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What can you do when you suddenly get evicted because you can’t pay the rent? Your first option could be to call on friends and family to see if you can live with them temporarily. If not, you’ll need to find a homeless shelter in your area. And if you don’t like the thought of living in a shelter, you could be calling the streets your home for a while until you get things figured out.

Are those your only housing options when you’re homeless? No, as a motel or hotel voucher could give you temporary housing as you make moves to fix your finances. Let’s take a look at how hotel vouchers work and where you can find them so you can gain a bit of stability during these challenging times.

The Purpose of Hotel Vouchers for the Homeless

Although a homeless shelter may be the most well-known option for those without a home, it may not be for everyone. Several issues come with homeless shelters, beginning with limited capacity. Since homelessness is a growing problem, every city doesn’t have enough room in its shelter to house everyone. As such, a shelter may not have the space to hold you and your family.

Even if there is space, you may want to avoid homeless shelters at all costs. It’s no secret that they have problems with theft, drug and alcohol abuse, and a lack of sanitation. You could also find yourself living with dangerous residents, which can be pretty shocking if you’ve never lived in such a setting. And if you have shelter experience but were banned for some reason, you’ll need another living option, which is what a hotel voucher can provide.

Hotel or motel vouchers offer an alternative for homeless people who do not want to live in shelters. They can provide privacy, safety, and cleanliness. And hotels or motels can also give someone homeless the peace and quiet they need to gather their thoughts before making their next move.

Where to Find Vouchers for Motels or Hotels

Your mileage may vary according to your location, but here are some solid places to begin your search for hotel vouchers. Even if these resources cannot provide you with a motel voucher directly, they may be able to refer you to a place that can.

Local Assistance Programs

Search the Internet for homeless assistance programs in your area. You may find one for your city, county, or state that offers hotel vouchers.

Catholic Charities

This organization offers help to the homeless in various ways. Tell them that you’re looking for hotel vouchers, and you might have some luck.

Salvation Army

Here’s another organization that specializes in helping the homeless get back on their feet. Contact the one nearest you to see if they have motel vouchers available.

211

Dial those three digits in your phone and tell the operator you’re homeless and need a motel voucher.

Your Homeless Shelter

Even if you won’t be living in it, ask your homeless shelter if they know where hotel vouchers are available.