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Shelters & Housing Help
Find shelter, emergency housing, housing navigation, and basic-needs support within 75 miles.
First Step VT does not guarantee shelter availability or motel placement. Emergency housing details can change quickly. For emergency housing in Vermont, call Vermont 2-1-1 or the official local housing access point.
Housing script
"Hi, I need help with housing or shelter. I need to know what options may be available within my area, what information you need from me, and what step I should take next."
Emergency housing script
"Hi, I need emergency housing help. I need to know what options are available tonight and what information you need from me."
Housing Help Checklist
Think through these before calling. Do not share sensitive personal details you are not comfortable with.
- Current city or town I am in
- Safe callback method (phone, text, shelter, advocate)
- Household size (including children and other adults)
- Whether children are with me
- Whether pets or service animals are involved
- Immediate safety concerns
- Transportation needs
- Medical or disability needs
- Ask about documents needed
- Ask about next step and timing
Questions to ask when you call
- Do you have emergency shelter available tonight?
- What is coordinated entry, and how do I get assessed?
- What shelter or housing programs are available in my area?
- Can you help me with food, transportation, or benefits while I look for housing?
- Is there help for families with children?
- Are there programs for people with mental health or substance use concerns?
- Is there help for people with disabilities or medical needs?
- Are pets or service animals allowed?
- What documents will I need?
- What is the next step I should take today?
You do not need to have everything figured out to call. A housing navigator's job is to help you find the next step.
