resources for someone who needs a place to stay
I'm looking for
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Where can someone find a place to stay tonight?
To help residents feel as comfortable as possible during a hard time, there are many types of shelters available:
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Individuals looking for emergency shelter can refer to this page on how to access shelter.
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Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 can find several shelters on DC Government’s resource page, including places that support LGBTQ+ individuals as well as pregnant/young mothers.
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Youth between the ages of 11 and 17 looking for shelter can call the Safe Place Hotline at (202) 547-7777 or go to Sasha Bruce House.
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Families looking for shelter should visit Virginia Williams Family Center or call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I need to talk to someone. Who can I call?
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If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
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If you need help getting food or shelter immediately, call the DC Shelter Hotline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (202) 399-7093. The hotline is staffed by the United Planning Organization and has information on how to find shelter or how to get a free ride to a heating or cooling center during extreme weather.
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Minors (from ages 11-17 years old) can also call the Safe Place hotline at (202) 547-7777. This hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by the Sasha Bruce Youthwork organization.
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You can also call 311 to request city services and information about emergency shelters.
Where can someone find a place to cool off or warm up during extreme weather?
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Individuals that are looking for a place to shelter from extreme weather should call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. The hotline has information on how to get a free ride to a cooling or warming center.
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Centers are often located at recreation centers, public schools, or churches.
I have a question that’s not covered here. Who can I contact?
You can reach out to the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This page only covers resources available through us—DC Government—and our contractors. It was last updated in November 2021.
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