Emergency shelter becomes an urgent need when someone faces homelessness or a housing crisis. Churches across the United States often step in to provide temporary assistance, including help with hotel stays. This guide explains hotel vouchers, the types of assistance churches offer, who is eligible, how to find assistance, and the names of churches known for providing this support.
What Is a Hotel Voucher?
A hotel voucher is a temporary housing assistance resource. It typically consists of a voucher or digital code that covers a short hotel stay, typically one to three nights. Churches, nonprofit organizations, or local government programs issue hotel vouchers to individuals or families in crisis.
Hotel vouchers do not constitute permanent housing, but they provide immediate accommodation when beds are unavailable at local shelters or when a person is unsafe in a traditional shelter (for example, in situations of domestic violence).
Types of Assistance Churches Offer
Churches vary in size, resources, and outreach capacity. However, many churches, particularly those dedicated to social ministry, offer the following services to people in crisis:
1. Hotel or Motel Vouchers
Some churches offer hotel vouchers to individuals or families who have no other housing options. These are often limited and given on a case-by-case basis.
2. Emergency Shelter Referrals
When churches cannot provide vouchers directly, they often partner with local shelters, missions, and transitional housing programs. Churches can help expedite referrals or advocate for those in need.
3. Transportation Assistance
Getting to a hotel or shelter can be difficult without reliable transportation. Churches can provide:
- Bus passes
- Gas cards
- Ride services (sometimes with volunteer drivers)
4. Food and Basic Items
If you are temporarily staying in a hotel, many churches can help you with:
Hot meals or food stamps
Groceries (especially non-perishable items)
Hygiene kits (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
Diapers and baby formula
5. Help with Clothing
Church clothing closets offer seasonal clothing, shoes, jackets, and blankets, especially important for those staying in temporary or emergency housing.
6. Case Management or Pastoral Counseling
Churches often have social workers or pastors trained to help people in crisis. They can:
Help you find long-term housing programs
- Offer referrals to mental health services
- Offer spiritual or emotional support
- Guide you to regain stability
Who Is Eligible for Free Hotel Stay
Eligibility varies considerably by church, available funding, and local partnerships. However, there are common groups that are often prioritized for assistance:
1. Homeless Individuals and Families
People sleeping outdoors, in vehicles, or in other uninhabitable places are often eligible for emergency hotel assistance, especially when local shelters are full.
2. Low-Income Families Facing Eviction or Displacement
Families who recently lost their homes due to eviction, fire, flooding, or domestic problems may be eligible, especially if they have children, family members with disabilities, or elderly caregivers.
3. Survivors of Domestic Violence
Many churches partner with shelters that house survivors. When these facilities are full or unsafe, churches can issue hotel vouchers or help coordinate confidential shelter placements.
4. Seniors and People with Disabilities
Senior citizens and people with disabilities, particularly those with health or mobility issues, may be given priority in hotels when shelters are not accessible or appropriate.
5. People Displaced by Natural Disasters
People displaced by fires, hurricanes, floods, or other emergencies may receive assistance in hotels until alternative housing is available. Churches often partner with the Red Cross or FEMA in these cases.
How to Find Churches That Offer Hotels
Seeking help can be stressful, especially in a crisis. Here are the steps to find assistance from a church near you:
Call 2-1-1
This is the most effective first step. Operated by the United Way in many states, the 2-1-1 hotline connects callers with local housing resources, including churches and nonprofit organizations that issue hotel vouchers.
Available 24/7 in most areas
Also available online: www.211.org
Contact Local Church Outreach Ministries
Most large churches have outreach or charitable ministries. Search terms like:
- “[name of city] church outreach ministry”
- “Help with hotel vouchers for churches near me”
- “[name of city] church emergency assistance”
Request to speak to the person in charge of outreach.
Visit Local Shelters and Missions
Many churches work closely with homeless shelters and may have representatives or volunteers on-site. Even if the shelter is full, they may be able to recommend a church that will help with hotel expenses.
Use Facebook and Local Groups
Many mutual aid groups, city-specific Facebook groups, or Nextdoor forums post updates about available hotel vouchers or church assistance. Be sure to verify legitimacy before sharing personal information.
Visit Churches in Person
Especially in small towns, churches may not advertise their assistance programs online. Visiting a church office during business hours and explaining your situation can sometimes yield better results than phone calls.
9 Churches That Help with Hotels for Homeless and Low-Income Families
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the largest Christian humanitarian organizations in the world. It runs shelters, provides food, and, in some locations, distributes hotel vouchers when shelter beds are unavailable. Generally, The Salvation Army helps with:
- Emergency hotel vouchers (subject to availability)
- Transitional housing programs
- Food and hygiene kits
- Case management services
Visit or call your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center. Services vary by city and depend on funding.
Website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities operates in nearly every U.S. diocese and offers emergency housing assistance, including hotel accommodations in certain locations. Catholic Charities helps homeless families with:
- Hotel and motel vouchers during emergencies
- Access to shelters and referrals
- Help for immigrants, families, and seniors
- Help with rent and utilities
Find your local Catholic Charities office by zip code through their national website.
Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a Catholic lay organization that offers personalized services to people in need. Many local chapters offer emergency housing assistance. They help homeless and low-income families with:
- Vouchers for short-term hotel or motel accommodations
- Help with rent, food, and clothing
- Referrals to shelters and support services
- Help with transportation (in some cases)
Find your nearest SVdP chapter and request assistance. Local parish conferences often respond quickly to urgent needs.
Website: https://www.svdpusa.org
United Methodist Church (UMC)
The UMC operates community outreach ministries across the country, often through community centers or individual congregations. Some churches offer hotel assistance or help fund stays in crisis situations. They help the community with:
- Short-term support in hotels or shelters
- Emergency food and hygiene kits
- Support services for victims of domestic violence
- Spiritual and emotional care
Contact your local United Methodist Church or affiliated ministry. Some urban congregations offer direct support, while others coordinate with broader networks.
Website: https://www.umc.org
Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ)
Love INC is a network of Christian churches working together to help people in need. Services vary by community, but often include housing and transportation support. Below is a list of the assistance they offer:
- Emergency hotel stays for families and individuals
- Furniture and household items for rehousing
- Case management and mentoring
- Transportation and food deliveries
Find your local Love INC affiliate through the national website. Some operate local helplines or clearinghouses.
Website: https://www.loveinc.org
Lutheran Social Services (LSS)
LSS is a major faith-based organization that provides housing services in many states. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church and offers hotel assistance under certain programs. Types of assistance offered:
- Emergency hotel vouchers
- Transitional housing and access to shelters
- Rehousing services for families
- Family counseling and support
Find the LSS branch in your state and ask about emergency housing options. Services are often offered in partnership with local churches and state agencies.
Website: https://www.lssnetworkofhope.org (or search for LSS + your state)
Assistance from the Episcopal Church and Local Ministries
Episcopal churches operate shelters, food banks, and community outreach programs, often through their diocesan offices. Some offer hotel accommodations when no other accommodations are available. Types of assistance offered:
- Temporary hotel assistance during emergencies
- Partnership with shelters and homeless agencies
- Help with food, clothing, and basic needs
- Spiritual support
Contact your regional Episcopal diocese or a local parish with a community ministry program.
Website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org
Baptist Churches and Associations
Many Baptist churches, particularly larger urban congregations, offer community assistance, such as hotel accommodations or crisis funding. Some Baptist associations operate shelters and family centers. Types of assistance offered:
- Limited assistance with hotel or motel vouchers
- Emergency financial assistance
- Access to local shelter networks
- Disaster victim support
Search for local Baptist churches with charitable or community outreach programs. Regional associations or ministries may offer broader support.
Example network: Southern Baptist Convention – https://www.sbc.net
Nondenominational Megachurches
Large nondenominational churches often have significant financial resources and extensive community outreach ministries. Some directly assist with hotel expenses or coordinate emergency housing. Types of assistance offered:
- Hotel assistance through church endowments
- Community food pantries and clothing closets
- Transportation and mentoring through volunteers
- Rehousing support and referrals
Examples:
- Lakewood Church (Houston, TX)
- Dream Center (Los Angeles, CA)
- Life.Church (multi-state campuses)
Visit the church’s website or call the community outreach department. Some churches offer application forms or hotlines.
Conclusion
Churches play an essential role in helping people overcome housing crises. While hotel assistance is often short-term and limited, it can provide vital time for families and individuals to find stability. Success in obtaining assistance often depends on timing, persistence, and communication with multiple sources.
If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter and would like to find help at a church, we can help you find one by city or zip code.
