DHS offers emergency, low-barrier shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness.
(For information on emergency shelter for families, click here.)
Low-barrier shelters provide beds on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone who does not have a safe place to sleep. Shelter programs also provide on-site assessment, case management, and various other services for those accessing shelter.
Shelter Hotline
The Homeless Services Hotline is open every day from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
If you are in need of free, accessible transportation to shelter, or you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, call the Homeless Services Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety, call 911. When calling, please include the time, the address or location of the sighting, and a description of the person’s appearance.
Click here for the Homeless Services Hotline transportation schedule.
During hypothermia season (November 1 - March 31), the Homeless Services Hotline is open 24 hours a day and transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Locations
Shelters are operated by non-profit organizations under contract with DHS. The map below shows locations of low-barrier shelters provided by DHS. Shelter capacity is expanded during the winter months when individuals experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of hypothermia.
Map of Low Barrier Shelter Sites