Emergency Housing: What to Do With No Money and Nowhere to Live

Whether you are being evicted, fleeing an unsafe living situation, or sleeping in your car tonight, there are organizations and programs designed to help you right now. The most important thing is to reach out immediately rather than waiting until your situation becomes more dire. Every day you delay reduces the number of options available to you.

Immediate Steps to Take Today

If you are in crisis right now, follow these steps in order:

1. Call 2-1-1. This is a free, confidential helpline staffed around the clock. Operators will assess your situation and connect you with the nearest emergency shelter, food bank, and social services.
2. Contact an emergency shelter. In Huntsville, the Downtown Rescue Mission at 1400 Evangel Drive accepts walk-ins and provides immediate overnight shelter, meals, and showers. The Salvation Army of Huntsville also offers emergency beds.
3. Visit a local social services office. The Alabama Department of Human Resources can connect you with emergency food assistance, Medicaid, and temporary cash aid. Bring any identification and documents you have.
4. If you are in danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for immediate safety planning and shelter referrals.

Emergency Shelters in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville has several organizations that provide emergency beds and wraparound services:

• Downtown Rescue Mission: Serves men, women, and families. Offers overnight shelter, three meals daily, and long-term recovery programs. Walk-ins accepted based on bed availability.
• The Salvation Army of Huntsville: Provides emergency shelter, utility assistance, and transitional support. Also operates a food pantry and thrift store.
• First Stop Inc.: Focuses specifically on homeless families with children. Provides emergency housing, case management, and help finding permanent placements.
• Crisis Services of North Alabama: Serves domestic violence survivors and their children with safe, confidential emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling.

Emergency Rental Assistance

If you have not yet lost your housing, rental assistance programs in Huntsville may be able to prevent your eviction. Several organizations can pay rent directly to your landlord on your behalf. The key is to act before the eviction is finalized. Once a court orders eviction, assistance options narrow significantly. Contact your local community action agency, which in Madison County is the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama, and explain that you are facing imminent eviction.

Rapid Rehousing Programs

Rapid Rehousing is a HUD-funded approach that helps people who are already homeless move into permanent housing as quickly as possible. The program provides short-term rental assistance, usually three to six months of subsidized rent, along with case management to help participants find employment and build financial stability. Unlike traditional public housing or Section 8, Rapid Rehousing does not require a lengthy waiting list. Referrals typically come through the local Coordinated Entry System, which you can access by calling 2-1-1 or visiting an emergency shelter intake office.

Transitional Housing

Transitional housing programs provide structured, temporary housing for six months to two years. These programs are designed for people exiting emergency shelters who are not yet ready for fully independent living. Many transitional programs require participation in employment training, budgeting classes, or substance abuse recovery. Rent is either free or significantly reduced during the program period, and participants often save a portion of their income in an escrow account for a future security deposit.

Veteran-Specific Resources

Veterans facing homelessness have access to dedicated programs beyond what is available to the general population. The VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 operates 24 hours a day and connects veterans with local VA services. The HUD-VASH program provides housing vouchers combined with ongoing VA supportive services at no cost to the veteran. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program offers rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance specifically for very low-income veteran families.

Domestic Violence Shelters

Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking can access emergency shelter through a confidential network of programs funded by the Violence Against Women Act. These shelters do not charge rent and provide safety planning, legal advocacy, children's services, and help finding permanent housing. Location addresses are kept confidential for the safety of residents. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for an immediate referral. For additional federal resources on homelessness assistance programs, visit the SAMHSA homelessness programs page.

Prevention: Stop Homelessness Before It Starts

If you are reading this because you are worried about becoming homeless in the coming weeks, take action now. Contact the Huntsville Housing Authority to ask about emergency assistance. Reach out to your landlord and explain your situation honestly as many landlords will work with tenants on a payment plan rather than pursue eviction. Apply for any benefits you may be eligible for, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and LIHEAP. Every source of financial support reduces the monthly gap between your income and your expenses.