Housing
If you need somewhere to sleep tonight
4 min read · Written for: Veterans with no safe place to sleep tonight.
A short, ordered list for the next six hours — who to call, what to say, and what to carry with you.
Step 1
Call the crisis line if you are unsafe
Dial 988 and press 1. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Housing comes after safety, always.
Step 2
Call the local coordinated-entry line
Every region has one number that assigns emergency beds. Say the words 'I am a veteran and I have nowhere to sleep tonight' — that sentence moves you up most lists.
Step 3
Ask for the veteran-specific bed
Many shelters hold veteran beds separate from the general count. Ask specifically, even if you are told the shelter is full.
Step 4
Pack small and keep documents on your body
ID, discharge paperwork, medication, phone, charger, one change of clothes. Storage for anything larger can usually be arranged the next morning.
What to bring
- Photo ID and discharge paperwork on your person
- Medications and a written list of them
- Phone, charger, and a written phone number of one person
- Small bag only
Common mistakes
- Waiting until after dark to start calling.
- Declining the first available bed while holding out for a better one.
- Leaving documents in a vehicle or unattended bag.
Need a person, not a page?
Start an intake and someone from the team will walk this with you.