Need shelter tonight

01

Start with the fastest options

• ✓Search OKHomeless for shelter resources near your city or ZIP, then call before traveling whenever possible.
• ✓Call 211 and ask specifically for the type of shelter you need: individual adult, family, youth, domestic-violence, veteran, recovery-oriented, or another specialized option.
• ✓If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are in a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988.
• ✓If you have children, a partner, pets, mobility needs, medications, or a service animal, say that early because it can change which options are realistic.

02

Ask the questions that prevent a wasted trip

• ✓Ask whether a bed is actually available now, whether there is a waitlist, and what time intake closes.
• ✓Ask what identification is required and what alternatives are accepted if you have lost your documents.
• ✓Ask whether couples can stay together, whether children are accepted, and what the rules are for pets or service animals.
• ✓Ask about sobriety rules, medication storage, curfews, belongings limits, accessibility, and whether you may leave for work or appointments.
• ✓If you have no transportation, tell them before you hang up. They may know a bus route, outreach team, transfer point, or closer option.

03

If you cannot reach a shelter before intake closes

• ✓Ask whether late arrival is ever allowed if you call ahead or are being transported by an outreach worker, hospital, police officer, or another program.
• ✓Ask whether there is an overflow site, warming/cooling location, church program, motel-assistance fund, or day center that opens early the next morning.
• ✓If a shelter says “call back later,” ask for the best time to call and whether you need to be physically present to join the waitlist.
• ✓Write down the names, phone numbers, and answers you receive so you do not have to start over each time you speak with someone new.

04

Try churches and local ministries for a one-night motel option

• ✓Some churches, pastors, ministries, civic groups, or community organizations occasionally help with one emergency motel night, especially when weather is dangerous or children are involved.
• ✓This is not guaranteed and many organizations do not have motel funds. Call first rather than traveling to a church office that may be closed.
• ✓If they cannot help directly, ask who they normally refer emergency lodging requests to.
• ✓If someone offers a motel room, ask what is actually covered: one night only, deposit, taxes, transportation, or an extension if another plan is not ready.
• ✓Treat a motel as a short-term bridge while you keep working on shelter, housing, transportation, documents, and case-management needs.

05

Pack for intake if you can

• ✓Keep identification, prescriptions, medications, phone, charger, important papers, and a small amount of necessary clothing together.
• ✓Put documents in a zipper bag or other water-resistant container if you have one.
• ✓Do not delay asking for shelter just because you are missing paperwork. Ask what alternatives the program accepts.
• ✓If belongings are too large for the shelter, ask about lockers, storage bins, a day center, or another place that may hold essential items.

06

If every shelter is full

• ✓Ask each shelter which program they would call next. Front-line staff often know about temporary openings that are not obvious online.
• ✓Call 211 again and explain which places you already contacted and what each one told you.
• ✓Search day centers, outreach programs, churches, transportation resources, and support-service organizations. Even if they do not provide beds, they may know where openings are.
• ✓If weather is dangerous, specifically ask about emergency warming or cooling locations rather than only standard shelters.
• ✓Use the separate “When shelters are full” guide for more fallback options and ways to get through the gap safely.