Find Support

If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, contact 2-1-1.

2-1-1 is a non-emergency assistance phone number. It is a free service that helps individuals and families access emergency services in their local community.

Call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They assess callers’ needs and connect them to health and human services agencies and nonprofits that can help.

If you or someone you care about is encountering mental health challenges, we encourage you to find the mental health resources near you to obtain help.

Housing support in Washington, D.C. & surrounding areas

There are several services for individuals facing homelessness in DC and surrounding areas including

• Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement (CAHP)
• Emergency shelter
• Day shelters
• Housing programs

When should you call the homeless shelter hotline?

The Washington DC Shelter Hotline (202-399-7093 or call 311) helps when:

• An individual requests transportation to a shelter
• An individual expresses they are cold or you witness behaviors indicating that they may be cold — they are at risk of hypothermia
• You see an individual who appears to be vulnerable and you have a concern that conditions may be harmful

Need more resources?

To learn more about help with mental health, visit our page on mental health resources in DC. However, if you or someone you know is facing an emergency, call 911.