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Transitional Housing Programs by City (2026)

Find transitional housing programs in 50 major US cities. Free and low-cost options for people experiencing homelessness, DV survivors, veterans, families, youth, and anyone rebuilding their life.

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Quick Answer

To find transitional housing near you: Call 211 for local referrals, or contact your local Continuum of Care through HUD. Veterans: call 1-877-424-3838. DV survivors: call 1-800-799-7233.

Many programs are free. Others charge 30% of income or a modest monthly fee. Typical stays last 3–24 months with supportive services included.

What Is Transitional Housing?

Transitional housing provides temporary housing (typically 3 to 24 months) combined with supportive services to help people move from homelessness or crisis situations to permanent, stable housing. It bridges the gap between emergency shelters and independent living.

Unlike emergency shelters, which offer short-term beds with minimal support, transitional housing includes structured programming: case management, job training, financial literacy classes, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and help finding permanent housing. The goal is to address the root causes of housing instability so residents can achieve lasting independence.

Transitional housing serves a broad population: people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people with criminal records, and those in addiction recovery. Programs exist in every state, funded through HUD, the VA, state housing authorities, and local nonprofits.

Who Can Access Transitional Housing?

PopulationKey ProgramsCostHow to Apply
Homeless IndividualsHUD CoC Transitional Housing, Emergency Solutions GrantsFreeCall 211
DV SurvivorsVAWA-funded programs, local DV agenciesFreeCall 1-800-799-7233
VeteransVA Grant & Per Diem, HUD-VASH, SSVFFreeCall 1-877-424-3838
FamiliesHUD Family Transitional Housing, TANF, state programsFree/LowCall 211
Youth (18-24)Runaway & Homeless Youth Act programs, foster care transitionFreeCall 211
Reentry (Criminal Record)Reentry programs, CoC transitional housing, state DOC programsFree–$800/moParole officer / 211
RecoverySAMHSA-funded programs, state recovery housingFree–$1,000/moCall 1-800-662-4357

Transitional Housing Guides by City (50 Cities)

Click a city for detailed information including programs, populations served, costs, local organizations, and how to apply.

Alabama

Birmingham

Alaska

Anchorage

Arizona

PhoenixTucson

California

Los AngelesSacramentoSan DiegoSan FranciscoSan Jose

Colorado

Denver

District of Columbia

Washington

Florida

JacksonvilleMiamiOrlandoTampa

Georgia

Atlanta

Hawaii

Honolulu

Illinois

Chicago

Indiana

Indianapolis

Kentucky

Louisville

Louisiana

New Orleans

Maryland

Baltimore

Massachusetts

Boston

Michigan

Detroit

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Missouri

Kansas CitySt. Louis

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Mexico

Albuquerque

New York

New York

North Carolina

CharlotteRaleigh

Ohio

ClevelandColumbus

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

Oregon

Portland

Pennsylvania

PhiladelphiaPittsburgh

Tennessee

MemphisNashville

Texas

AustinDallasEl PasoFort WorthHoustonSan Antonio

Utah

Salt Lake City

Virginia

Richmond

Washington

Seattle

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

More Housing Resources

Second Chance ApartmentsHalfway HousesEviction-Friendly ApartmentsSober Living HomesNo Background Check ApartmentsJobs That Hire FelonsSNAP Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transitional housing?
Transitional housing provides temporary housing (typically 3-24 months) combined with supportive services like case management, job training, counseling, and help finding permanent housing. It bridges the gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing, helping people stabilize their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
Who qualifies for transitional housing?
Transitional housing serves a broad population: people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people with criminal records, and those in addiction recovery. Eligibility requirements vary by program — some serve specific populations while others accept anyone in need.
How much does transitional housing cost?
Many transitional housing programs are free, especially those funded by HUD, the VA, or state programs. Some programs charge a modest fee or require residents to pay 30% of their income. Private or nonprofit programs may charge $300-$1,500/month depending on location, which typically includes housing, meals, utilities, and supportive services.
How do I find transitional housing near me?
Start by calling 211 for local referrals. You can also contact your local Continuum of Care through HUD Exchange, visit a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, or reach out to your state housing authority. Veterans should call the VA at 1-877-424-3838. DV survivors can call 1-800-799-7233.
What is the difference between transitional housing and a halfway house?
Transitional housing serves a broader population (homeless, DV survivors, veterans, families, youth) and typically has fewer restrictions. Halfway houses specifically serve people leaving incarceration or in substance abuse recovery and usually have more structure — curfews, mandatory meetings, drug testing, and employment requirements. Some transitional housing programs do serve people with criminal records, but this is just one of many populations they serve.
What is the difference between transitional housing and an emergency shelter?
Emergency shelters provide short-term beds (often night-by-night) with minimal supportive services. Transitional housing offers longer stays (3-24 months) with structured programming — case management, job training, counseling, and help finding permanent housing. Transitional housing gives residents a stable address and time to get back on their feet.
How long can you stay in transitional housing?
Most transitional housing programs allow stays of 3 to 24 months. HUD-funded programs typically allow up to 24 months. The exact length depends on the program and your progress toward goals like stable employment and permanent housing. Some programs offer extensions for residents who are actively working their plan.
What services does transitional housing provide?
Beyond housing, most transitional programs provide case management, job training and employment assistance, life skills classes (budgeting, cooking, etc.), mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment referrals, childcare assistance, transportation help, and assistance finding permanent housing. The goal is to address the root causes of housing instability.

Key Resources

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Transitional housing availability, eligibility, costs, and program rules change frequently. Always contact programs directly to confirm current policies and availability. For help finding transitional housing, call 211. For domestic violence services, call 1-800-799-7233. For veterans, call 1-877-424-3838.