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I need housing

Whether you have nowhere to stay tonight or you're trying to find something you can afford, here's what to do — and how a case manager can help you move faster.

No safe place to stay tonight?

Call 211(free, 24/7) and say you need emergency shelter. They know which shelters have beds and can connect you to emergency housing help across New Hampshire. You don't need any paperwork to make this call. If you are in danger, call 911.

What you can do right now

Tonight, this week, and for the longer term.

1
For tonight: call 211 for shelter
Tell them where you are and who's with you (kids, pets, a partner). They'll find the nearest shelter with space and any emergency housing funds. Domestic violence? Ask for a confidential DV shelter, or call the NH DV hotline at 1-866-644-3574.
2
Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
NH Housing runs the statewide voucher program. Apply online at hcvportal.nhhousing.org or call 603-472-8623. Waitlists are long, so get on them as soon as you can.
3
Apply to your local Housing Authority too
Cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth run their own housing and separate waitlists. Apply to every one near you — more lists means a shorter wait.
4
If you're facing eviction, get help before court
Call 211 about rent help, and 603 Legal Aid at 1-800-639-5290 for free legal help — the earlier the better.
5
Keep your contact info current
Waitlists reach you by mail or phone. If you don't have a stable address, ask if you can use a shelter's or a trusted person's address so you don't lose your spot.

How a case manager can help

If you're helping a client meet this need.

For an unsheltered client, call 211 together and, if needed, the regional Coordinated Entry / point-in-time contact; document the referral and confirm a bed.
Complete the NH Housing voucher application and applications to every nearby PHA in one sitting; track each waitlist number and renewal date.
Set up a reliable way for the client to receive mail (agency address, shelter, or a trusted contact) and calendar the waitlist update deadlines.
Screen for and connect to the client's CMHC housing supports and any Housing Bridge / rental-assistance or supportive-housing programs they qualify for.
For an eviction, refer to 603 Legal Aid before the court date and help gather the ledger, notices, and any rental-assistance paperwork.
Help assemble documents (IDs, SSNs, income proof, birth certificates for children) so the client can respond fast when their name comes up.