It’s a known fact that one of the biggest social issues that the United States is tackling right now is homelessness. It’s estimated that around 580,466 people are homeless as of the moment, but this estimate has already been questioned by advocates due to the nature of the survey (one day of surveying per year).
Whatever the real number is, one thing is certain – we should do something about it. We will discuss some short-term, as well as long-term solutions to homelessness, and we will shed light on some amazing American charities that seek to solve the issue and help those in need.
The Issue of Homelessness in the US
More than half a million people in the US are homeless, and a few recent research papers have prognosed that the number is first of all, higher than reported, and second, only likely to progressively increase due to a plethora of reasons such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the crippling inflation.
Reasons as to why someone ends up being homeless are very complex and nuanced. Some people have become homeless due to substance abuse, others because of a mental illness or domestic violence.
It’s hard to create a profile for a homeless person, especially when there are so many people who have become homeless despite having a job. Whatever their reason for homelessness is, these people should be helped.
Since the 1980’s, there have been drastic cuts to social programs such as benefits, which have only made the problem worse. In addition, there’s a significant lack of affordable housing in the United States, and many people have become homeless as they can’t afford to even rent.
Moreover, the wages have not increased proportionally to the cost of living, which is again fueling homelessness.
It’s important for the federal government, along with state governments, to act and deliver long-term solutions. Some of these solutions include supporting affordable housing by removing some regulations that make this feat hard to achieve.
Furthermore, providing mental health and substance abuse services and extending job opportunities to those affected by homelessness will greatly help those in need.
Charities
However, it takes a lot to reach this point, but you can be one of those that makes things better for everyone. We will use this section to show you a few charities that support these long-term solutions, as well as some that try to deliver fast solutions such as finding accommodation for homeless people.
You can support these charities by donating or by volunteering if the circumstances allow for it.
Healthcare for the Homeless Houston
Healthcare for the Homeless Houston or HHH is a fantastic initiative that seeks to extend healthcare options to those that have little or any at all. Founded in 2000, HHH has already helped more than 100,000 people find proper care and it continues to do so.
You can volunteer for medical or dental clinics if you work in these fields. Alternatively, you can become a community volunteer to help the charity and inform others of it. Check out HHH’s website for more information.
Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition
The Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition is a holistic charity that is trying to end homelessness altogether by speaking to those affected by it and making their voice heard in the local and state governments. In addition, the organization delivers hot meals and showers to those in their communities.
If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can volunteer for the Selah Neighborhood Homeless Coalition.
National Homelessness Law Center
The National Homelessness Law Center prides itself on being the only organization that “solely uses the power of law to end homelessness through training, advocacy, impact litigation, and public education”.
The organization has worked hard to equip homeless people with jobs and stable housing, but it goes further than that and seeks to end homelessness once and for all. Founded by lawyer and advocate Maria Foscarinis in 1989, the center has already successfully helped introduce legislation to address homelessness.
Streetwise
Streetwise is a brilliant organization, based in Chicago, Illinois, which gives homeless people the chance to earn income. Their motto is “a hand up, not a handout” in a feat to empower those in need, not pity them.
The charity has been active for 30 years and it allows people to sell its eponymous magazine for high profit. It also does other good things such as offering free meals, legal assistance, and housing.
You can take an internship there or volunteer. There are many volunteering opportunities which vary from working on the magazine to packing food boxes. Check them all out here.
Covenant House California
Covenant House California is an organization that helps and supports youngsters between the ages of 18 and 24 who are homeless. There are four locations in California with active shelters – Los Angeles, Anaheim, Oakland, and Santa Clara. The organization provides housing, food, clothing, and education, along with love for those in need.
You can volunteer with Covenant House California by providing your own unique way to help. The organization asks you to give an idea as to how you want to help the affected youth, so don’t be afraid to suggest something you’re good at or you like doing here.