What Are Day Shelters?

Day shelters are safe places where people without housing can go during the daytime. Unlike overnight shelters that focus on sleep and evening meals, day shelters provide relief, stability, and services during the hours when many shelters are closed.

Why Do Day Shelters Exist?

🌞 Daytime Safety & Rest – Many people are forced outside once night shelters close in the morning. Day shelters give them a safe place to stay off the streets during the day.

🍽️ Basic Needs –

Most offer meals, snacks, showers, laundry, clothing, or storage space so people can take care of essentials.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Supportive Services – They connect guests with case managers, health care, mental health and addiction support, and referrals to housing.

🙏 Dignity & Belonging – Just as important, day shelters provide community. They are places where people are seen, welcomed, and treated with respect.

👉 In short: Day shelters exist to fill the gap between overnight shelters and long-term housing solutions. They help people survive the day, meet urgent needs, and take the first steps toward stability and permanent housing.