Understand Homelessness

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NOT SURE HOW TO HELP? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS.

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Addiction Services

Approximately 17% of the homeless struggle with a chronic substance abuse problem. Addiction services seek to help the homeless overcome this basic challenge of health by …

Better Data Collection

While the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently administers the annual point-in-time count of the homeless and a homeless services inventory, the collection …

Clothing Supply

Clothing donation centers provide an important resource for the homeless – clean, fresh clothing, and extra layers for cold months. Some shelters include clothing services, …

Finding Jobs

Because the homeless are often disconnected from society – lacking a permanent address, consistent access to the internet, or a phone number – it can …

Flexible Housing Types

While we traditionally think of housing as fixed and stable, designers have been experimenting with new models that could provide more flexibility, which are highlyapplicable to …

Focus on Veterans

As of 2015, there were nearly 50,000 homeless veterans in the United States. Because this subset population is registered with the VMAC, they are often …

Food Provision

Alongside shelter from the elements, one of the most basic needs for the homeless is daily nourishment. Food banks and soup kitchens are two of …

Fundraising

Fundraising efforts are often a major component of a social service program, allowing non-profit organizations and city departments to supplement their designated budgets with help …

Health Services

With higher levels of exposure to the elements (sleeping rough on the streets or spending prolonged periods of time in extreme outdoor temperatures), the homeless …

Hiring Those Experiencing Homelessness

“Will work for food” is an all-too-common request seen on homeless’ signs across the nation. Many cities and organizations have taken this plea to heart, …

Housing Crisis Help

The definition of homelessness includes those who are currently without housing, but also those who are “doubled up” with family and friends, those who will …

Housing First

The experience of homelessness itself, the lack of stable housing, is considered to be a traumatic event in itself – especially for children. Rather than …

Job Training

Similar to the strategy of hiring the homeless, providing job training for the homeless also empowers and lends a sense of agency to an otherwise …

Life Skills

Within the homeless population, there are several sub-populations that require a little extra help navigating society. Homeless youth and children have not yet experienced normal …

Media Blitz

Enhancing public awareness about the realities of homelessness is a constant struggle for advocates of the homeless. The general public’s perception of the homeless (or …

Mental Health

Approximately 20% of the homeless deal with a severe mental illness.13 Mental health care, often requiring regular visits and regular medication, can be difficult to …

Pop Up Care

The homeless are faced daily with health and hygiene challenges – dealing with exposure to the elements and sickness, but also basic cleanliness and self-care. …

Shelter Redesign

Overnight shelters serve an important need for the homeless community: the on-demand, immediate need for a secure place to sleep at night. As places designed …

Shelters

Homeless shelters are the oldest and most traditional approach to helping the homeless, meeting the most basic and immediate need of the homeless: a place …

Space for Creativity

The need to express oneself and be heard is a lower priority need than basic healthcare, but it is still a psychological and emotional need …

Staff Training

Many organizations exist to deal directly with issues related to homelessness (such as shelters, soup kitchens, etc.) – but many other organizations deal with the …

State of Emergency

The crisis of homelessness in some areas has risen to a degree on par with natural disasters such as flood or fire, in terms of …

Tiny Homes

As housing costs rise, many question how to provide beds and shelter to those unable to afford it. The concept of tiny homes is one …

Transitional Housing

There is a gradient of housing for the homeless to be reinstated into homes, with a range of options from staying in an on-demand overnight …

Urban Agriculture

Urban agriculture is the cultivation of food within an urban setting – often on rooftops, in backyard garden plots, or vertical farming structures. The rise …

You Are Welcome Here

Although some organizations and cities are seeking to embrace their homeless as members of their communities, many homeless still suffer unfriendly responses and rebuffs on …

Contribute Your Idea

Do you have an idea to help the homeless? Share your strategy, solution, or comments with us!

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