Find a shelter

If you live in a presidentially declared disaster area, there are programs and organizations that can help you find shelter.

Dial 211 for help locating emergency housing

In most parts of the U.S., dial 211 to connect with local social services and referrals for emergency housing.

Find a FEMA shelter

FEMA offers housing programs to help if you have to leave your home due to a disaster. You can search for open FEMA shelters during a disaster in three ways:

• Text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. For example, text SHELTER 01234.
• Find emergency shelters on the FEMA app. Download the free app from your smartphone's app store.
• Search online for shelters and disaster recovery centers.

Find a Red Cross shelter

The Red Cross offers shelters if you have to evacuate your home during a disaster. Find an open shelter near you using their online map.

Find transitional shelter in a hotel

After you register for disaster assistance with FEMA, you will find out if you qualify for transitional housing. The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program will pay for your hotel stay while you are displaced. 

Enter your FEMA registration number to find a hotel that participates in the TSA program and contact them to reserve a room. 

Get help paying for housing

Some Low Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAPs) set aside money to help people get shelter after a natural disaster. Each office sets its own criteria for who can receive funds. Contact the LIHEAP office that serves your state. Or contact the LIHEAP office in your tribal area.