How to Start a Putnam County Homelessness Assessment
Use the Heart of Putnam Service Center when someone is homeless, doubled up, or facing an immediate housing crisis.
Start here
Call Heart of Putnam at 386-328-0984, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It assesses crisis needs and connects Putnam County residents with available partner services. Its cold-weather shelter operates only under qualifying conditions, and the R.L. Simmons House is limited to women and children who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence. Dial 211 for current after-hours options.
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; leave a message after hours; dial 211 for current options
See current crisis and housing servicesWhat to have ready
- Putnam County address 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, temporarily staying with others, facing eviction, or another situation] in Putnam County. My household is [describe]. What assessment or partner route is available now, and what immediate shelter option applies?”
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 Putnam County at 386-329-0205 to locate another current route.
Official sources
- Heart of Putnam Service Center
- Heart of Putnam programs and services
- United Way of Northeast Florida 211
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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