Resources for homelessness in every state
The causes and conditions that lead to homelessness are varied and complex. Issues like domestic abuse, addiction, financial hardship, eviction, disabilities, and mental illness can contribute to or cause an often-sudden change in living situations that can leave adults, children, families, or veterans without shelter, food, or medical care.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 567,715 people were homeless in 2019. Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world’s population in 2020, those numbers could potentially be higher as the world recovers. Homeless individuals already suffer from chronic medical conditions at a rate much higher than housed individuals, and the pandemic has put the most vulnerable members of an already vulnerable population at greater risk.
The issue of homelessness also has disproportionate effects on minority populations. LGBTQ youth experience one of the highest rates of homelessness: 29% have been homeless.
Much of the funding for state programs comes from federal grants provided by the United States Office of Housing and Urban Development. Though federal funds are accessed for services other than those that provide shelter as their primary resource, many homeless shelters, food banks, and free or low-cost medical clinics remain functional through multiple funding and staffing streams, including the utilization of volunteer workers, private donations, and corporate partnerships. Medical services in particular receive little funding from federal sources.
Though there are ample phone numbers to call, from local 211 hotlines to national crisis centers, many homeless people experience challenges accessing resources, transitioning into programs—some of which have stringent protocols to maintain alcohol and drug abstinence, or participating in other treatment programs. Stacker compiled a list of resources in each state that help house and serve local homeless populations using a variety of government, private, charitable, nonprofit, and academic sources.
Keep reading to find out how your state is helping alleviate homelessness.
[Pictured: An aerial view of San Francisco's first temporary sanctioned tent encampment for the homeless on May 18, 2020.]
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Alabama: Homeless to Independence
Calling 211 is the first step for many seeking assistance for basic housing, food, and health care needs in Alabama. Various local shelters and food assistance programs are available throughout the state, one being Homeless to Independence, which provides necessary supplies for homeless individuals and families.
Alaska: Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Alaskans experiencing housing emergencies can call 211 during business hours or access services 24/7 online. State and federal programs provide rental and housing assistance throughout the state.
Arizona: Arizona Department of Economic Security
Arizona provides residents in need with rapid housing and emergency shelter options. There are programs for those behind on utility bills, and there are also a number of food banks throughout the state.
Arkansas: Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas provides a list of shelters in each county that can be accessed by those in need of services. In addition, millions of pounds of food are distributed through a network of food banks.
California: California Department of Social Services
California offers numerous programs to help individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. Project Roomkey is just one of several programs designed to help unhoused individuals who have contracted or are at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Colorado: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
Resources for housing, employment, and child care are available throughout Colorado. Whether they’re for families or single individuals, for the Native American population, or those with substance use issues, there are specific programs available to provide assistance.
Connecticut: Connecticut State Housing and Homeless Services Unit
Dialing 211 can provide access to various services in Connecticut. The state provides programs for people in need of rental assistance, permanent housing, mental health treatment, and more.
Delaware: Delaware Division of State Services Center
Accessing local programs in Delaware involves utilizing a state-run network of service providers. Emergency housing, financial assistance, and support services can be accessed through the Delaware Division of State Services website.
Florida: Florida Coalition to End Homelessness
Florida provides resources for the homeless through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Feeding America, and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Access to those programs, along with specific locations and contact numbers, can be found by contacting the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness.
Georgia: Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Georgia offers a network of local food banks and pantries that provide supplies and readymade meals. Accessing services starts with a call to 211. The United Way provides connections to services for individuals who are having difficulties meeting their basic needs.
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Hawaii: University of Hawai’i at Manoa
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for homeless people throughout the state. Among the available options are programs to help house those with mental health issues and free medical services for the uninsured.
Idaho: Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Homeless individuals in Idaho are able to access aid through federal programs. The average wait time for a response to a rental assistance application is 12-24 months. For financial education, legal support, immediate eviction mediation, and housing support, organizations like Jesse Tree may be able to help in a matter of days.
Illinois: Illinois Department of Human Services
Help is available in Illinois through its Department of Human Services. The state connects individuals with services to prevent homelessness, provide emergency COVID-19 housing, and protect homeless youth.
Indiana: Indiana Coalition for Homeless Intervention & Prevention
A comprehensive list of local services is provided in the Indiana Coalition for Homeless Intervention & Prevention’s Handbook of Help. Services for veterans, the Latinx community, LGBTQ individuals, and more are listed within.
Iowa: Iowa Finance Authority
Resources for housing assistance arrive from federal funds and are dispersed throughout Iowa by the Iowa Finance Authority. The Iowa Department of Human Services’ Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) provides limited coverage to a handful of counties. Local housing programs with additional services are available, as well.
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Kansas: University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center provides an online list of housing facilities throughout the state. These include programs for homeless veterans and mothers with children who are in need of immediate assistance.
Kentucky: Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky
Nearly all the residents of Kentucky, besides those in Jefferson and Fayette Counties, are able to apply for emergency shelter vouchers through the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. The organization provides information to connect with legal and eviction prevention services.
Louisiana: Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care
Federally funded agencies in Louisiana list ways to contact and connect with local resources in the state. Various municipalities provide localized services, some of which include emergency housing, street outreach teams, and services for victims of domestic violence.
Maine: Maine State Housing Authority
The Maine State Housing Authority lists emergency shelters by county. Its Stability through Engagement (STEP) program provides short-term rental assistance to individuals in order to assist them in finding more stable, permanent housing.
Maryland: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Calling 211 in Maryland will help connect homeless individuals with needed resources throughout the state. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development website also lists contacts for veterans services, as well as a concise, printable street card to make services easier to access for homeless individuals in Baltimore.
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Massachusetts: Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Massachusetts provides an easily located and accessible directory of resources for individuals who are homeless and need support services. Numerous emergency and longer-term housing supports are available. Resources for the food-insecure are easily accessible and widely available throughout the state.
Michigan: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides assistance to “extremely low-income households” who meet all application requirements. Their 811 Project Rental Assistance program lists two locations that provide housing, making a total of 12 units available. More resources are available through localized community programs.
Minnesota: Disability Hub MN
Services for homeless or disabled individuals are easily accessible in Minnesota through the Hub, a comprehensive database organized by the state. Resources are separated by county, and individuals seeking assistance can connect with support workers through online chats, by email, or by calling during business hours.
Mississippi: Mississippi United to End Homelessness
Mississippi offers an easy-to-access guide to resources for those with unstable housing. Applications for emergency shelter and long-term housing are available, as well.
Missouri: Missouri Department of Social Services
Missouri offers housing programs that are grant-funded through federal programs. Emergency shelter service inquiries can be utilized by calling 211. Food services, as well as those for victims of domestic violence and for veterans, are also available.
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Montana: Poverello Center, Inc.
Montana’s resources can be utilized by calling 211 or directly reaching out to state organizations. Programs offer resources from housing to food, clothing, and employment services. There are also local religious mission programs that offer support.
Nebraska: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides homeless services and can be contacted directly. The state program disperses funds and resources to counties, and services available include help for medical treatment and financial assistance.
Nevada: Nevada Homeless Alliance
According to The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, 7,169 individuals, including 1,285 youths without adult supervision, were homeless in Nevada in January 2019. The Nevada Homeless Alliance connects individuals needing support with providers. Services include emergency shelter and employment assistance.
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
The state of New Hampshire provides information about local housing and assistance programs through a 211 hotline. There are six shelters providing specialized programs for youth, substance use treatment, pregnant women, and female ex-offenders.
New Jersey: New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub
New Jersey residents experiencing financial and housing issues during the pandemic can now utilize resources through a newly created COVID-19 Information Hub. Included are links to resources for cash assistance, housing, and medical care.
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New Mexico: New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority
Resources for emergency housing can be found through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Local contact numbers for assistance with rent and utilities are available, as well. The Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico has a list of long-term rental properties for those needing permanent, affordable housing.
New York: Coalition for the Homeless
Organizations across New York provide legal, shelter, and food assistance for vulnerable state populations. The Coalition for the Homeless lists local and national hotlines for those needing immediate help and clearly states what services are necessary for homeless populations across the state in order to continue to meet the growing level of need. It also provides reports arguing for more support and funding for assistance programs.
North Carolina: North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness
Federal resources provided to North Carolina are split up into county programs. The North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness provides a list of contacts for most counties. Additional resources for homeless children are available, as well.
North Dakota: North Dakota Homeless Coalition
North Dakota homeless resources are broken up by region, and immediate housing requests can be accessed by calling 211. Shelter listings, tenants’ rights information, and COVID-related emergency services are also available.
Ohio: Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Ohio provides information on direct housing support through a state hotline. Resources for individuals facing legal challenges are available, as well. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has a map of locations to obtain free food in each county.
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Oklahoma: HeartLine Oklahoma
Access to resources for those who are homeless, hungry, or under financial duress can be accessed in Oklahoma by calling 211 or another of the state’s hotlines. A limited amount of winter shelter beds are available in Oklahoma City.
Oregon: Housing Oregon
Resources for housing are available to those who currently do not have stable living arrangements in the state. Housing Oregon provides an interactive map of restrooms and hygiene stations in the Portland area. Portland Homeless Family Solutions has a family shelter that can be reached by calling 211 and offers rapid rehousing programs for families in need.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services
Assistance programs in Pennsylvania are broken up by county and can be accessed by calling 211. There are emergency resources for homeless youth across the state, as well as city-specific services for local homeless populations.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless
A variety of services can be accessed through a list of contacts at the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. The coalition hotline provides assistance in multiple languages to meet the needs of a wider number of residents. The Rhode Island Food Bank has a map of resources, including local support organizations and food banks that supply meals and groceries.
South Carolina: SCIWAY
Individuals in South Carolina who need to be connected with resources for food and housing can go to SCIWAY (short for South Carolina Information Highway and pronounced “skyway”) for a list of organizations and programs in each county. Lists of local churches and charity organizations are also provided.
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South Dakota: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
South Dakota offers federal assistance to homeless individuals through programs funded by U.S. Housing and Urban Development office, as well as through local organizations. Hotlines are available for immediate needs, while local missions also provide services.
Tennessee: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Information to help homeless and at-risk individuals in each county is provided by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The state also provides a comprehensive list of locations to receive medical treatment.
Texas: Texas Health and Human Services
For housing assistance and additional services, individuals in Texas can call 211 or reach out to Texas Health and Human Services. Resources are provided for each local area and provide services for adults with mental illness and families in need. Both permanent housing programs and temporary shelters are available.
Utah: Salt Lake County Homeless Services
Local and state organizations provide services for the homeless in Utah. The Road Home is an organization with shelters, permanent housing programs, and other support services. Hotlines for local, national, and statewide programs are provided by Homeless Services of Salt Lake County.
Vermont: Department of Children and Families
Vermont’s Department of Children and Families provides resources for vulnerable populations in the state. Individuals needing help during business hours can contact the agency directly or call 211 anytime, 24/7. The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness has a list of contacts for team leaders focusing on local homeless response.
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Virginia: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
A breakdown of local resources and shelters is available for Virginia residents through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. Seven separate Feeding America food banks are located throughout the state.
Washington: Washington State Department of Commerce
Contact information for programs to help with evictions and housing is available through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Calling 211 will help individuals find local services that can provide direct assistance.
Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Human Services
Emergency shelters are available in Washington D.C. for both men and women. Some emergency shelters are considered “low barrier” and provide 12-24 hour stays. Transitional family housing resources are available, as well.
West Virginia: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
A list of local shelters in West Virginia is provided by the Homeless Shelter Directory and broken up by town. Hotlines connecting with various support services are available through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The state’s Bureau for Children and Families can connect individuals with medical, food, and clothing resources.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, people who need assistance can connect with state, local, and federal resources. The agency provides mailing addresses for homeless individuals, as well as a map of facilities around the state that serve homeless youth.
Wyoming: Wyoming 211
Wyoming provides connections to all available support services through 211, both by phone and online. Also available online are maps of shelters, resources for financial help, and programs for veterans, families, and those with substance use challenges.
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