If you have nowhere to stay tonight, there is help in New Haven. Emergency shelters serve single adults, women and children, and families, and homeless-services offices can connect you to a bed and to longer-term housing support.
Shelter space changes by the hour, so always call ahead before you go. The resources below are the verified shelters and housing-help options in our New Haven directory. For help any time of day or night, call 211 and ask for emergency shelter.
Who can get help
Emergency shelter is for anyone who has nowhere safe to stay. Different shelters serve different groups (single men, single women, women with children, families), so the listing or 211 can point you to the right one. You do not need ID or money to call, though some shelters ask for ID at intake.
Shelters and housing help in New Haven
Beulah Heights Social Integration Program
Beulah Heights Church
Comprehensive services for homeless individuals and those returning from incarceration. Warming center, meals, resource center, and van transportation.
Christian Community Action
CCA
Faith-based nonprofit since 1967 providing food pantry, housing assistance, and case management. NEW HOPE housing program offers furnished apartments for up to 36 months.
Columbus House Emergency Shelter
Columbus House
Emergency shelter and housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Provides meals, case management, and connections to permanent housing.
Columbus House Shelter Clinic
Columbus House
On-site health clinic at Columbus House shelter providing medical care for homeless individuals.
Community Action Agency of New Haven - Emergency Assistance
CAANH
Emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utility bills for income-eligible residents.
Continuum of Care - Crisis Services
Continuum of Care Inc
Crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults with mental illness. Provides 24-hour crisis assessment, emergency housing, and community support programs in the greater New Haven area.
Continuum of Care Emergency Housing
Continuum of Care Inc
Emergency housing serving 100+ homeless individuals daily. Provides food, shelter, and support services.
CSHHC Recovery & Wellness Center (formerly Grant Street Partnership)
Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center
Substance abuse treatment for men and women. Temporary housing for homeless men in treatment. Meals and transportation provided.
Domestic Violence Hotline - Umbrella Center (BHcare)
BHcare
24-hour hotline and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK)
DESK
Free hot dinner served every evening, plus case management, social services, and connections to housing.
Eviction Defense - Greater New Haven
Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Legal assistance for tenants facing eviction, including court representation and negotiations with landlords.
Fellowship Place Homeless Outreach
Fellowship Place
Outreach and support services for homeless individuals, including mental health recovery programs and supported employment.
Get Connected New Haven - Opportunity Center
City of New Haven
Walk-in resource center helping residents access social services, benefits enrollment, job training, housing assistance, and community programs. Provides one-stop navigation for city services.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven
Habitat for Humanity
Homeownership preparation program and affordable home construction. Also operates ReStore selling discounted furniture, appliances, and building materials to fund housing projects.
Hillside Family Shelter
Christian Community Action
Apartment-based family shelter program operated by Christian Community Action for families experiencing homelessness. 17 units. Entry is through the Coordinated Access Network — call 2-1-1 to start.
How to get started
Call 211 or a shelter below first
Ask whether they have a bed tonight and who they serve. 211 can check availability across the region in one call.
Ask about the intake process
Some shelters take you directly; others go through a coordinated-entry list. Ask what time to arrive and what to bring.
Get connected to housing help
Homeless-services offices can start you on rental assistance and housing programs while you are in shelter, so ask about next steps.
Common questions
Where can I sleep tonight in New Haven?
Call 211 or one of the emergency shelters listed on this page and ask if they have a bed tonight. Because availability changes constantly, calling first is the fastest way to find an open spot.
Do I need ID to get into a shelter?
You do not need ID to call and ask for help. Some shelters request ID at intake, but a missing document should not stop you from reaching out. Ask what they accept.
I am in immediate danger. What should I do?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For domestic violence, the listings include confidential shelters and a 24/7 hotline. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure where to start, or do not see what you need?