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As the housing crisis in the US continues to worsen, more and more individuals and families are faced with financial instability and homelessness. In fact, over 326,000 people are homeless every single night in the US, according to a 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this guide, learn how helping the homeless in your own community or beyond is possible and can make a true and lasting difference.
Startling facts about people affected by homelessness
- California and New York have the highest rates of homelessness throughout the United States, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Out of every 10,000 people in California, 126 are homeless, while in New York, 94 are homeless for every 10,000 people.
- According to the National Coalition for the Homelessness, mental illness affects 20-25% of the homeless population in the United States.
- According to the HUD, on a single night in 2021, one-quarter of all homeless people in sheltered locations were children under the age of 18. Additionally, 8% of all sheltered adults who were homeless were veterans.
Top 8 ways to help the homeless
Wondering how to help homeless people in your community? If you want to help create change, we offer several ideas for helping the homeless below.
1. Volunteer your time
Homeless shelters across the country depend on volunteers to keep their doors open and operations running smoothly. By volunteering your time, you can help in any number of ways: serving food to the homeless, building permanent shelters, handing out care packages, fundraising and clerical work, and more. These reputable organizations are passionate about ensuring the homeless are cared for:
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- National Coalition for the Homeless
- United Way
- Feeding America
- Mercy Housing
2. Teach a class or provide your professional services
Aside from distributing care packages, serving food, and building homeless shelters, you can also use your skills to teach a class or offer your services for free. Teaching employment and personal skills such as creating a resume and filing for benefits can largely empower and prepare homeless individuals.
Take it one step further and extend your professional services as well. If you’re a lawyer, you can offer legal guidance for free. Or, if you’re a vet, you can provide free care to pets of homeless people. There are many ways you can use your skillset to give back to those who need it most and make a lasting impact.
3. Donate new and gently used items
Homeless shelters are always in need of the basics: kitchen supplies, soap, toothpaste, winter attire, and more. Go through your belongings and round up gently used clothing to donate, or call up local homeless shelters to find out their exact needs. After making a list of what they need, head to discount stores near you to buy supplies in bulk.
4. Create an online fundraiser
Don’t let a lack of funds hold you back from doing good in your community. If you want to lend a hand but don’t know how to help the homeless, give crowdfunding a try. Once you create your fundraiser, start sharing it on social media and ask your friends and family for their support. To encourage more people to give, be sure to let everyone know that even a $5 donation can make a difference.
Try one of these fundraising ideas, or come up with your own:
- Raise money for a specific individual.
- Raise money to purchase period products for homeless women.
- Raise money to buy care packages for the homeless.
- Raise money to purchase a one-night or one-week hotel stay for an individual in need.
Raise money for homeless charities that are doing great work
In addition to the ideas above, consider fundraising for charities that provide support to homeless people locally, nationally, or internationally. Below are some of the best homeless charities for helping the homeless. Several of these charities also push for policy changes to help end homelessness:
- National Homelessness Law Center (formerly NLCHP)
- National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS)
- Abode Services
- Depaul USA
- Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
You can start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe for any of the organizations listed above. Setting up a fundraiser is quick and easy, and our fundraising tools make it simple to share your fundraiser far and wide to rally support. Multiply your impact by creating an online fundraiser for a homeless charity today.
5. Kick off a blanket or coat drive
Every winter, shelters need blankets and coats to help the homeless stay warm and healthy. You can head up your own blanket or coat drive, then donate everything you’ve gathered to a local shelter of your choice.
Start by announcing your drive on social media, and be sure to tell coworkers and acquaintances about your idea, too. Set a deadline, and make it clear that people don’t have to purchase items—they can easily donate a blanket or coat they rarely use.
6. Pay for a hotel room
On a cold night, you can go above and beyond a hot meal by offering to pay for a hotel room for an individual in need. This idea is great if you have already built a friendly rapport with homeless folks in your community.
7. Advocate and share ideas
Do you have ideas on how to improve the conditions for homeless people in your community? Or are you passionate about helping create more affordable housing solutions in your city?
Make your voice heard by bringing your ideas to city council meetings, or reach out to local politicians to find out what is currently being done, and how you can get involved in the process.
8. Give out food gift cards
Giving money to homeless people is a quick and easy way to help, but you may not always have cash on hand when you come across someone who really needs help. Take a proactive step by purchasing several inexpensive gift cards to local restaurants, then hand them out whenever you see a need. Giving food to homeless people via gift cards is a simple way to brighten someone’s day and help them stay healthy and nourished.
Examples of how to help the homeless in your community
By fundraising for the homeless, these individuals were able to spark change and inspire others to join in:
Wool socks for the homeless “SnookieSocks”
Ken started his fundraiser with a simple goal in mind: purchase 500 pairs of wool socks for the homeless people in Bedford, Nova Scotia, where winter temperatures can be brutal. Ken started by asking for just $5 from people, as that is the cost of a single pair of wool socks. He was able to raise more than $15,000 and make a difference during the harsh winter months.
Help Give Back to Veterans
Eight-year-old Tyler felt called to help Veterans when he was just five years old. After watching a video about homeless veterans, Tyler asked his mom how he could help. They decided to buy clothing and toiletries for local shelters, which became the basis of his organization, Give Back to Veterans. Tyler and his mom were able to raise over $73,000 online to help thousands of veterans.
