Homeless Awareness

As of the latest data from January 2024, there were more than 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States. This represents an 18% increase from the previous year1. The data highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness, with a significant rise in the number of people entering homelessness for the first time

Steps you can take to help the homeless

Educate Yourself & Others: Understand the root causes of homelessness and raise awareness in your community.

Research: Learn about the root causes of homelessness, such as economic factors, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing.
Share Information: Use social media, blogs, and community events to spread awareness and share what you've learned.
Engage in Discussions: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about homelessness to foster understanding and empathy.
Support Advocacy Groups: Join or support organizations that work to address homelessness and advocate for policy changes.

By educating yourself and others, you can help create a more informed and compassionate community.

Volunteer Your Time: Offer your time at local shelters, soup kitchens, or outreach programs.

Find Local Organizations: Look for shelters, soup kitchens, and outreach programs in your area that need volunteers.
Reach Out: Contact these organizations to learn about their volunteer opportunities and requirements.
Commit Your Time: Schedule regular volunteer shifts that fit your availability.
Offer Your Skills: Use your unique skills and talents to contribute in meaningful ways, whether it's cooking, organizing, or providing support.

Your time and effort can have a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Donate Money & Items: Financial contributions and donations of clothing, food, and hygiene supplies can make a big difference.

Financial Contributions: Donate to reputable organizations that provide services and support to the homeless.
Clothing Donations: Gather gently used clothing, especially warm items for winter, and donate them to shelters.
Food Donations: Contribute non-perishable food items to food banks or soup kitchens.
Hygiene Supplies: Collect and donate hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and sanitary items.

Your donations can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

Show Empathy & Respect: Engage with individuals experiencing homelessness with kindness and dignity. Every small action can contribute to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Listen: Take the time to listen to their stories and experiences without judgment.
Acknowledge: Treat them with the same dignity and respect you would offer anyone else.
Offer Help: If appropriate, offer assistance or direct them to resources that can help.
Be Kind: Simple acts of kindness, like a smile or a friendly conversation, can make a big difference.

Every small action can contribute to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Provide Information About Services: Share information about local resources like shelters, food banks, and medical clinics.

Research Local Resources: Identify shelters, food banks, and medical clinics in your area. Websites likeHUD's Find Shelter andFeeding America can be helpful.
Create a Resource List: Compile a list of these resources with addresses, phone numbers, and services offered.
Distribute Information: Share the list through social media, community boards, and local organizations.
Engage with the Community: Encourage others to share and use the information to support those experiencing homelessness.

Information Board

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone. 988LifeLine.org

NationalHomeless.org
EndHomelessness.org
Endeavors.org

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: For veterans experiencing homelessness, call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: If you're in danger of domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is a free, confidential helpline available 24/7, 365 days a year. It connects Texans to essential community-based services, such as utility assistance, rent and mortgage assistance, housing, public benefits, and food assistance.

National Directories and Resources: There are lots of great organizations working to help prevent and end homelessness and hunger across the country.

Best Websites for Information to Help the Homeless

National Alliance to End Homelessness
Offers resources on how to get help if you’re experiencing homelessness, including shelter access and advocacy tools.
Link: https://endhomelessness.org/
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Find Shelter
A tool to locate housing, shelter, healthcare, and clothing resources across the U.S.
Link: https://www.hud.gov/findshelter
SAMHSA - Homelessness Programs and Resources
Provides information on programs like PATH and TIEH, plus immediate assistance helplines for homelessness and mental health.
Link: https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources
National Coalition for the Homeless
Basic guidance on accessing help, including directories for veterans and youth services.
Link: https://nationalhomeless.org/
Volunteers of America - Helping the Homeless
Details on shelter, meals, and long-term housing support services.
Link: https://www.voa.org/homelessness/
The Salvation Army USA - Homeless Shelters
Information on emergency shelters, transitional housing, and local support options.
Link: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/homeless-shelters/
USA.gov - Get Emergency Housing
Government resources for finding immediate shelter and housing assistance.
Link: https://www.usa.gov/emergency-housing/
HHS.gov - Homelessness Resources and Programs
Federal resources for homeless individuals, including health and housing support.
Link: https://www.hhs.gov/programs/social-services/homelessness/
2-1-1 Hotline
A nationwide service connecting people to local resources like shelter, food, and healthcare (dial 2-1-1 or use the site to find your local branch).
Link: https://www.211.org/
Nevada Homeless Alliance
A regional example offering resource connections and Project Homeless Connect events (useful as a model for local initiatives).
Link: https://nevadahomelessalliance.org/

Homeless Awareness

Information Board

NationalHomeless.org EndHomelessness.org Endeavors.org

National Directories and Resources: There are lots of great organizations working to help prevent and end homelessness and hunger across the country.

NationalHomeless.org
EndHomelessness.org
Endeavors.org