Services, Shelter, and Housing for Unhoused People
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, you can call 211 or visit a Berkeley location to be guided through a centralized intake process that leads to available shelter, housing, and supportive services.
Call or visit in person to access housing and supportive services
Call 211
Call 211 – available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Alameda County.
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking can also call 1-800-799-7233 for additional services, shelter, and housing information. TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Visit in person
North County Housing Resource Center
2809 Telegraph Avenue Suite 202, Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 495-0131
Appointments not required:
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tuesday through Thursday, open until 6:00 pm)
What to expect
Calling 211 or visiting in person connects you to a centralized intake process for homeless services. This is called “coordinated entry.” Staff follow a standardized process to assess your level of need, prioritize those with the highest level of need, and coordinate services among a variety of providers.
Initial screening for housing and supportive services
When you call 211 or visit in person, staff will ask about your housing situation and connect you with the appropriate service:
- If you are literally homeless (sleeping on the streets, in a car, or in other places not meant for human habitation) in Berkeley, staff will connect you with the North County Housing Resource Center.
- If you are about to be homeless (“couch surfing,” temporarily staying with friends, or at risk of losing your housing) staff will connect you with eviction defense and housing retention resources.
- If you are homeless or about to be homeless but reside outside of Berkeley, you will be redirected to homeless resources in your area.
Complete your intake at the North County Housing Resource Center
If you are eligible for services through the Housing Resource Center (HRC), staff will ask you about your:
- History of homelessness
- Barriers to housing (prior evictions, length of time since last lease)
- Disability and vulnerability
Providing full and honest answers will help the HRC offer you the most appropriate services for your needs. You are welcome to have an advocate, such as a case manager, help you answer the intake questions.
Your answers during the intake process are used to determine your level of need, following a standard scoring method used by Alameda County. While all homeless residents of Berkeley are eligible for services, the HRC is currently only able to offer housing subsidies and housing navigation services to individuals that are assessed as having high-needs.
Services through the North County Housing Resource Center
Once you enter the coordinated entry system, you may be referred to:
- Housing search and application assistance
- Assistance with obtaining benefits
- Temporary rental subsidy with rapid re-housing
- Referrals and connections to medical care and other services
Learn more about coordinated entry from Alameda County and Everyone Home.
