To whom can I report a homeless shelter refusing to accept someone because she has an autistic child?

They cannot accept children with disabilities, quite possibly for legal reasons, i.e., they do not have qualifications for caring for disabled children. That is not discrimination. In fact, they by law are likely not allowed to house children at all.

How did they even know the child was autistic? She needn't even mention that. She needs to call back and just say she has a child.

They are likely trying to limit their own liability.

It is not discrimination and homeless shelters are not governed by the fair housing act. You aren't paying to stay there - you are not renting space so you have no rights to demand anything. In fact, you have to follow their rules or you will be kicked out. They have every right to deny your child, who would likely be disruptive to the other guests, some of whom are up early to try and find work. Your daughter would not "qualify" to stay there. Some don't take children at all. Find a family member who will take your child.

She could start with what ever organization runs or supports the shelter. If it it was a landlord she would typically have to sue them.

It is a violation of fair housing laws.

** I originally thought shelters were not bound by fair housing law either. But I was not sure so I looked it up and what I found says they are indeed bound to fair housing law. SO YES it is indeed a violation.

Since you are her friend why not open up your home to your FRIEND and her child while they look for a place to stay? I wouldn't want a friend staying at a shelter.

Why don't you call one of the homeless shelters to confirm that it's true.

- the reason she is being refused is because of her disabled child... NOT for some other reason she doesn't qualify or that they simply have no housing...

And if her story matches the shelters story, then call the newspaper, the mayor, the ACLU, post it on facebook/twitter/instagram/and whatever else exists....