The Office on Homelessness is a great place to begin your search for Homelessness Help. These agencies help people find safe housing and provide other resources. It’s important to remember that you may be a target for eviction. But you don’t have to be. There are many ways to get involved. Here are some ideas:
One of the most important steps to taking when addressing homelessness is to identify the different providers in your area. A county human services agency or social service nonprofit may provide shelter beds. The library might have a food pantry. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can also provide you with information. National Healthcare for the Homeless Council offers a searchable database of healthcare providers in every state.
If you have nowhere to stay, contact your council immediately. The council should arrange for you to be interviewed by a housing officer on the same day. The council should have an emergency number on their website, so you can call them if necessary. If you’re unable to attend the interview, you can give consent to someone else to do so. Make sure you explain why you’re homeless, and have prepared a statement that explains your situation.
Supporting people with homelessness requires a coordinated response system. States should focus existing homelessness programs and CARES Act funds on services that will end homelessness in their community. In addition to providing housing, states should improve the integration of their health care, housing, and other systems, and offer additional support services. The government should prioritize Medicaid funding for COVID-19 testing and services for those who are experiencing homelessness. If you have an underlying health condition or are recovering from COVID-19, a hospital stays can be an excellent option. Further, funds should be directed toward health care and housing systems, and hospitals should coordinate with behavioral health providers to provide treatment.