Homelessness is a pervasive concern that affects thousands of people every day. Many unhoused people never expected to experience homelessness, but circumstances may make it impossible to pay for housing or live at home. Several factors contribute to the complex homelessness crisis, including:
Disability
Discrimination
Poverty
Unemployment
Domestic abuse
Neglect
Mental illness
Substance misuse
Lack of affordable housing
If you are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness, you are not alone, and several resources are available. Taking steps to access assistance can help better your situation and potentially exit homelessness.
Try to stay put
In many communities, services are available to help low-income and rent-burdened individuals resolve crises that would otherwise cause them to lose their housing.
It may be possible to avoid becoming homeless by learning about and accessing prevention or emergency assistance programs in your area. Start with a call to your city or county social services offices. In some locations, there may be a department dedicated to homelessness initiatives. Programs often include help paying for:
Rent
Utilities
Medical bills
Inquire about services that may include:
Short-term rental subsidies
Housing conflict resolution
Mediation with landlords or property managers
Legal defense against eviction
Make an emergency pack
If you may experience homelessness soon, preparation is necessary for your safety and health. In a durable bag, locker or rented storage unit, keep as many of the following essentials as you can:
Important documentation that is up to date and certified, including a state ID, social security card, birth certificate, insurance and bank account information.
Hygiene items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, toilet paper, wipes, deodorant, soap and menstrual products if needed
Underwear, socks and basic clothing applicable to weather conditions in your area
First aid kit
Flashlight
Library card; libraries provide access to a variety of resources, like the Internet
Water bottle
Other items that may be useful depending on your situation include:
Cell phone and charger
Light cookware, a lighter and a portable stove if you are planning on cooking food
Tent and sleeping bag if you need to stay outdoors
If you are unhoused but lack some of these items, many churches, shelters and other non-profits can provide them. Obtaining an ID, birth certificate and other important documents while unhoused is possible, but the rules differ depending on your state. Check with local organizations to see if they can assist with the legal process for free or reduced cost.
Access resources
It is essential to find support. The United Way 211 hotline is the primary way to search for help. It directs unhoused callers or people at risk to shelter, food, health care and other social services. The Continuum of Care program, run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, also assists unhoused people or people at risk of homelessness. Your local office can connect you to resources within your community.
Homelessness is a complex concern related to mental health concerns, substance use disorders, domestic violence, human trafficking and discrimination. Some demographics are especially at risk, including young people, LGBTQ+ people and veterans. Several emergency hotlines are available to address specific concerns and help affected groups of people, such as:
This is not an all-inclusive list; conducting additional research will help you find the support that works best for you.
Housing assistance and shelter
It is crucial to assess your housing and shelter options when the risk of homelessness becomes apparent. Having a safe place to sleep at night can help you achieve the stability necessary to better your situation. Several types of housing support are available, including:
Emergency shelters. Emergency shelters and homeless shelters are shared housing available to sleep in at night. They often provide food and showers for residents, as well as other resources.
Subsidized housing. Section 8 housing is owned by private landlords or landowners, who receive vouchers from the government so they can offer housing at a lower cost to low-income, elderly and disabled residents. The government directly manages public housing. Applications for these programs are completed by contacting your local Public Housing Authority or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Transitional housing. Transitional housing is temporary housing intended to help residents achieve stability while they find employment and permanent housing. It can be run by charity organizations or the government, and is commonly offered to people who are low-income, recovering from a substance use disorders or have experienced domestic violence. If you fall into one of these categories, transitional housing may provide a safe space to begin your fresh start.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness suggests beginning a search for shelter by contacting a local Continuum of Care office or dialing 211. Explain that you are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Depending on availability and your needs, you may be referred to an emergency shelter or another housing resource, such as transitional or subsidized housing. If you are placed on a waiting list, make sure you understand how to secure your spot when one becomes available.
Churches, food banks and community centers may also be able to direct you toward shelter. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development website has a "Find Shelter" tool and useful information regarding housing assistance.
Food
Research available food assistance in your community to ensure you have regular access to a meal. Call Continuum of Care or 211 to be referred to options or reach out to providers on your own. The Feeding America website has a "Find Your Local Food Bank" tool to help.
Soup kitchens and food pantries are great places to find food and are usually run by churches or non-profit charities. Soup kitchens offer a free hot meal once or twice a day, while food pantries give away boxes of food people can prepare themselves.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are another type of food assistance available through the government. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use to buy food and groceries. Eligibility for the program depends on various circumstances, including income. You can apply online through your state’s SNAP agency website or visit a SNAP office in person. Applicants will be interviewed and notified of their benefits within 30 days.
Hygiene
Caring for hygiene while experiencing homelessness can be challenging, but some options can be found. Showers are typically available within emergency shelters and in some communities, you can pay a small fee to shower at the YMCA. Body-safe wipes are an alternative when showers are unavailable. Shelters, churches and other community organizations often provide hygiene products like deodorant and menstrual products to those in need.
Health care
Caring for your mental and physical health is crucial during this challenging time. Free and low-cost health care clinics offer assorted services, including dentistry, psychiatry and reproductive health care. Often, insurance is not needed to schedule an appointment. The Human Resources and Services Administration health center map can help you find affordable care nearby.
Unfortunately, people can be gainfully employed and still experience homelessness. If you are working, your employer may offer an employee assistance program (EAP). Benefits often include free work-life and mental health services, including free counseling. Your employer may also provide health insurance.
Access to health insurance allows for more accessible emergency assistance and more flexibility in choosing care. Through the Medicaid and Medicare insurance programs facilitated by the government, even those who are unemployed may be eligible for free or reduced-cost health care. Medicare is available to people 65 or older and some people with specific conditions. Medicaid is based on income and family size. To learn more about the programs, visit https://www.medicare.gov and https://www.medicaid.gov.
Many unhoused people grapple with substance use disorders and mental health concerns. Contact your state’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services office to learn about their services, such as the Treatment for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness program. Transitional housing and rehabilitation programs are also options for treating substance misuse. The Salvation Army runs inpatient and outpatient adult rehabilitation services involving education, counseling and work-therapy.
Employment assistance and unemployment insurance
Having an income can make homelessness more manageable and provide an avenue for stable housing. Job training programs through homeless shelters, churches and non-profit charities can assist with the challenges of the application process. These classes cover creating a resume and cover letter, interview preparation, application strategies and more. Additionally, non-profit organizations aimed at unhoused people may offer employment opportunities.
Many jobs today require online applications and respond to applicants through email. Job searching websites are now the primary way to find employment. Homeless shelters and libraries commonly provide computers and technology classes that can help make the application process easier. Another barrier for unhoused people during a job search is that many job applications require addresses. Some options are to use the address of your homeless shelter or a rented P.O. box. Those who cannot afford the fee for a P.O. box may be eligible to receive indefinite general delivery service, a mail service for those without a permanent address.
Filing for unemployment insurance allows you to receive financial assistance while you are looking for a job or if you are unable to look for one. Recipients receive a stipend to help them pay for necessities. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance office to learn about the application process for unemployment insurance and the benefits available. Eligibility differs state by state.
Being unhoused does not have to be a permanent situation. Many people can find stable housing. Maintaining hope and taking steps to better your situation will help you get through this challenging time.