What are shelters for adults?
Shelters for adults offer emergency shelter and meals to homeless men and women without children. Most offer counseling and other support services. Most shelters for adults do not have income limits or documentation requirements. Help is given on a first-come first-served basis. Most adult shelters do not take people with active alcohol or drug abuse problems.
Am I eligible?
These shelters are for adult homeless men and women. You must be at least 18 years old. At shelters other than the Salvation Army shelters, you must be sober and drug-free. You can refer yourself or be referred by other agencies. Some shelters are for men only, some only for women.
How do I apply?
Call or visit the shelter to see if there is space available. You do not have to be referred by an agency to go to these shelters.
Shelters for adults in Massachusetts
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Homeless veterans should contact one of these agencies, depending on where you live:
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Central Massachusetts Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Inc.
Address: 69 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Telephone: 508-791-5348 or 508-791-1213
Web site: Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. -
New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Inc.
Address: 17 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: 617-371-1800
Web site: New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans
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The Salvation Army runs homeless shelters for adults in communities throughout Massachusetts. See the online list of Massachusetts Salvation Army Service Centers, or call 617-542-5420 x510 for help.
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There are several Catholic Worker Houses in Massachusetts for homeless adult men and women. See the list of Massachusetts Catholic Worker Houses to find a shelter in your community.
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Many non-profit organizations run homeless shelters in communities throughout Massachusetts. Your local Community Action Agency will have information about the shelters in your area. See the list of Massachusetts Community Action Agencies for the address and telephone number of your local agency.
Are there shelters for adults with substance abuse problems?
The Salvation Army shelters accept adults with substance abuse problems. See the online list of Massachusetts Salvation Army Service Centers or call 617-542-5420 x510 for help.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services has a 24 hour helpline at 1-800-327-5050 for information, referral and counseling. The Substance Abuse Helpline will help you find a detoxification center where you can get treatment, support services, and transitional housing. For more information, see the Substance Abuse Helpline web site.
