How to Start Leon County Homelessness Help and a Housing Assessment
Use the Big Bend homelessness-system front door for household-specific shelter, coordinated-entry assessment, and housing routing.
Start here
Single adults can call the Kearney Center at 850-792-9000 for shelter and coordinated-entry assessment. The Big Bend Continuum of Care help page lists separate routes for families, youth, and survivors; call 211 for help choosing the correct door.
Adult shelter check-in generally 4–7 p.m.; confirm before traveling
See household-specific homelessness helpWhat to have ready
- Leon County address, ZIP code, and a safe callback number
- A one-sentence description of the need and what changed
- Any notice, application, denial, bill, or deadline involved
- Language, mobility, communication, and accommodation needs
Words you can use
“I am currently [outside, in a vehicle, in shelter, doubled up, or another situation] in Leon County. My household is [describe]. Which current access point should complete our housing assessment?”
Steps in order
- 1
Call or use the official intake route and lead with the immediate need.
- 2
Ask what eligibility, documents, assessment, and current funding or capacity apply.
- 3
Record the staff name, reference number, next action, and follow-up date.
- 4
Use the listed backup route if the program is closed, full, or not the correct door.
If the first answer is no or wait
Availability, funding, eligibility, and wait times can change. Ask for the reason in writing when possible, preserve every deadline, and dial 211 or call Leon County at 850-606-5300 to locate another current route.
Official sources
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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