American Red Cross (shelters and help after a fire or disaster)

Their map shows open overnight shelters and sites with meals, water, first aid, help replacing lost prescriptions or glasses, phone charging, clean-up supplies and caseworkers. If you need help right now, their site finds your local Red Cross by ZIP code.

Visit their site ↗

Good to know

Free. Shelters do not ask for ID, only your name and where you lived before the disaster. Some places on the map are run by partner groups, not the Red Cross. If no shelter shows near you, check again later: sites are added as needs change.

Before you call

Have ready

your name and the address where you lived before the disaster

They can

give you a safe place to sleep, meals, water and first aid at an open shelter, free
help refill lost prescriptions, replace lost glasses, and give emotional support
connect you with a caseworker for recovery planning and, for those who qualify, financial help
show open shelters and service sites on a map, and find your local Red Cross by ZIP code

They cannot

promise a shelter near you: if none shows, check the map again later
run every site on the map: some are run by partner groups

In the emergency guides: A flood, fire or storm hit my home →

Website: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
Coverage: Nationwide (U.S.)
Languages: English, Spanish
Last checked: October 9, 2026

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Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/american-red-cross/