I Need Shelter RIGHT NOW
You are not alone. These are your next steps — right now, tonight.
Call 211 immediately
211 is the national housing and social services line. Available 24/7. Tell them: “I have a child with a disability and I need emergency shelter tonight.” Using those exact words triggers different resources than a standard call.
Contact your child’s school district tonight or first thing tomorrow
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, your child has the right to remain enrolled in school and receive transportation — even from a shelter. The district’s McKinney-Vento liaison must connect you to resources. This is federal law.
Call local disability-specific shelters
Standard shelters are often not equipped for children with autism, sensory needs, or behavioral support needs. Ask specifically: “Do you have accommodations for a child with autism?” You have the right to request reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and the ADA.
Gather these documents before you leave
- Child’s IEP or 504 Plan
- Medicaid or insurance card
- Medications and medical equipment
- Child’s social story or behavior support plan if available
- Any protective or custody orders
- Birth certificates and IDs
⚖️ McKinney-Vento Act — What This Means For You
If your family is experiencing homelessness or housing instability, your child has the immediate right to school enrollment, transportation, and access to services — regardless of documentation. No school can deny enrollment due to your housing situation. If they try, contact the state education agency the same day.
🏛️ Fair Housing Act — Disability Accommodations in Shelters
Shelters that receive federal funding must provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This means quiet spaces, schedule adjustments, and modified rules for your child’s needs. Request this in writing the day you arrive.
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