Starting a Homeless Shelter: A Planning Checklist

Opening a shelter is a major undertaking, and the decisions made before opening day shape how the program runs for years. This checklist covers the main areas to plan. Requirements vary by city and county, so confirm the specifics with local authorities.

Purpose and need

• Who will the shelter serve: single adults, families, youth, a specific group?
• What does your community's data show is needed?
• How will you coordinate with the local homeless services system?

Organization and funding

• A legal entity, a governing board, and insurance
• A realistic budget for startup and operations
• Funding sources, and the reporting each one requires

Site and approvals

• A building suited to the population and capacity
• Zoning, permits, and fire and building inspections
• Accessibility for people with disabilities
• Neighbor and community engagement

Program design

• Hours and model: overnight only or 24 hours
• Intake, eligibility, and length-of-stay policies
• Services on site and by referral
• Policies on pets, partners, and possessions
• Your approach to harm reduction and trauma-informed care

Policies and procedures

• Client rights, rules, and a grievance process
• Confidentiality and records
• Emergency preparedness
• Incident reporting
• Staff conduct and boundaries

Staffing

• A staffing plan that covers every shift
• Roles: leadership, case management, residential staff, security
• A structured onboarding plan

Training before opening

• De-escalation and crisis intervention
• Facility safety and emergency procedures
• Boundaries and ethics
• Documentation

Operations

• Meals, laundry, hygiene, and storage
• Data systems and documentation
• A safety walkthrough routine

Opening

• Consider a gradual opening with a smaller number of clients
• Daily debriefs in the first weeks

Get experienced help

Through our Mentorship and Staffing program, Be Shepherd helps organizations start a new homeless shelter equipped with the essentials.