How to Find Shelters that Accept Families with Children

Finding safe and stable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing homeless families. While many shelters are designed for single people, not all are equipped to house parents and children together. Fortunately, there are family-focused shelters and supportive housing programs across the United States dedicated to keeping families together during difficult times. This guide explains how to find shelters that accept families with children, what to expect, and the resources available to help.

1. Start with Local Homeless Hotlines and 2-1-1

The first step in finding a family shelter is to contact your local homeless hotline or call 211 (a national helpline).

What they offer: 211 connects callers with community services, including emergency family shelters, transitional housing, and food programs.

How to contact them: Call 211 or visit www.211.org.

Why it’s helpful: Operators can provide a list of shelters that accept families, along with details on availability and requirements.

2. Visit your local Continuum of Care (CoC) Office

The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How it works: Every community has a CoC organization that coordinates housing and homeless services.

How to find it: Visit the HUD Exchange website and search for your local CoC contact.

Why it’s important: CoC agencies maintain up-to-date information on family shelters and transitional housing options.

3. Contact Family and Child Welfare Agencies

Many departments of family services, both at the county and state levels, assist homeless families by connecting them with emergency housing.

Where to start: Check with your local Department of Human Services (DHS) or Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

What they offer:

Emergency vouchers for family shelters or hotels

Case management and family reunification programs

Referrals to nonprofit organizations that prioritize families with children

4. Contact Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations

Numerous faith-based and nonprofit charities focus on supporting families in crisis.

Here are some that are often helpful:

Salvation Army Family Shelters: Offers emergency and transitional housing for families.

Catholic Charities: Offers family shelters, financial assistance, and food support.

Family Promise: A national organization that partners with local congregations to house and support families with children.

Volunteers of America (VOA): Operates shelters and transitional housing programs designed for families.

These organizations often offer shelter and ongoing resources, such as employment assistance, childcare, and educational support.

5. Use online shelter databases

Several websites maintain up-to-date databases of shelters across the U.S.:

HomelessShelterDirectory.org: Lists shelters for families by city and state.

ShelterListings.org: Includes contact information, eligibility criteria, and details about available family shelters.

TransitionalHousing.org: Focuses on temporary and long-term housing programs for families.
When using these resources, filter your search by “family hostel” or “hostels that accept children.”

6. Talk to Local Schools and Social Workers

Schools play an important role in identifying and supporting homeless families.

Why it works: Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, all public school districts must have a Homeless Liaison who helps families find stable housing and ensures children can continue attending school.

Ask your school counselor or principal to connect you with the district liaison for housing recommendations and transportation assistance.

7. Look for specialized family shelters

Some cities operate family-only shelters that prioritize parents and children. These centers typically offer:

• Private or semi-private family rooms
• Childcare and after-school programs
• Family therapy and life skills workshops
• Assistance with job placement or education

Examples:

Union Rescue Mission (Los Angeles, CA)

Rosie’s Place (Boston, MA)

Coalition for the Homeless – Family Program (New York, NY)

8. Be aware of eligibility requirements

Each shelter has its own rules. Before arriving, it’s helpful to ask:

Do they accept single parents or only mothers with children?

What are the age limits for children?

Are identification or income documents required?

How long can families stay?

Is there a curfew or mandatory program participation?

Having key documents (IDs, birth certificates, school records) ready can make the admissions process easier.

9. Explore Long-Term Housing Support

Once your immediate housing needs are met, begin looking into long-term solutions such as:

Rapid Rehousing Programs (short-term rental assistance)

Section 8 Vouchers (subsidized housing for low-income families)

Transitional Housing Programs (3 to 24 months of stability with supportive services)

Your social worker or shelter staff can guide you through applications for these programs.

10. Stay Connected and Advocate for Your Family

Finding a shelter that accepts families with children can be stressful, but help is available. Stay connected with local networks, stay in touch with case managers, and advocate for your needs. Remember, you are not alone: ​​many communities have resources dedicated to ensuring children and their parents remain safe, stable, and supported.

Conclusion

Shelters that accept families with children are designed not only to provide shelter, but also to help families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. By connecting with local hotlines, community organizations, and faith-based programs, families can find the refuge and long-term support they need to overcome the crisis and achieve stability.