If you are experiencing homelessness in Sacramento, motel vouchers can provide short-term shelter to families in crisis. The most reliable options are administered through the Travelers Aid Emergency Assistance Agency and 211 Sacramento, which connect eligible families with temporary stays of up to one week.
To obtain motel vouchers and immediate housing assistance in Sacramento, call 2-1-1 (or 1-916-498-1000) to reach 211 Sacramento, the centralized entry point for the region’s Coordinated Access System. Most county, city, and non-profit programs require an official assessment through 211 before vouchers can be authorized.
Key emergency programs, non-profit resources, and guidelines for navigating the system include:
Government and County Voucher Programs
Emergency Shelter Vouchers (ESV) for Families
To apply for the Emergency Shelter Voucher (ESV) program for families in Sacramento, you must go through the centralized assessment system. The City does not allow families to apply directly at motels or through a public online portal.
Application Process
Call 2-1-1 (or 1-916-498-1000): This is the sole point of entry. When calling, immediately state that you are an unsheltered family with minor children seeking an assessment for the City’s ESV motel voucher program.
Coordinated Access System (CAS) Assessment: A specialist trained by Sacramento Steps Forward will conduct a rapid intake assessment. The program’s fundamental operational goal is to place eligible families in temporary shelter within 24 hours of identifying the need.
How the ESV Program Works
This City-funded initiative is structured to facilitate a rapid transition for families, moving them from a crisis situation to one of stability:
Initial Stay: Eligible families receive an initial motel voucher valid for 28 days (4 weeks) at a participating establishment within Sacramento.
Renewals: Vouchers may be renewed up to 5 times, allowing for a maximum stay of 6 months.
Condition: To have your voucher renewed every 28 days, you must actively participate in a stabilization and permanent housing relocation plan with your assigned case manager.
Capacity: The program maintains an active inventory to shelter approximately 200 families simultaneously.
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance
The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) program in Sacramento is a state-mandated initiative that provides financial assistance payments for emergency motel vouchers and aid for permanent housing to eligible families. It is administered locally by the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA).
How to Apply for Assistance in Sacramento
You must submit your application directly through the Sacramento County DHA, rather than by calling 2-1-1.
By Phone: Call the Sacramento County DHA centralized Customer Service Center at 1-800-560-0976.
In Person (Walk-in): You may request immediate, same-day processing for emergency housing assistance under “Immediate Need” by visiting a regional DHA office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday:
South Sacramento Office: 2450 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95822
North Sacramento Office: 2700 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821
North Highlands Office: 5747 Watt Ave, North Highlands, CA 95660
Galt Office: 210 N Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632
Assistance from Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations
The Salvation Army Sacramento Metro
To obtain emergency shelter or motel vouchers from The Salvation Army Sacramento Metro, you must call 1-916-678-4010 and select option #2 to complete an initial assessment by phone. The agency operates strictly by appointment and referral; walk-ins for housing assistance are not accepted at their physical locations.
Rules and Guidelines
Application Intake Hours: Telephone applications are processed specifically from Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Phone lines close earlier than scheduled or once maximum daily capacity has been reached.
Voucher Duration: Approved vouchers typically cover 1 to 3 nights of accommodation. They are strictly intended for short-term crisis intervention.
Frequency Limit: Assistance is limited to once every 12 months per household.
Eligibility Requirements
During your telephone interview, the case manager will verify that you meet the following requirements:
Sacramento County Residency: You must provide proof that you reside within the county. Identification: Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all adults in the household.
Verified Income: You must provide documentation demonstrating active income or stable public benefits (e.g., SSI, CalWORKs, or employment wages).
Housing Transition Plan: Generally, you must demonstrate that you have a clear transition pathway (e.g., a lease agreement starting in a few days) or possess an official referral from a recognized partner community agency.
Travelers Aid Emergency Assistance Agency
To apply for emergency motel vouchers through the Travelers Aid Emergency Assistance Agency in Sacramento, you must call their office hotline at 1-916-399-9646. Since funding is limited and assistance is strictly dependent on case management capacity, it is strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment rather than walking in without prior notice.
Rules and Guidelines
Target Population: The Emergency Motel Voucher Program is restricted to homeless families with dependent minor children. It specifically targets low-income individuals and the “working poor” who are facing a temporary crisis.
Voucher Duration: Approved vouchers typically provide emergency lodging for a period of up to one week (7 days).
Case Plan Requirement: Vouchers are not distributed automatically. You must actively collaborate with an on-site social worker to develop a mandatory case plan focused on housing stabilization and self-sufficiency.
Agency Location and Office Details
If a staff member instructs you to complete an in-person intake process or to provide physical verification documents, the administrative office is located in South Sacramento:
Office Address: 2251 Florin Road, Suite 124, Sacramento, CA 95822
Main Contacts: You may check program availability or leave detailed messages via the Travelers Aid website or their active Facebook page (Travelers Aid).
Francis House Center
To apply for emergency motel vouchers at Francis House Center (a program of Next Move Homeless Services), you must participate in their specialized drop-in lottery system. The agency does not maintain a rolling waitlist, and applications for motel lodging cannot be completed by phone or email.
Due to extremely limited resources, the Family Respite Program distributes short-term emergency lodging in accordance with strict operational guidelines:
When to Apply: You must appear in person at the center on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., to enter the selection pool.
Household Limits: The program is strictly available to homeless families with children under the age of 18 in their legal custody. The maximum total household size cannot exceed 5 people.
Voucher Terms: Selected families receive a voucher covering a 5-night, 7-day stay at a local partner motel. Frequency Limit: Families are permitted to utilize this specific respite program only once every 12 months.
What to Bring for Verification
To ensure that your name is legally included in the selection pool, please submit the following documentation at the service window:
Identification: Valid photo identification documents for all adults, and birth certificates for all minor dependents.
Proof of Family Status: Documentation confirming legal custody of the children.
Steps to Apply for Motel Vouchers in Sacramento
To apply for a motel voucher in Sacramento, you must follow a specific process that depends on your family situation and household composition. Since vouchers are strictly regulated, you cannot apply for them directly at the motels.
Step 1: Call 2-1-1 for a Centralized Assessment
The first essential step for most programs is to dial 2-1-1 (or 1-916-498-1000). Inform the operator that you are experiencing homelessness and require an assessment for the city’s Coordinated Access System (CAS). They will determine which emergency voucher waitlists you qualify for, including the city-funded Emergency Shelter Vouchers (ESV) for Families.
Step 2: Visit the DHA (if you have children or are pregnant)
If you have minor children or are pregnant, you may qualify for the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program. Skip the step of calling 2-1-1 and proceed directly to a regional office of the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA); you may visit without an appointment (walk-in service) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Ask for an “Immediate Need” housing assessment.
Fill out form CW-42 to request up to 16 consecutive days of emergency motel funding ($85+ per day).
Step 3: Enter the Francis House Lottery
If county and city funds are temporarily unavailable, visit the Francis House Center (1422 C Street) in person.
Go on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Enter your name in the Family Respite Program lottery to obtain a 5- to 7-night motel voucher.
Step 4: Call Non-Profit Intake Lines
Contact local charitable organizations directly to complete telephone intake interviews. Do not go to these locations in person, as they require you to schedule a telephone appointment in advance:
The Salvation Army: Call 1-916-678-4010 (select option #2) Monday through Thursday, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Travelers Aid: Call 1-916-399-9646 to request an appointment for their voucher program for low-income working families.
Step 5: Gather Required Documents
While waiting for your callback or appointment, gather the following items. Place them in a secure or waterproof bag:
Photo IDs: Government-issued identification for all adults.
Children’s Documentation: Birth certificates or custody documents for all minors.
Income Verification: Proof of any public benefits (SSI, CalWORKs, EBT) or recent pay stubs.
Crisis Documentation: Eviction notices, utility shut-off letters, or police reports (if fleeing domestic violence).
