How to start a homeless shelter from scratch in 2025

From understanding local needs to getting permits, finding a location, securing funding, and building a team, you’ll get a clear picture of what it really takes to open a shelter that makes a lasting difference. No fluff, no jargon, just real-world advice to help you turn your compassion into action.

Your community’s homeless population

Before you open a shelter, you’ve got to know who you’re helping. Homelessness doesn’t look the same everywhere. Some towns see more families with kids needing shelter. Others might see more veterans or people dealing with mental health issues. The better you understand what your community really needs, the better your shelter can serve.

Start by talking to people. Local religious institutions, food banks, school counselors, and even police departments often have a pulse on who’s struggling. Ask what gaps they see. Are people couch-surfing? Living in tents? Are shelters full every night?

You can also look at data. City or county housing offices often track homelessness numbers. That info helps you see patterns, like how many people are sleeping outside or how many need mental health services. It also helps when applying for funding later.

One last thing: pay attention to where people are. Sometimes, a shelter is needed in a different part of town than you expected. Where folks already gather, near bus stops, churches, or food banks, might be where your help is needed most.

Decide the focus and type of shelter to open

Not all shelters are the same, and that’s a good thing. People experiencing homelessness face all kinds of situations, so your shelter should be built around what’s needed most in your area.

You might open an emergency shelter that gives people a safe place to sleep for a night or two. Or maybe you focus on transitional housing, which gives folks a bit more time and support while they get back on their feet. Some shelters go even further, offering long-term help for people dealing with mental illness or substance use. The type you choose depends on what gaps exist in your community, and what kind of support you can realistically offer.

It also helps to focus on who your shelter will serve. Will it be for individuals? Families with kids? Young adults? Maybe you want to support a group that often gets overlooked. For example, some shelters are built specifically for women fleeing domestic violence, or for LGBTQ+ youth who’ve been turned away from home.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The right choice is the one that matches your heart, your resources, and your community’s needs.

Partner with religious institutions and community members

You don’t have to do this alone, and honestly, you shouldn’t. One of the smartest first steps is getting support from people who already care about your community. Religious institutions like churches, synagogues, and mosques have long histories of helping people in need. Many already run food pantries, clothing drives, or winter shelters. They may be able to offer space, volunteers, or even funding to help get your shelter off the ground.

The same goes for community members. Neighbors, small business owners, teachers, and other local folks can bring all kinds of support. They might know someone who has a building you can use, or they might help organize a fundraiser. Sometimes, just having people to bounce ideas off of makes a big difference.

When you include the community from the start, you build something stronger. People want to support things they feel part of. That kind of buy-in is what helps a shelter survive long-term, not just open its doors, but keep them open.

Find and secure a location for your shelter

Finding the right place for your shelter is a big step, and it’s more than just picking a building. You need to think about safety, access, and rules from the city or county. A great location is one that’s close to bus lines, food stores, and maybe a clinic. It should feel safe, not just for the people staying there, but for the neighbors, too.

Some folks start by looking at abandoned buildings. That can work, but keep in mind: older buildings may need a lot of repairs to meet health and safety codes. That means more time and money before you can even open the doors. Still, if you have the right help, maybe a local contractor who wants to donate their time, it could be a good option.

You’ll also want to check with the local planning department. Every city has zoning laws that decide what kind of buildings can be used for shelters. It’s better to ask early than be forced to move later. This is also a great moment to start talking with city officials. If they see you’re doing things the right way, they might be more willing to help down the road.

Write your mission statement and define your goals

Your mission statement is like your shelter’s compass, it tells people where you’re headed and why. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long. Just be clear about what you do, who you help, and how. A strong mission helps you make better decisions, attract the right supporters, and explain your “why” when someone asks.

Here’s an example: “We provide safe, short-term shelter and meals for families experiencing homelessness while helping them find permanent housing.” That one sentence tells a donor, a city official, or a volunteer exactly what you’re about.

After your mission is set, think about your goals. What does success look like? Is it helping 20 people a night? Getting 10 families into permanent homes each year? Clear goals help you stay focused and make it easier to track progress. They also show funders that you’re serious and organized.

Your mission and goals will guide your shelter every step of the way. Get them down early, and let them shape the rest of your plan.

Develop key services for your shelter

At the heart of every shelter are the services you provide, and these are more than just beds. Start with the basics: a safe place to sleep, warm meals, showers, and clean clothes. These small things meet big needs and help people feel human again.

But if you can, go a step further. People experiencing homelessness often face challenges like mental illness, trauma, or job loss. Offering access to mental health support, case managers, or job training can make a huge difference in helping someone get back on their feet.

You don’t have to offer everything yourself. Partner with local clinics, food programs, and counseling services. Maybe a church nearby can host a weekly meal. Maybe a nonprofit already has a social worker who can visit once a week. The goal is to create a support system that meets people where they are.

Think of your shelter as more than a place to stay, it’s a starting point for something better.

Register your nonprofit and obtain tax-exempt status

To get your shelter running, and keep it going, you’ll need to make things official. That means registering as a nonprofit and applying for tax-exempt status. It might sound overwhelming, but it’s doable one step at a time.

Start by picking a name for your organization and filing the paperwork with your state. This usually involves setting up a board of directors and writing basic bylaws (rules for how your nonprofit will run). Every state is a little different, so it’s smart to check your state’s nonprofit guide or ask a local lawyer or accountant who’s helped others before.

Next, apply for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This lets people donate to your shelter and write it off on their taxes, which makes fundraising a lot easier. Plus, it opens the door to government grants and other big funding sources.

Once your paperwork is in, keep track of deadlines. Some forms need to be updated each year, and it’s important to stay in good standing. The good news? Once this is set up, you’ll have a strong foundation to build on.

Apply for government grants and funding

Running a shelter costs money, there’s no way around it. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all on your own. There are local, state, and federal grants designed to support exactly this kind of work. The key is knowing where to look and how to ask.

Start by checking with your city or county. Many local governments have funding for emergency shelters, especially if your services help reduce strain on hospitals or law enforcement. Look at programs offered through HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) or SAMHSA (for mental health and substance use support). These often fund shelters that serve individuals and families with complex needs.

When you apply, be clear and specific. Show that you’ve done your homework. Funders want to see a mission statement, goals, a budget, and proof that your shelter is really needed in the area. This is where that early research on the homeless population comes in handy.

You might not win the first grant you apply for, and that’s okay. Keep going. Funders want to see consistency. Over time, your shelter builds a track record, and those early "nos" can turn into future "yeses."

Launch fundraising events and seek donations

Government grants help, but they’re not the only way to fund your shelter. Some of your most reliable support will come from the people around you, neighbors, churches, businesses, and even folks online. That’s where fundraising events and everyday donations come in.

Start small and local. Host a spaghetti dinner, a yard sale, or a 5K walk. These events bring people together and raise money at the same time. Make it easy to give, too, have a donation form online and let people know exactly what their money supports. Even $10 can go a long way when enough people chip in.

Recurring donations are a game changer. Instead of asking once, give people a way to give monthly. It helps you plan ahead and creates a steady flow of support. And don’t forget about in-kind donations. Clothing, hygiene kits, canned food, these are real needs your community can help meet.

Social media can be a big help here. Share your mission. Show your impact. Celebrate your wins. And always thank your donors, no matter how small the gift. When people feel seen and appreciated, they come back.

Build long-term partnerships with local government agencies

Working with local government might feel intimidating at first, but these partnerships can open doors, literally. Cities and counties often have resources that can support your shelter, from funding and training to referrals and building space. The key is building trust and staying connected.

Start by reaching out to departments like housing, health services, or mental health. Let them know what your shelter is about and what kind of support you’ll offer. Many cities already have task forces or coalitions focused on homelessness, and joining one can help you stay in the loop and get your shelter plugged into the bigger picture.

These relationships also help with things like zoning approvals, inspections, and future funding. When local agencies know your shelter is doing good work, and doing it well, they’re more likely to back you up when new opportunities or challenges come up.

Remember, you’re all working toward the same goal: helping people get off the streets and into safe, stable housing. And when public and private groups work together, everyone wins.

Get your business license and shelter permits

Before you can open your doors, you’ll need the right licenses and permits. This part isn’t the most exciting, but it’s one of the most important. Making sure everything is legal keeps your shelter safe, protects your team, and helps you stay in good standing with the city.

Start by checking with your local government office. You’ll likely need a business license, even if you’re running a nonprofit. Then ask what kinds of permits apply to shelters, like fire safety, building occupancy, or food service. Each city or county has different rules, so don’t assume you can skip this step.

You’ll also want to make sure your space is up to code. This might include inspections for sprinklers, emergency exits, and ADA accessibility. It sounds like a lot, but you can ask city staff to walk you through it. Some places even offer checklists or free consultations to help new nonprofits get started the right way.

Getting these boxes checked up front saves a lot of stress later, and shows your community you’re serious about doing this well.

Staff your shelter and recruit volunteers

A shelter isn’t just a building, it’s the people inside who make it safe, welcoming, and effective. That means finding the right mix of staff and volunteers who care about your mission and are ready to show up.

Start with your core team. You’ll probably need someone to manage operations, keep track of guests, and handle emergencies. If possible, bring in folks with experience in social work, mental health, or crisis response. Even just one trained person on shift can make a big difference.

Volunteers can help with meals, laundry, cleaning, or just being a friendly face. Reach out to local churches, schools, and community groups. You’d be surprised how many people want to help, especially if you give them clear roles and a little training.

Safety and boundaries matter, too. Make sure everyone on your team understands your shelter’s rules and knows what to do in tough situations. Create simple guides and hold regular check-ins to support your team.

The goal isn’t just filling roles, it’s building a community of people who believe in the work and each other.

Promote your shelter to the community

Once your shelter is up and running, or even before, it’s time to tell people about it. Not just to raise money, but to build trust, attract volunteers, and show the community what you’re doing and why it matters.

Start with your story. What inspired you to open this shelter? Who are you helping? Share real examples (with permission) and speak from the heart. People connect with people. They want to see your mission in action.

Use social media, flyers at local businesses, or announcements at churches or community events. Partner with local news outlets or podcasts, they’re often looking for feel-good stories. If someone donates or volunteers, thank them publicly (if they’re okay with it). That kind of recognition makes others want to join in.

And don’t forget the basics: keep your website updated, post clear contact info, and make it easy for people to support you with one click.

When you stay visible, you stay on people’s minds. And that keeps the support coming, even after the newness wears off.

Measure impact and scale your shelter

Once your shelter is open and running, don’t just guess how it’s going, track it. Measuring your impact helps you understand what’s working, what needs to improve, and how to grow over time.

Start with the basics: How many people are you sheltering each night? How many meals are you serving? How many people move into permanent housing? Even small numbers tell a big story when they show progress. If you’re offering extra services, like job support or counseling, track that too.

You don’t need fancy software to begin. A spreadsheet and a system you can stick to is a great start. But as you grow, consider tools that make tracking and reporting easier.

Sharing your results matters, too. Donors and grant providers want to see the impact of their support. But it’s also encouraging for your team, and for the people you serve, to see real change happening.

When you’re ready to grow, use your data to guide the way. Maybe that means opening another shelter, adding more beds, or expanding your programs. Growth should follow real needs, not just big dreams.

Making your shelter a reality

Starting a homeless shelter isn’t easy, but the impact you can make is real and lasting. Whether you’re still in the planning phase or ready to open your doors, remember that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. The most successful shelters aren’t just built with heart, they’re built with support, strategy, and community.

That’s where strong partners matter. Harness doesn’t just give you tools, we work alongside you to grow your mission, build donor trust, and create a funding strategy that lasts. From setting up recurring giving to launching community campaigns, we bring years of nonprofit experience to the table so you can focus on helping people.

There are a lot of charity fundraising platforms out there. What makes the difference is who’s in it with you. We’re here for the long haul, to back your mission, strengthen your outreach, and help you scale what matters.

You’ve got the vision. Let’s build the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of building is best for a homeless shelter?

Look for a space that’s safe, easy to access, and close to things like public transportation, food stores, and clinics. Some groups use abandoned buildings, but those usually need big upgrades to meet safety codes. Always check with local officials before moving forward.

How do I fund a homeless shelter?

You can use a mix of funding: community donations, religious institution support, government grants, and local fundraising events. Monthly donors and online giving tools also help create steady income. A good platform like Harness can make fundraising a whole lot easier.

Do I need a business license to run a shelter?

Yes. Most cities or counties require a business license even for nonprofits. You’ll also need permits for things like fire safety, food handling, and building occupancy. Check your local government’s website or office for the rules in your area.

Can I start a shelter without becoming a nonprofit?

Technically yes, but becoming a nonprofit has big advantages. It makes you eligible for tax-deductible donations, grants, and community support. Plus, it helps build trust with donors and partners.

What services should a homeless shelter offer?

At the very least, offer a safe place to sleep, meals, and restrooms. If you can, include support like job help, mental health counseling, or addiction recovery. You can also partner with other groups to offer these services without doing it all yourself.