Homelessness remains a significant social challenge in the United States. In 2024, over 771,480 people experienced homelessness, including families, individuals, and youth, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving emergency shelter, affordable housing, support services, and advocacy for systemic change. While government action is essential, charities that help the homeless also play a vital role in providing immediate assistance, long-term solutions, and evidence-based programs aimed at preventing homelessness.
How Charities That Help the Homeless Provide Support
Charities that help the homeless focus on several key interventions. These include offering temporary shelter, food assistance, medical care, and employment support. Some organizations specialize in youth homelessness, while others target families, veterans, or the chronically homeless. Many nonprofits also advocate for policies that address affordable housing shortages, income inequality, and social services gaps. By combining direct aid with advocacy and research, these organizations aim to reduce both the scale and recurrence of homelessness across the nation.
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is one of the largest social service providers in the US. Founded in 1865 in London, it has expanded globally, now serving in over 100 countries. Its programs provide food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and holiday support to those in need. In 2023 alone, over 2.4 million people received holiday assistance. The organization focuses on holistic care, combining spiritual support with practical services to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness.
Official website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvationarmyus/
2. Covenant House
Covenant House provides 24/7 shelter and support to young people facing homelessness, including survivors of human trafficking. Each year, nearly 4.2 million young people in the US experience homelessness, with Covenant House reaching over 57,000 youth annually. Services include food, healthcare, education, and case management. The organization uses data-driven approaches to improve outcomes, employing platforms like Tableau and Efforts-to-Outcomes (ETO) to monitor service delivery and program impact.
Official website: https://www.covenanthouse.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covenant_house/
3. Family Promise
Family Promise focuses on preventing and ending homelessness among families with children. Since its founding, it has served over 1 million family members. Programs combine shelter, housing assistance, financial literacy, and employment support. Family Promise emphasizes community engagement, collaborating with local volunteers and organizations to address systemic issues like affordable housing shortages. It also highlights racial equity in its work, acknowledging that families of color are disproportionately affected by homelessness.
Official website: https://familypromise.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/family.promise
4. Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA operates a nationwide network of agencies addressing poverty and homelessness. It provides emergency shelter, permanent housing, food assistance, and healthcare services. With over 38,000 permanent housing units and support for more than 600,000 clients annually, it is one of the largest housing providers in the US. The charity focuses on holistic solutions, including social enterprise and workforce development programs.
Official website: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccharitiesusa/
Read also: 10 Nonprofits Providing Disaster Relief Around the World
5. National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to End Homelessness drives systemic change through research, advocacy, and community partnerships. It emphasizes Housing First, a model providing stable housing before addressing other issues. The organization has influenced federal policy, securing funding increases and implementing evidence-based solutions nationwide. Its work prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring those with lived experience inform decision-making.
Official website: https://endhomelessness.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naeh_endhomelessness/
6. PATH (People Assisting the Homeless)
PATH provides supportive housing and services throughout California. Operating in over 150 cities, it has completed more than 2,700 units of permanent housing. PATH offers street outreach, interim housing, employment assistance, mental health care, and veteran services. Its Housing First approach ensures long-term stability and independence for residents.
Official website: https://epath.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathpartners/
7. Union Rescue Mission
Union Rescue Mission serves families and individuals in Los Angeles, offering emergency shelter, meals, and supportive programs. Last year, it provided 484,000 nights of safe shelter and moved over 6,000 people into permanent housing. The charity addresses barriers like healthcare access, employment, and affordable housing, emphasizing holistic support for recovery and independence.
Official website: https://urm.org/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionrescuemission/
Read also: Top Charities That Give Money To Individuals In Financial Distress
8. Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition
Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition focuses on community-led solutions in Los Angeles neighborhoods. Volunteers and local organizers provide shelter, food, and advocacy, recognizing unhoused individuals as integral members of the community.
Official website: https://www.selahnhc.org/about-selah
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selahnhc/
9. Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a nationwide human services organization offering transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing programs. It provides employment support, meals, and healthcare services. By combining direct aid with long-term solutions, the organization helps individuals and families achieve residential stability and independence.
Official website: https://www.voa.org/services/services-homelessness/
Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteers_of_america/
Charities that help the homeless address complex social issues through shelter, housing, advocacy, and community support. By combining immediate aid with long-term solutions, these organizations reduce homelessness while improving health, safety, and well-being. Their work demonstrates that addressing homelessness requires coordinated efforts, informed policy, and sustained community engagement.