Finding emergency shelter in Arizona can be challenging, especially when someone has lost their housing, is facing eviction, or needs a safe place to stay during extreme heat.
Emergency shelters serve different populations. Some accommodate single adults, while others specialize in families, older adults, or survivors of domestic violence. Certain facilities also accommodate pets or help arrange temporary animal care.
Shelter admission is not always available through walk-in visits. Depending on the program, individuals may need to complete an intake assessment, obtain a referral, or meet specific eligibility requirements.
This guide explains where to begin, which organizations provide shelter-related services, how to locate heat relief centers, and what to do when emergency housing is unavailable.
Where to Start When You Need Emergency Shelter in Arizona
One of the first resources to contact is 211 Arizona.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211Arizona.org to search for emergency shelter, homelessness services, food assistance, transportation, and other community resources.
When requesting assistance, explain your circumstances, including whether you are:
- A single adult experiencing homelessness.
- A family with children.
- An older adult needing shelter.
- A person fleeing domestic violence.
- Someone seeking shelter with a dog or cat.
- Someone with a disability or accessibility needs.
These details help determine which organizations may be appropriate.
211 Arizona provides information and referrals. It does not guarantee that a shelter has available beds or that an applicant will qualify for admission.
Emergency Shelters for Single Adults in Phoenix and Maricopa County
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)
Central Arizona Shelter Services provides emergency shelter and supportive services for adults experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area.
Services include emergency accommodation, basic necessities, case management, and assistance connecting residents with additional resources.
CASS serves individuals with different circumstances, but admission procedures and available accommodations should be confirmed before visiting.
Website: cassaz.org
Keys to Change
Keys to Change assists people experiencing homelessness through services that support housing stability and connections to community resources.
Its work includes helping individuals navigate homelessness services and identify appropriate assistance.
Not all service centers provide overnight accommodation, so ask specifically about shelter referrals and intake procedures.
Website: keystochangeaz.org
A New Leaf
A New Leaf provides housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and other difficult circumstances.
Its programs include services for eligible adults and households needing assistance with housing stability.
Admission requirements differ by program. Contact the organization to determine which services are appropriate.
Website: turnanewleaf.org
Emergency Shelter for Families With Children
Families experiencing homelessness often enter the shelter system through a coordinated intake process rather than contacting individual shelters for immediate admission.
Family Housing Hub
The Family Housing Hub serves families experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The program helps assess household needs and connect eligible families with emergency shelter and other housing-related services.
Families may need to complete an assessment before receiving referrals.
A completed intake does not guarantee immediate shelter placement.
UMOM New Day Centers
UMOM New Day Centers provides emergency housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness.
Programs focus on helping families address immediate housing needs while working toward greater stability.
Services and admission requirements depend on the specific program.
Website: umom.org
Family Promise of Greater Phoenix
Family Promise of Greater Phoenix provides shelter-related services and housing support for families experiencing homelessness.
The organization works with eligible families to address immediate housing challenges and develop pathways toward stable housing.
Families with pets should ask about current accommodations and program requirements.
Website: familypromiseaz.org
Emergency Shelter and Support for Older Adults
Older adults experiencing homelessness may face additional challenges involving mobility, chronic health conditions, transportation, and access to appropriate accommodations.
Justa Center
Justa Center serves older adults experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area.
The organization provides daytime services, assistance with basic needs, and support intended to help older adults obtain greater housing stability.
Justa Center is primarily a daytime resource and should not be assumed to provide overnight shelter.
Individuals seeking assistance should ask about eligibility, accessibility, available services, and referrals to emergency accommodation.
Website: justacenter.org
Emergency Shelter for Domestic Violence Survivors
People fleeing domestic violence may need confidential shelter arrangements and specialized safety planning.
Unlike general emergency shelters, domestic violence programs may keep residential locations confidential to protect survivors.
Sojourner Center
Sojourner Center provides shelter and supportive services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence.
Services may include emergency accommodation, safety planning, advocacy, and assistance addressing longer-term needs.
The organization has also provided support for survivors with companion animals.
Website: sojournercenter.org
New Life Center
New Life Center serves survivors of domestic violence and their families.
Its services include emergency shelter, supportive programs, and assistance for people rebuilding their lives after abuse.
The organization has also developed resources addressing the needs of survivors with pets.
Website: newlifectr.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Individuals experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential support and information about available services.
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
Website: thehotline.org
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Heat Relief and Cooling Centers in Arizona
Extreme heat creates serious health risks for people experiencing homelessness, particularly during Arizona’s summer months.
Heat relief centers provide temporary access to cooler environments and may offer drinking water, restrooms, and connections to other community resources.
These locations can include public libraries, community centers, nonprofit facilities, and dedicated respite centers.
However, cooling centers and emergency shelters are not interchangeable.
A cooling center may provide daytime relief without offering overnight accommodation.
Where to Find Heat Relief Centers
211 Arizona
Visit 211Arizona.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask about heat relief locations and available services.
Maricopa Association of Governments
The Maricopa Association of Governments coordinates regional heat relief efforts through community partnerships.
Its regional heat relief information can help residents locate participating facilities.
City and County Resources
Municipal governments, public libraries, and local service organizations may also operate seasonal cooling locations.
Before traveling, confirm whether a location is operating, its hours, and whether it provides overnight accommodation.
Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Symptoms requiring attention may include dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, and heavy sweating.
Confusion, fainting, seizures, or altered consciousness may indicate a life-threatening emergency.
If heatstroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for emergency assistance.
Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelters in Arizona
For people experiencing homelessness, finding a shelter that accommodates pets can be difficult.
Some programs allow companion animals on-site, while others work with animal welfare organizations to arrange temporary care.
Pet policies may depend on the type of animal, available space, vaccination requirements, and other program conditions.
Central Arizona Shelter Services
CASS has supported efforts to accommodate companion animals belonging to people experiencing homelessness.
Contact the organization to confirm its current pet policies and admission procedures.
Family Promise of Greater Phoenix
Family Promise has offered accommodations intended to help eligible families remain together with their pets.
Families should verify whether pet accommodations are available through the specific program they are seeking.
Sojourner Center
Sojourner Center has provided resources for domestic violence survivors with pets.
Contact the organization through its official channels to discuss safety needs and available accommodations.
New Life Center
New Life Center has operated programs addressing the safety of domestic violence survivors and their companion animals.
Pet-related assistance depends on the organization’s current program arrangements and eligibility requirements.
Temporary Pet Boarding and Foster Care During a Housing Crisis
When emergency shelters cannot accommodate pets, temporary foster care or boarding may help owners maintain their connection with their animals while addressing a housing emergency.
Arizona Humane Society
The Arizona Humane Society provides animal welfare services and has offered programs designed to help people facing temporary crises care for their pets.
Contact the organization to ask about available temporary care programs, eligibility, and referrals.
Website: azhumane.org
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue
Lost Our Home Pet Rescue helps pets and families affected by circumstances such as housing instability and other personal crises.
The organization has provided temporary care programs intended to help pet owners navigate difficult situations without permanently surrendering their animals.
Program eligibility, duration, and capacity vary.
Website: lostourhome.org
Temporary pet care is not guaranteed. Contact each organization directly before making arrangements.
What Documents Do You Need for Emergency Shelter?
Document requirements vary depending on the shelter and the population it serves.
Some organizations may request:
- Government-issued identification.
- Names and ages of household members.
- Documentation of homelessness or housing loss.
- Contact information for household members.
- Information about disabilities or accessibility needs.
- Relevant medical or medication information.
- Pet vaccination records, if animals are accepted.
Not every shelter requires all these documents.
If you have lost your identification or other records, explain your situation during intake. Ask whether the organization can assist with replacing documents or accept alternative information.
What to Ask Before Going to a Shelter
Before traveling to an emergency shelter, ask:
- Are you currently accepting new residents?
- Do I need an appointment or referral?
- Who qualifies for your program?
- What identification or documents are required?
- Are there accommodations for disabilities or medical needs?
- Are pets permitted?
- What should I do if no beds are available?
Confirm the location and intake instructions before visiting, especially when transportation is limited.
What to Do If Emergency Shelter Is Unavailable
If a shelter cannot accommodate you, ask whether the organization can connect you with other programs or the appropriate coordinated entry system.
You can also contact 211 Arizona for additional referrals.
Depending on your circumstances, other resources may include:
Homeless outreach services: Organizations that connect unsheltered individuals with basic necessities and housing-related assistance.
Daytime service centers: Facilities providing access to restrooms, meals, hygiene services, and case management.
Rapid rehousing: Programs designed to help eligible individuals and families move into permanent housing with appropriate support. Learn more in Rapid Rehousing Information.
Permanent supportive housing: Longer-term housing combined with supportive services for eligible individuals. Admission generally involves specific eligibility and referral procedures.
Rental and utility assistance: If you are still housed but facing eviction or utility disconnection, review Arizona Rent and Utility Assistance for information about potential assistance programs.
These resources serve different purposes, and not every program provides immediate housing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Shelter in Arizona
Can I walk into an emergency shelter without an appointment?
Some shelters may accept walk-ins, while others require referrals, coordinated entry assessments, or scheduled intake appointments.
Contact the organization before traveling whenever possible.
Are emergency shelters free?
Many emergency shelter programs provide accommodation without charging residents, but policies vary. Some transitional housing programs may have fees or other financial requirements.
Ask the provider about costs before entering a program.
Can couples stay together in an emergency shelter?
Some programs accommodate couples, while others serve individuals or specific household types.
Ask whether the shelter can accommodate your household together.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Certain shelters accommodate pets, but restrictions and capacity limits may apply.
If a shelter cannot accept your animal, ask about temporary pet foster care or boarding resources.
What if I do not have identification?
Lack of identification does not necessarily prevent access to every shelter program.
Explain your circumstances and ask whether alternative documentation or identification assistance is available.
Are cooling centers open overnight?
Some heat relief locations may provide extended or overnight services, while others operate only during the day.
Always confirm the specific location’s current operating arrangements.
Does calling 211 guarantee a shelter bed?
No. 211 Arizona provides information and referrals, but shelter admission depends on eligibility, intake procedures, and available capacity.
Final Thoughts
Emergency shelter services in Arizona vary according to location, household composition, age, safety needs, and available resources.
Single adults, families, older adults, and domestic violence survivors may need to contact different organizations to access appropriate assistance.
During extreme heat, cooling centers and respite locations can provide important temporary protection, but they should not automatically be treated as overnight shelters.
For people with pets, specialized shelter accommodations and temporary animal care programs may offer additional options.
Start with 211 Arizona or an appropriate local service provider, explain your circumstances, and confirm intake requirements before traveling.
For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.