8 Charities That Offer Real Help to the Homeless in the U.S.

Homelessness remains one of the most pressing social issues in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than half a million people experience homelessness every night. While the problem is complex, many dedicated charities and nonprofits work tirelessly to provide shelter, food, job training, and pathways to permanent housing.

If you’d like to donate, volunteer, or learn more, here are eight charities truly making a difference for homeless individuals and families in the United States.

1. National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) focuses on practical, evidence-based solutions to prevent and eradicate homelessness. Rather than simply providing temporary assistance, the Alliance works with local communities, policymakers, and service providers to create long-term strategies that connect people with permanent housing.

How they help: Research, policy advocacy, technical assistance for local shelters, and funding programs that reduce homelessness rates.

Website: endhomelessness.org

2. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest and most trusted charities. In the U.S., it provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, food programs, and disaster relief. It also helps homeless people find jobs, rebuild their lives, and break the cycle of poverty.

How they help: More than 7,500 centers across the U.S. offer beds, hot meals, rehabilitation programs, and job training.

Website: salvationarmyusa.org

3. Coalition for the Homeless

Based in New York City, the Coalition for the Homeless is the oldest advocacy and direct service organization in the United States assisting the homeless. It offers shelter, food, crisis services, and special programs for children and families.

How it helps: Mobile soup kitchens, housing support, job training, youth programs, and legal assistance for homeless rights.

Website: coalitionforthehomeless.org

4. Covenant House

Covenant House is dedicated to helping homeless and runaway youth under the age of 21. With shelters in more than 30 U.S. cities, it provides safe beds, food, counseling, education, and job training to help young people rebuild their lives.

How it helps: Emergency shelters, long-term housing, mental health services, and vocational training for homeless youth.

Website: covenanthouse.org

5. Feeding America

Feeding America is the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, with a network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries. Many homeless individuals and families rely on these food banks for their daily meals.

How they help: They provide nutritious food, partner with shelters and soup kitchens, and manage feeding programs for homeless families.

Website: feedingamerica.org

6. Volunteers for America

Volunteers for America (VOA) serves more than 1.5 million people each year, including homeless veterans, seniors, families, and people with disabilities. They provide housing, job training, mental health services, and addiction recovery programs.

How they help: They provide emergency shelters, affordable housing, and supportive services for veterans and families experiencing homelessness.

Website: voa.org

7. StandUp for Kids

StandUp for Kids focuses on ending youth homelessness in the United States. They help homeless teens and young adults get off the streets through community outreach, housing support, educational support, and mentoring.

How they help: Community outreach, drop-in centers, life skills coaching, and education and employment support.

Website: standupforkids.org

8. Habitat for Humanity

While Habitat for Humanity is known for building affordable housing, it also offers special programs for families at risk of homelessness. They help low-income families acquire homes, repair old ones, and build stronger communities.

How they help: Building affordable housing, repairing homes for families in need, disaster relief, and promoting affordable housing.

Website: habit.org

Summury

Each of these charities addresses homelessness from a unique perspective, whether through emergency shelter, permanent housing, food, or supportive services. If you need immediate assistance, we encourage you to contact one of these organizations or call 211 to find local shelters and resources in your area.