Nobody sets out to be homeless in America, or likely anywhere in the world. We all want a place we can call home. We all want a shelter that provides safety and comfort each day. Yet for many people, becoming homeless is something that happens, and then they need to find a place to stay while they get on their feet. The good news is that there are homeless shelters for low income earners, and they can play a big role in helping you to get back on your feet.
Many people who are faced with homelessness are in the position because they lack the money needed to keep paying for their rent. With inflation driving the costs of rent up sharply in recent years, more people are struggling with being able to pay for rent, which is leading to an increase in homelessness. The drastic increase in rents around the nation has led many people to look for homeless shelters. Whether you have no income at the moment, or you are a low income earner, there are homeless shelters and programs in place that can provide assistance.
Church-Based Homeless Shelters
The first places to look for homeless shelters in your area are the local churches. Most churches have programs in place that will help people in need, including those who find themselves in need of shelters. Many churches around the country offer homeless shelters, giving people a place to stay overnight or for longer periods of time. Many of them also offer homeless shelters that are a separate program from their church.
It is estimated that there are over 12,000 homeless shelters in America. Many of them are church or faith affiliated. You do not need to be religious to get assistance from the programs. They are provided through the church as a mission of faith to help the people in the community. Check with your local churches to see which ones offer homeless shelters, so you can find one that meets your needs. Some may be only for single men, while others are for families.
Homeless Shelters in America
In addition to the many churches that offer homeless shelters in the country, there are still others that are run by non-profit organizations and by local government offices. Be sure to check with multiple shelters so you can find one that will work for your needs, and help you get back on your feet and become self sufficient again. Homeless shelters do not require you to pay back any of the assistance you receive, as it is considered a gift to help people in the community.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization offers shelters around the country. They are known for the shelter services they provide in communities. In addition to providing homeless shelters, they also offer people free hot meals, bags of food, clothing, and other services. To get information about their shelters services you need to contact your local Salvation Army offices. They can give you the information about the shelter locations, who is eligible for each one, and how to access them. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is another faith-based organization that provides free services for those in need. They do offer homeless shelters around the country, as well as other services that can provide short term relief for those who need assistance. They offer locations around the country, so you need to contact a Catholic Charities near you to get shelter information that will work for you or your family. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This faith-based organization provides helpful programs for people who are struggling financially. In addition to helping people obtain food and clothing, they will also help people with shelter services. They can help you find shelter options in your area, as well as give you additional resources to help with your situation. To find a location in your area, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government. They exist to help people in the country with their housing needs. If you have a low income, they can help you get into a shelter, as well as hope you get into more long term housing. They have programs in place that can provide you with a housing unit, as well as those that will provide you with rent assistance. Their programs provide long term solutions for those who are struggling with homelessness. Each state has a HUD office. You can contact the office in your state to get the information about emergency housing assistance, as well as long term assistance. They can help you get into a house and help you pay for the rent each month. To find your state’s HUD office, click here.
211 – This number is provided by the organization called the United Way. You can call this number and let them know you need assistance in finding a homeless shelter in your area. They will use their referral database to find you places that you can turn to. Their referral services are free and open to anyone in the country who needs help. To get more information about the 211 program, click here.
National Center of Homeless Education – This is a service provided by the federal government. They offer information about how to find shelters, including providing a list of shelters around the country. They may be able to help you find a shelter in your area, as well as provide information about other helpful programs that will assist you in overcoming financial challenges. To get more information, click here.
HUD – This government website offers a list of homeless shelters around the country. They can help you find a shelter in your area, whether you need one that accommodates single people or will accept families. They can help you find programs that aim to help you become self sufficient as well. To get more information, click here.
