Short-Term Housing & Stabilization Support
Emergency Shelter Program
Participants experiencing homelessness receive temporary safe housing, daily meals, case management, and supportive services.
Emergency Shelter Summary
Guiding individuals from crisis to stability
The Emergency Shelter Program provides short-term, housing-focused shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County. Through safe accommodations, case management, and access to essential services, we help participants stabilize their lives, address immediate needs, and work toward permanent housing solutions.
Emergency Shelter Basics
Immediate safety and support for those suffering from homelessness
We are committed to delivering quality, effective, and faith-based support that guides formerly incarcerated men and women to become productive citizens and rebuild their lives.
We envision a stronger and more unified Miami where formerly incarcerated individuals become productive citizens and valued members of our vibrant community.
We are grounded in community, diversity, spirituality, accountability, family, and productivity — the foundational core values that make our transformational work possible.
Program Opened April 2024
Expanded Riverside House's mission to address Miami-Dade's urgent need for homeless shelter services.
180+ Individuals Served
In just over one year, connected participants to affordable housing, jobs, and healthcare resources.
30-Bed Homeless Shelter
Safe, structured housing providing immediate crisis stabilization and supportive services for men and women.
Homeless Trust Partner
Funded and overseen by Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust with coordinated entry system referrals.
How It Works
How the emergency shelter
program works
The Emergency Shelter Program operates through the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust coordinated entry system. Individuals are referred by county outreach teams, city outreach teams, and authorized Homeless Trust providers.
We do not accept walk-ins, self-referrals, or direct applications. All placements come through approved Homeless Trust channels. Reach out to learn more.
What We Do
A structured plan from crisis to housing
Participants follow an individualized plan that includes:
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Safe, clean sleeping accommodations
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Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Case management and goal planning
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Housing navigation and permanent housing referrals
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Documentation support and benefits assistance
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Employment assistance and job search resources
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Connections to medical care and behavioral health services
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Access to hygiene facilities and essential needs
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On-site supervision and accountability
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Voluntary spiritual support and pastoral care
Emergency Shelter Details
What our emergency shelter
program provides
The Emergency Shelter Program focuses on immediate crisis stabilization while helping participants develop realistic pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
Safe Housing & Stability
A clean, supervised, and accountable environment where participants can stabilize, rest, and focus on their next steps.
Personalized Case Management
Dedicated case managers guide each participant through housing-focused plans — goals, referrals, documentation, and resource connections.
Employment Assistance & Resources
Job search support, resume assistance, employer connections, and access to computers and internet for applications.
Life Skills & Practical Support
Financial literacy, time management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and navigation of real-world responsibilities.
Housing Navigation & Placement
Connection to transitional, supportive, or permanent housing programs through Homeless Trust partnerships and community resources.
Spiritual Growth & Pastoral Care
Faith-based encouragement and guidance for residents seeking deeper purpose and personal transformation.
Why It Matters
Building the foundation for independence
Stable housing and structure are the foundation for successful reentry. Without them, employment, family reunification, and long-term independence are difficult to sustain.
Participants need access to real opportunities — employment, housing programs, and community support. The Emergency Shelter Program creates pathways from crisis to stability by connecting individuals to resources and guidance.
Independence requires taking ownership of daily decisions and progress. Participants develop accountability, follow program expectations, and work toward goals that strengthen their path to housing stability.
Housing & Basic Needs
Safe housing, daily meals, laundry access, hygiene facilities, and support with essential documents and benefits enrollment.
Employment & Education
Job search support, resume assistance, computer access, employer connections, and workforce development referrals.
Family & Friends Reunification
When safe and appropriate, support for reconnecting with family members, mentors, or positive social networks.
Community Integration
Referrals to medical care, behavioral health services, housing providers, benefits programs, and long-term support services.
Who We Serve
Addressing homelessness
in Miami-Dade County
We provide trusted support services for adults experiencing homelessness in Miami-Dade County.
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Adults referred by Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust
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Individuals referred by City of Miami outreach teams
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Individuals referred by City of Miami Beach outreach teams
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Adults referred by Homeless Trust provider agencies
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Participants seeking immediate crisis stabilization
Program Approach
Our approach
to emergency shelter
Homelessness affects health, safety, and stability — but it is solvable with the right resources and support. Riverside House believes every person deserves immediate safety, dignified care, and a realistic path to permanent housing.
Our Emergency Shelter Program combines 24/7 supervision, housing-focused case management, and community partnerships to deliver individualized support. We focus on stabilization, documentation, employment, healthcare connection, and housing placement — ensuring participants have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
Homeless Trust Partnership
Funded and overseen by Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust with entry referrals.
Housing-Focused Model
Plans prioritize connecting participants to permanent housing as quickly as possible.
Individualized Support Plans
Personalized plans tailored to each participant's needs and housing goals.
Faith & Spiritual Care
Optional spiritual support that encourages reflection, accountability, and purpose.
We've Got Answers
Frequently asked questions
We provide clear, straightforward answers to help understand our emergency shelter services and referral process.
Individuals must be referred through the Homeless Trust's Coordinated Entry System. This includes referrals from county outreach teams, city outreach teams, and authorized Homeless Trust providers. Riverside House does not accept self-referrals, walk-ins, or direct applications.
No. Riverside House cannot accept direct applications or walk-ins for shelter. All referrals must come through approved Homeless Trust channels.
The primary goal is to provide immediate safety, stabilization, and basic needs support while helping participants connect to long-term housing pathways. The program focuses on rebuilding stability, supporting goal-oriented case management, and preparing individuals to transition into permanent or transitional housing.
Participants receive safe, clean sleeping accommodations, daily meals, case management and goal planning, housing navigation and referrals, access to basic hygiene and essential needs, connections to medical care, behavioral health services, and benefits, plus stabilization and support during crisis or transition.
Yes. Case managers work with participants to explore transitional, supportive, or permanent housing options and connect them to resources, programs, and agencies that can assist with long-term stability.
Yes. Unlike federal residential reentry, the Emergency Shelter Program is not a supervised or restricted movement program. Participants may leave the facility but are expected to follow shelter procedures and respect program expectations.
Length of stay varies based on individual needs, housing access, and Homeless Trust guidelines. The goal is to connect participants to stable housing as quickly as possible.
No. Voluntary faith-based support, pastoral care, and spiritual activities are available to participants who choose to engage. No one is required to participate in religious services.
This place is a dream come true for people coming out of prison. The staff are caring, professional, and devoted to helping the formerly incarcerated reenter society with dignity and confidence.
Lisa L.