What Are the Best Charities to Help the Homeless?

Anyone can become homeless, regardless of race, or religious orientation. In the United States, many people wonder how one of the richest countries in the world can still have so many homeless and homeless people. Many of those who have this question have decided to do something about it. Homeless charities work to end homelessness by providing shelter, permanent housing, healthcare, social services, and advocacy.

In 2022, the number of people (421,392 people) and chronically in 2024, the number of homeless people (127,768) reached record levels in the history of data collection.

According to Allegheny County Analytics On January 30, 2024, in Allegheny County, 1,026 people were residing in emergency shelters or experiencing unsheltered homelessness (up from 913 in 2023). 857 were staying in emergency shelters (84% of the total). 169 were left unprotected (16% of the total).

Top Best Charities to Help the Homeless

Here in this article after doing research for 1 month I have listed the top best charities that help the homeless people who are facing several difficulties. Homeless people not only need emergency housing they also need food, clothes education, job training, and some other assistance.

Coalition for the Homeless

The most active organization to end homelessness is the Coalition for the Homeless, which was founded in 1981. This mainly focuses on providing immediate shelter services to people who are experiencing homelessness with a long-term solution.

Over thousands of homeless people found stable shelter through this Coalition for the Homeless. One of my friends, John, lost his job, and he was facing so many difficulties. At that time, you found stability and employment with the Coalition’s help.

Visit their official website to contact them – https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is continuously working to prevent and end homelessness in our society. This organization was established in 1983 and focuses on research, policy development, and advocacy.

Abode Services

Abode Services (https://abode.org/) addresses housing and homelessness challenges in the United States by partnering with local shelters to help families access employment support and housing opportunities. It also provides short-term rental assistance, housing, and supportive services to help vulnerable people, including seniors and people exiting the criminal justice system, quickly obtain housing.

Additionally, they run a homelessness prevention program aimed at providing housing solutions for youth exiting the foster care system.

Covenant House

Covenant House is the largest primarily privately funded charity in North and Central America, providing immediate and long-term support to youth facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking.

They provide housing and support services to youth facing homelessness. We help young people change their lives and put them on the path to independence. For more details visit their official site now- https://www.covenanthouse.org/

DePaul USA

DePaul USA (https://depaulusa.org/) is a national non-profit organization providing homeless services inspired by Vincentian values. DePaul USA is an affiliate of the international homeless services organization Depaul International Group. Since 2009, when DePaul opened its first program in Philadelphia, it now operates 21 programs in 9 U.S. cities.

DePaul USA provides a variety of services to people experiencing homelessness, including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, affordable housing, day centers, and health clinics. A great example of DePaul USA’s influence is the DAX program in Atlanta. The DAX program provides vital resources such as short-term residential care along with medical treatment for homeless people and those living with HIV/AIDS.

Streetwise

Streetwise was started in Chicago in 1992 to provide dignity to the homeless through labor rather than charity.

Streetwise (https://www.streetwise.org/) has programs to provide meals, emergency and seasonal clothing, hygiene supplies, personal protective equipment, pantry items, etc. They also provide support in finding housing, medical care, legal assistance, and emergency support.

Family Promise

Family Promise prevents and ends homelessness for families with children, and since 2006 has achieved sustainable independence through community response.

Family Promise provides innovative solutions for homeless families, including prevention, shelter, and stabilization services.

Do you want to know the programs and services? Visit the official site: https://familypromise.org/what-we-do/programs-services/

The Salvation Army

The organization reports its worldwide membership at more than 1.7 million people, including soldiers, officers, and followers who are collectively known as Salvationists. The Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmy.org/) offers a wide range of services to those in need, including food pantries, homeless shelters, spiritual healing, job training, etc.

Bay Area Rescue Mission

Once your basic needs are met, Bay Area Rescue Mission focuses on your long-term recovery.

Their life transformation programs provide men and women with practical tools, training, and spiritual guidance to overcome their struggles for a stable and independent tomorrow.

Contact Bay Area Rescue mission – https://www.bayarearescue.org/contact/

Shelter Partnership, Inc.

This organization has helped children graduate from high school, attend college, and start their careers. In the meantime, they provide housing, case managers, and access to food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and bus tickets to get around. They also help with homework, finding ID cards, and work issues.

Youth who participate in NPHY’s comprehensive programs stabilize their lives and receive immediate assistance along with a safe and supportive environment for a path to self-sufficiency. NPHY’s comprehensive, individualized services empower young people to ultimately achieve long-term independence while shaping the future they want for themselves.

Visit the official website now- https://www.shelterpartnership.org/

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA is the national voluntary throughout the United States.

Some of the most vulnerable among us – families, seniors, veterans, the chronically homeless, and others – receive services from Catholic Charities, such as emergency shelters, transitional housing, and long-term supportive housing.

Feeding America

Feeding America provides a mobile food pantry for communities that do not have a food bank. They also offer traditional food banks and specific services for seniors.

Feeding America (https://www.feedingamerica.org/) helps approximately 1 in 7 people in the United States and provides food to more than 40 million people.

Habitat for Humanity International Inc

Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/) provides shelter and housing assistance in a variety of ways. They are known for helping low-income families build affordable homes to live in and helping them obtain loans so they can own their own homes. They also help older people adapt their homes to make them safe to live in as they age.

Harvest Home

Harvest Home is a non-profit organization that helps homeless pregnant women and their babies. They provide housing, support, and programs to prepare them to be great mothers.

Harvest Home’s primary mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing comprehensive supportive services to those in need. The organization is providing immediate assistance with emergency shelter, hot meals, and essential items such as clothing and personal hygiene items.

Women in Need

Homeless women face many issues, including child care, domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse. Women in Need operates 14 shelters and more than 500 supportive housing units throughout New York City. The organization’s goal is to get women off the streets and into permanent housing. They do this through transitional and supportive housing units.

For more info go here – https://win-foundation.org/menu

StandUp for Kids

They do this through street outreach programs to provide homeless youth with information about housing solutions and their basics. They also provide housing, stipends, life skills training, and furniture to empower these youth. Additionally, they run educational sessions in and out of school to encourage young people to stay in school and avoid crime. Learn more: https://www.standupforkids.org/

How to Apply for Homeless Assistance From the Charities?

Now, you know the best charities that help homeless families in need. But, if you want to get help from these charities then you have to apply for the assistance now. Here is the application process step by step described.

• Research and Identify Suitable Charities: The first step is to look for charities that offer the kind of help that you require. Some charities provide temporary shelter while others focus on providing permanent housing, employment services, or medical services.
• Visit Charity Websites: After choosing a particular charity, go to their official website. Almost all charities have a page that offers information on where to get help. Search for links with labels of ‘Get Help,’ ‘Services,’ ‘Programs,’ or any other related terms.
• Contact the Charity:
  • Go directly to the charity and contact them. Often, their contact details can be found on their website. Options might include:
  • Phone: Try to dial the helpline number or the office number of the charity.
  • Email: Write an email to your boss explaining your situation and requesting his/her help.
  • In-Person Visit: If possible, go to their local branch or service point where you can get more information.
• Complete an Application: Most charitable organizations will need you to fill out a form for you to be helped. This process may involve:
• Online Forms, paper forms, and in-person interviews. Do whatever you’re comfortable with.
• Provide Necessary Documentation:
  • It is advisable to be ready to produce documents that support your application. This might include:
  • Identification (ID, driver’s license, passport)
  • Employment documentation
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residence (if applicable)
  • Any documents related to your current situation (eviction notice, medical records, etc.)

Conclusion

These organizations represent some of the best charities working to combat homelessness through various approaches, from providing immediate shelter and food to offering comprehensive support services and advocacy. By supporting these charities, you can play a part in helping to end homelessness and improve the lives of countless individuals and families.

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