Find An Open Shelter

Click or tap the Red Cross icons for shelter information. View full map >>

Some of the shelters shown on the map may be operated by partner agencies and are not Red Cross shelters.

American Red Cross services, including food and shelter, are always provided at no cost – a gift of the American people.

Who is Eligible?

Who can stay in a Red Cross shelter?

Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter. The Red Cross does not discriminate based on nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, disability, political opinions, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you need to leave your home due to a disaster or emergency, you are welcome to come to a Red Cross shelter.

Your service animal is also welcome. Please speak with a shelter worker if your service animal is in need of food or supplies.

No need for a reservation, just show up

If you need our help, come to the shelter. If you want to speak with someone in advance, it’s best to contact your local Red Cross chapter. But please understand: in times of crisis, everyone at the chapter office may be busy providing shelter services.

Let us know if you have special needs

When you arrive, please let us know if you have any specific needs or requests for equipment, supplies, food, or cultural or religious requirements. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

What to Bring (And What Not to Bring)

What to pack

Emergencies can happen suddenly and you may not have time to pack. Your safety is most important – grab your loved ones and get out of harm’s way! However if you do have time to pack, please consider these tips.

Do Bring:

Bedding
Clothing
Medications
Your child’s stuffed animal,
Blanket or other “lovey”
Your emergency kit

Don't Bring:

Alcoholic beverages

Illegal drugs

Weapons

What about pets?

If it’s not safe for you to stay home, it’s not safe for your pet either. However, to maintain a safe and healthy environment in our shelters, pets are not allowed. Please make arrangements for your pet before coming to the shelter. If you need assistance, call your local Red Cross office or ask a shelter worker when you arrive: we work with partners in the community who can open a pet shelter nearby.

Services Offered

During a disaster or emergency, you can rely on Red Cross shelters for:

A safe place to sleep

Meals, snacks and water

Health services (for disaster-related conditions), such as first aid, refilling lost prescriptions or replacing lost eyeglasses

Emotional support and mental health services

Spiritual care

Help reconnecting with loved ones

Information about disaster-related resources in the community You can also access these services even if you don’t need a place to sleep: anyone with a disaster-related need can visit the shelter to be directed to the appropriate resources. During some emergencies, we may also be able to provide other important services, such as:

Access to case workers to help you with disaster recovery

Childcare

Laundry

Direct access to services provided by our partners

Leaving the Shelter

When you return home

We know you will be eager to return home as soon as the danger is over. In many cases, the Red Cross and our partners can help you do so: with clean up supplies; meal delivery to areas that lack power and water; and a case worker to help you access any available funding for your repair efforts.

If your home will not be ready right away, we will help you locate transitional housing. Red Cross shelters don’t close until all of our guests have a safe place to go!

Find Loved Ones During An Emergency

Visit our Safe and Well Service during a crisis to see if your family member has registered.

Locate Your Loved Ones

Clean Up and Recovery Guides

Get Tips for Clean Up and Recovery After a Disaster

Donate Now to Disaster Relief

Help people affected by disasters big and small.

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$10 is the minimum online donation.

Find Open Shelters