Get Back on Your Feet Guide for the Homeless

Homelessness is a challenging issue affecting over half a million people in the United States. This guide provides practical steps and resources on how to get out of homelessness and back on your feet.

Homelessness overview

In the U.S., more than half a million people are homeless, with nearly half being families and a quarter being children. Around 8% are military veterans, with many more at risk. Economic and social issues, including low income, lack of affordable housing, and medical problems, contribute to homelessness, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break. However, there are resources available to help individuals and families get out of being homeless.

How to get out of being homeless

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, taking the following steps can help you get back on your feet:

• Seek assistance programs: Local organizations and government programs offer various forms of assistance, from emergency shelters to transitional housing. A quick online search or a call to a housing organization can provide insights into available resources.
• Access public facilities: Libraries and some homeless shelters have computers and phones available for public use, allowing you to conduct job searches and contact potential employers.
• Find employment: Many shelters and transitional housing programs offer job placement services, resume building, and skills training. Finding a stable job is a crucial step towards financial stability.

How to help a homeless person get back on their feet: Programs to consider

Numerous programs are designed to help homeless individuals and families, providing resources to get back on their feet.

1) Federal homeless assistance programs

The federal government, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has several programs developed for those facing homelessness.

• Continuum of care (CoC) program: CoC provides resources to help individuals and families find and move into transitional and permanent housing. It uses community-wide planning and local resources to support those facing homelessness. See CoC eligibility requirements. (Find out more.)
• Emergency solutions grant (ESG) program: ESG focuses on street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and re-housing assistance. Funds are often dispersed to local nonprofits to provide direct aid. See ESG requirements. (Find out more.)
• HUD-Veterans affairs supportive housing (HUD-VASH): This program offers housing vouchers to homeless veterans, requiring case management from the VA. See the resource guide.
• Title V program: Allows the use of underused federal properties for homeless assistance, providing shelter and support services. (Find out more.)

2) Private homeless assistance programs

Several private organizations provide help to those facing or experiencing homelessness.

• 211: A nonprofit that offers a variety of community resources, including shelter, housing options, utility assistance, and employment opportunities. You can access it by calling 2-1-1. (Find out more.)
• Volunteers of America: Provides eviction prevention, emergency services, transitional housing, and ongoing support services. (Find out more.)
• National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH): Offers a platform for those experiencing homelessness and advocates working to end it, providing resources including shelters, food pantries, and affordable housing. (Find out more.)
• The Salvation Army: Focuses on emergency shelters, transitional living centers, and long-term support services. (Find out more.)

Ways to get out of being homeless

Finding a job is important in getting out of homelessness, so finding a stable income is crucial. The housing options can also feel unclear, so it helps to understand them if you’re seeking housing.

1) Understand different housing for the homeless

• Permanent housing: No time limit on stay, often includes support services.
• Transitional housing: Limited to 24 months, helps residents move toward stability.
• Short-term housing: Temporary, typically 30 days to three months.
• Emergency shelters: Offer beds for a short duration.
• Affordable housing: Below-market rent for low-income individuals and families.
• Subsidized housing: Government-subsidized housing often requires a small percentage of the rental cost based on income.

2) Find local work

• Nonprofit and local help: Organizations such as Goodwill provide job search assistance, resume building, and interview training.
• Self-help: Use online job search engines and community resources like public libraries to find employment opportunities.

FAQ

What are the first steps to take when facing homelessness?

Seek assistance programs, access public facilities for job searching, and use local resources for finding employment.

What types of housing are available for the homeless?

Permanent housing, transitional housing, short-term housing, emergency shelters, affordable housing, and subsidized housing.

How can I find local work if I am homeless?

Use nonprofit organizations such as Goodwill, access public computers at libraries, and use online job search engines to find employment opportunities.

How can someone help a homeless person get back on their feet?

Direct them to local shelters, employment resources, and community organizations that provide support services.