Emergency Shelters
On any given night, roughly 550,000 unhoused people need shelter, including members of your own community. We offer a safe haven to those in need, providing homeless shelters and other assistance.
The Salvation Army knows that sometimes life throws you a curveball. Natural disasters, job loss, medical issues, or other crises can really put you into a financial tailspin. Before you know it, you’re behind on your mortgage, rent, or utility bills, or you’re struggling to buy food, medication or become unhoused and in need of shelter for yourself or your family.
The Salvation Army is here to help. Prevention is our first approach. We help people at risk of becoming homeless, including people with disabilities, secure the support necessary to move past the initial crisis and remain in your homes. If staying in your home is not a possibility, we work with you to find fast access to an emergency shelter and connect you with programs and services that lead to greater financial stability.
Salvation Army Emergency Shelter Support Services
All of our emergency shelters offer a clean and safe place to stay for people experiencing homelessness, regardless of whether the need is temporary or ongoing. Depending on your location, some or all of these services may also be provided:
- Case Management
- Children's Development Programs
- Community & Agency Networking/Referrals
- Corrections Programs
- Medical Services
- Housing Assistance
- Income Assessment & Planning
- Mental Health Services
- Pastoral Care
- Protective Payee Programs
- Respite Care Programs
- Social Security Benefit Advocacy Services
- Social Services
- Support Groups
- Transportation Assistance
What Are the Requirements to Stay in an Emergency Shelter?
Every emergency shelter has different rules or eligibility requirements in order to be approved for a stay. These rules may vary based on factors like age, family status, and the specific programs offered at the emergency shelter.
Please contact personnel from your nearest emergency shelter to find out the specific requirements and what documents (if any) you may need in order to apply. Your local emergency shelter will have more information.
Depending on your local emergency shelter, various programs are offered to you during your stay:
- Remain drug-free and sober during your stay.
- Sessions with employment specialists.
- Life skills sessions.
- Counseling sessions for substance use disorder or behavioral health therapy.
All of our emergency housing shelters prohibit alcohol, drugs, pornography, or weapons of any kind.
Some shelters have demographic considerations so that we might best serve individuals in need, including:
- Age: In order to provide services better suited to the needs and safety of individuals in our shelters, some facilities have age restrictions (e.g., minors, youth, seniors, etc.).
- Family circumstances: Some shelters are intended for pregnant women or parents with children.
An Emergency Family Shelter in Action
Our emergency shelters offer hope to families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness during times of extreme hardship. Learn how the Booth Family Emergency Shelter in Akron, Ohio, works to get families the support they need to get back on track.
How You Can Help
Salvation Army emergency shelters are sometimes the last hope for people who experience a housing crisis. Here’s how you can help:
Donating Money
Someone in your community needs help to avoid homelessness. A monthly donation to The Salvation Army can help your neighbors most in need, all year long.
Donating Food and Goods
Many local emergency shelters around the country are in need of basic supplies, like food and clothing. Contact your local Salvation Army emergency shelter to find out how you can help.
Donating Time
Our emergency shelters around the country are always looking for the smiling faces of volunteers to brighten up our residents’ lives. Visit or contact your nearest Salvation Army emergency shelter to see how you can be of service.
Serving All Without Discrimination
In providing programs and services to members of the community who are unhoused, The Salvation Army is committed to accommodating all those in need without unlawful discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic in accordance with our capacity to help.