
