Emergency Homeless Assistance Florida: Florida offers a comprehensive network of services and programs to assist homeless individuals and families. These resources include emergency shelters, housing assistance programs, and supportive services designed to facilitate stable, long-term housing solutions.
State Assistance
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the ESG program provides funding for emergency services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Services include the operation of emergency shelters, community outreach programs, rental assistance to prevent homelessness, and rapid rehousing initiatives.
Call 211
In most areas of Florida, you can call 211 to connect with local social services and receive referrals for emergency housing and other assistance.
Regional Resources
Central Florida
Central Florida Homeless Services Network (HSN)
HSN focuses on providing stable, long-term housing to homeless individuals, with a focus on veterans, youth, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, and families with minor children. Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless: This organization provides emergency shelter and wraparound services to nearly 500 men, women, and children each day, with the goal of facilitating their transition to permanent housing as quickly as possible.
Mid Florida
Mid Florida Coalition for the Homeless
Offers a variety of services, including domestic violence shelters, family resource centers, housing services, and behavioral health supports. Featured agencies include CASA (Domestic Violence Shelter) and the Citrus County Family Resource Center.
Pinellas County:
Pinellas Safe Harbor
An emergency homeless shelter and jail diversion program designed to provide a safe haven for homeless individuals who require services to regain stability. The center provides beds, meals, and supportive services in emergency shelters for adults.
Hillsborough and Pasco Counties
Metropolitan Ministries: Offers emergency shelter and residential programs for male- or female-headed families, couples with children, or single women. The organization addresses the leading causes of family homelessness, including the lack of affordable housing and domestic violence.
City of Miami:
Homeless Assistance Program: Provides outreach, assessment, placement, information, referral, and transportation services to homeless individuals and families. The program also employs and trains formerly homeless individuals. For assistance, you can contact the helpline at 877-994-4357.
Additional Resources
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided housing choice vouchers to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, those at risk of becoming homeless, or those fleeing domestic violence, among other criteria.
FloridaHousingSearch.org: Serves as a resource for individuals with special needs, including those experiencing homelessness, to find safe, affordable, and permanent housing options.
For immediate assistance, it is recommended that you contact local service providers or call 211 to connect with available resources in your area.
Official Resources Links:
HUD Homeless Assistance – Click Here
Emergency Solution Grant – Click Here
Homeless Services Network – Click Here
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