Homeless Assistance in Arizona

Homeless Assistance in Arizona

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Arizona residents.

13,800+
People experiencing homelessness
300+
Assistance programs statewide
$180M+
Federal housing funds
15 Counties
With local resources
🆘
Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Arizona within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Arizona residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Arizona. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

Get Started

Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Arizona. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

Get Started

Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Arizona veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

Get Started

Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Arizona residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Arizona. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

Get Started

Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Arizona receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

Get Started

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Arizona Public Housing Authority.

Get Started

HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Arizona locations.

Get Started

PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Arizona community mental health centers statewide.

Get Started

SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Arizona residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

Get Started

Arizona State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Arizona for residents experiencing homelessness.

Arizona Housing Trust Fund

State-funded grants for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and affordable housing development benefiting homeless and low-income Arizonans.

Get Started

Arizona TANF (TPEP)

Temporary cash assistance for Arizona families with children. Apply through the Department of Economic Security or online at des.az.gov.

Get Started

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System

Arizona’s Medicaid program providing health coverage to low-income adults, families, and individuals with disabilities statewide.

Get Started

Arizona Housing Programs

Arizona Department of Housing provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Arizona residents.

Get Started

Arizona Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Arizona’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

Get Started

LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Arizona households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

Get Started

Local Resources by City

Major Arizona cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Phoenix

Maricopa Regional CoC — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Phoenix area residents experiencing homelessness.

Get Started

Tucson

TUCSARC CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Tucson area.

Get Started

Mesa

Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Mesa area residents experiencing homelessness.

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Arizona.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Arizona near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Arizona. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Arizona benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Arizona has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Arizona Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Arizona veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Arizona.
Apply at Arizona’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.