● Lee County
Emergency Assistance
Resource Guide
A comprehensive directory of housing, food, healthcare, employment, and support services available to Lee County residents experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Updated November 2025.
Start Here: Coordinated Entry
Individuals and families in a housing crisis should contact Lee County Human and Veteran Services to access the Coordinated Entry system. This Housing First model matches people to shelter, housing, and services based on vulnerability and need.
Call Anytime
(239) 533-7996
Download
Lee County CoC Resource Guide 2025
The full Lee County emergency assistance resource guide in a printable PDF format. Includes all service categories, phone numbers, hours, and addresses.
Download PDF →Community Help Lines
Emergency Services
911
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Available 24/7
CPE Mobile Crisis Response
844-395-4432
Mental health crisis — available 24/7
United Way 211
Dial 211 · 239-433-2000
Comprehensive information and referral service
Elder Helpline
1-866-413-5337
Support services for older adults
Lee County Rental Assistance
Dial 211 · 239-533-7900
Rental assistance information and referrals
Cape Coral Police (Non-Emergency)
239-574-3223
Fort Myers Police (Non-Emergency)
239-321-7700
Lee County Sheriff (Non-Emergency)
239-477-1000
Emergency Shelter
7 organizationsAbuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT)
Shelter and counseling for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Victim Advocate Attorneys available for injunctions for protection.
239-939-3112 · Crisis Line 24/7
Better Together
Short-term voluntary housing for children (infant–17) of families in crisis. Parents retain full custody. Includes Better Work Program for job coaching, resume, and interview skills. Available 24/7.
239-470-2733 · Contact Isis LaRose · 24/7
Bridge & Beyond
Emergency shelter for children. 7438 Carrier Road, Fort Myers FL.
Fort Myers Rescue Mission
Christian-based shelter for men. Counseling, life skills, meals, and showers (men and women). Open 24/7. Breakfast 5am, Lunch 11:30am, Dinner 5pm. Showers Mon–Sat 8am–5pm.
Immokalee Friendship House
Emergency housing program — 44-bed shelter for men, women, single parents, and families. Provides food, shelter, clothing, referral, and case management. Background check required.
Walk-ins M–F 8am–5pm · 602 W Main St, Immokalee
Lutheran Services Oasis Youth Shelter / Safe Place
Shelter open 24/7 for youth ages 10–17. Oasis never turns away a child coming in as a Safe Place.
239-284-8275 · 24/7
3642 Central Ave, Fort Myers
The Salvation Army
Shelter for women, men, and families. Rapid Rehousing program available. Access through 211.
2400 Edison Ave, Fort Myers
Transitional Housing
14 organizationsAfter the Rain in SWFL
Transitional housing for women — life skills and substance abuse recovery.
Harmony / Transitional Housing of SWFL
Transitional housing for women and men — life skills, substance abuse recovery, half-way house, sober house, 12-Step Program.
239-245-8696 · Debbie
631-662-4440 · Tommy
The New Beginnings of SWFL
Residential transitional program for single mothers ages 18–35. M–F, 8am–4pm.
New Life Dream Center
Twelve-month transitional living center for persons with mental health or substance abuse disorders.
NextEP
FARR Certified Level 4. Outpatient services, 12-Step, group and individual counseling, aftercare/IOP available. Men and women.
Our Mother’s Home
Safe, nurturing environment for young moms ages 11–21 in foster care and their babies. Life skills, education support, and parenting guidance.
Oxford House
Recovery housing for men and women. Zero tolerance on relapse. Democratically self-run and self-supported. Lee County residency not required.
423-440-9660 · Tyler Sykes
Ryan Healing Center
Women’s transitional living house in South Fort Myers. Participants must attend recovery meetings, step work, and seek employment. Holistic recovery approach.
St. Vincent de Paul CARES
Rapid Rehousing Program for veterans and non-veterans. Housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Lee and Collier counties.
Surrender House
FARR Certified recovery residence Level 2 for men and women. 12-step recovery, substance abuse IOP. Cape Coral.
Thrive SWFL – Lifeline Family Center
Two-year residential program for pregnant mothers or women with children under 2. Spiritual counseling, parenting classes, crisis pregnancy support. Drug test and no active felony required. 24-hour line available.
The Other Door Recovery Residences (TODRR)
Structured recovery housing integrating peer support, outpatient services, and vocational empowerment.
We Care Outreach
Emergency services including showers, laundry, mail receipt, secure storage, and canteen. Case management, substance abuse and mental health referrals, life skills, legal assistance, and vocational counseling.
239-693-7911 · Contact Tanya Johnson
Volunteers of America – Punta Gorda Veterans Village
Transitional housing and supportive services for homeless veterans. Up to 6 months. Program fees based on income.
Shared Housing
8 organizationsArea Agency on Aging – Senior Homeshare Program
Connects homeowners with home seekers for mutual and independent living. Affordable, stable housing for SWFL seniors in Lee and Collier counties.
Blu Gem Housing
Shared living homes throughout Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.
BMG Recovery
Community-based shared living spaces for adults. Contact Nicole Wilks.
Broken Butterflies
Community-based shared living spaces with support services.
In This Together Homes
Community-based shared living spaces with support services.
Living Promise LLC
Safe, stable shared housing for independent individuals experiencing homelessness. Service area: Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties.
Permanent Low-Income Housing Assistance
7 organizationsAffordable Homeownership Foundation (AHF)
Permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and youth who have aged out of foster care. M–F, 9am–5pm.
C.A.S.L. (Community Assisted and Supported Living)
Supportive housing for homeless single persons with mental illness. Case management, life skills. Rent at 30% of income, no security deposit.
Goodwill Housing Services
Housing for low-income adults with physical disabilities and low-income elderly (62+). M–F, 9am–4pm.
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Affordable homebuyer program, hurricane recovery, owner-occupied home repair, housing counseling, senior housing rentals (55+). M–F, 8am–4:30pm.
Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
Housing Choice Voucher Program, Affordable Housing Program, and Low-Income Housing. M–Th, 7am–6pm.
Lee County Housing Authority
Public Housing, Section 8 Vouchers, FSS, and ROSS programs. Online listings at Geosection8.com for Housing Choice Voucher tenants.
Lee County Housing Development Corporation
Emergency financial aid for rent, mortgage, and utilities. Rapid Rehousing for DV victims. HUD-approved housing counseling, homeownership education, financial literacy, and mortgage default counseling. M–Th, 9am–4:30pm.
Free Meals & Food Pantries
25+ organizationsHours and availability are subject to change. Contact organizations to confirm current schedules.
Community Cooperative
Hot meals M–F, 10:30am–12pm. Mobile food pantry available by appointment.
Fort Myers Rescue Mission
Three meals daily. Breakfast 5am, Lunch 11:30am, Dinner 5pm. Sunday Breakfast 7am. Open to all.
6900 Mission Lane, Fort Myers
Vineyard Church (Cape Coral)
Free grocery drive-through monthly (register required). Thursday dinner church at 4:30pm. Sunday breakfast 8:30am. Homebound deliveries available.
923 SE 47th Terr, Cape Coral
Cape Coral Caring Center
Food pantry — valid Cape Coral driver’s license or Florida ID required.
St. Martin de Porres Outreach
Café and dinner M–F, 3–6pm. Food pantry and distribution Fridays 9–11am.
4711 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers
South Fort Myers Food Pantry
Choice Food Pantry serving zip codes 33907, 33908, 33912, 33913, 33919, 33966. Mon 10am–12:30pm and 4:30–7pm.
The Salvation Army – Lehigh Acres Service Center
Emergency food, ACCESS application assistance, utility assistance, hygiene items, diapers, and clothing when available. Food pantry once a month. Annual intake form required. M–F, 8:30am–noon and 1–4pm.
25 Homestead Rd, Lehigh Acres
Interfaith Charities of South Lee – Estero/San Carlos United Way House
Food pantry for those between Gladiolus Dr. and Coconut Rd. Requires photo ID and proof of address. Also offers utility assistance, VITA tax site, English classes, and SNAP/Medicaid enrollment. Tue–Sat, 9am–1pm.
Financial Assistance
Homeless & At-Risk of HomelessnessSWFL Regional Coalition to End Homelessness
Rental assistance for qualified individual households. Appointment only, M–F.
Lee County Housing Development Corporation
Rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness. M–Th, 9am–4:30pm.
Lee County Dept. of Human & Veteran Services
Coordinated Entry gateway to all housing and services for persons experiencing homelessness. Access to street outreach, shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
239-533-7996 · 24/7
Hope Florida
Serves single parents, individuals on government assistance, youth aging out of foster care, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans — connecting them to community resources and pathways to self-sufficiency.
Dept. of Children & Families
Apply online for public assistance programs including food, healthcare, and cash assistance.
Veterans’ Services
7 organizationsHearts & Homes for Veterans
Assists low-income veterans in SWFL in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing. Case management, monthly food pantry, hygiene and cleaning supplies, household furnishings, and transportation program by appointment. M–Th, 8am–2:30pm.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Healthcare, benefits, and homeless program services for eligible veterans. Enrollment for health benefits, discharge paperwork, substance abuse referrals, and emergency housing. M–F, 8am–4:30pm.
Fort Myers Vet Center
Counseling for veterans and families for PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and bereavement. After-hours: 877-927-8387.
2891 Center Pointe Dr, Suite 100, Fort Myers
Jewish Family & Children’s Services – Operation Military Assistance
Case management, financial assistance, employment services, and support to help low-income veterans and families obtain and sustain housing.
Lee County Human & Veterans Services
Helps veterans and dependents apply for VA benefits. M–F, 8am–5pm.
2440 Thompson St, Fort Myers
Mission United – United Way
Veteran peers assist in connecting active military veterans and their families to community resources. Dial 211.
Dial 211 · 239-433-2000
CareerSource Southwest Florida
Priority workforce services to veterans, especially those with barriers — career planning, training, and placement. M–F, 8am–5pm.
Employment & Education Assistance
5 organizationsCareerSource Southwest Florida
One-Stop Career Centers connecting employment, education, and training services. M–F, 8am–5pm.
Goodwill Industries
Community Resource Centers with employment services, job training and coaching, resume prep, digital skills training and certification. M–F, 9am–5pm.
Cape Coral Technical College
Occupational and technical training, job preparation, adult education.
Hope Clubhouse
Membership community for adults with mental illness promoting “recovery through work.” M–F, 8:30am–4:30pm.
Literacy Council of the Gulf Coast
Free English reading and writing classes across SWFL — Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel, North Naples, and LaBelle.
Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Counseling
7 organizationsSalusCare
Outpatient psychiatry and therapy, inpatient crisis stabilization, residential programs, recovery residences, case management, detox, MAT, forensic diversion, maternal assistance, and telehealth.
239-275-4242 · Crisis Hotline
Centerstone of Florida
Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT), Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), Mental Health Court, and Community Action Treatment (CAT) for youth. Serves individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
NAMI Southwest Florida
Support groups, education, and advocacy for individuals with mental health diagnoses and their families. Community outreach, crisis intervention training, and mental health first aid.
Park Royal Hospital
28-day Substance Abuse / Co-Occurring Mental Health Program, Medical Detox, Partial Hospitalization, and Outpatient Program. Free assessment. Open 24/7.
Lee County Area Intergroup – Alcoholics Anonymous
Fellowship and support for those seeking to recover from alcoholism. No dues or fees. Helpline available 24/7.
239-275-5111 · 24/7 Helpline
Valerie’s House
Free grief support groups for children and teens after the death of a parent or sibling. Support also available for surviving caregivers. No cost.
C.A.S.L. – Mariposa Place
Residential treatment facility for persons with mental health diagnoses who are chronically homeless. Fort Myers.
Legal Assistance
3 organizationsFlorida Rural Legal Services
Free legal representation for low-income individuals, elderly, and farmworkers. Landlord-tenant, subsidized housing, foreclosure, debt, bankruptcy, family law, immigration, expungement, and more. M–F, 8:30am–5pm.
239-334-4554 · Toll Free 888-582-3410
Lee County Legal Aid Society
Free legal aid or support services for Lee County residents. By appointment only.
Lutheran Services Florida – Immigration
Comprehensive refugee services — case management, employment, childcare, legal (immigration), adult education (ESOL and vocational), and youth services. Low/Pro Bono Immigration Program. M–F, 8am–5pm.
Download
Lee County CoC Resource Guide 2025
The full Lee County emergency assistance resource guide in a printable PDF format. Includes all service categories, phone numbers, hours, and addresses.
Download PDF →