Most people never think they could become homeless, but it happens to people of all ages and backgrounds. Each day in America, hundreds of thousands are without housing. A report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that on a single night in 2023, around 653,100 Americans experienced homelessness.

The risk of going through a housing or food crisis is higher for those facing other challenges in life, such as financial issues, alcohol or substance use disorder, health or mental health concerns, or domestic violence. If you or a loved one is experiencing these issues, help is available. One place you can get started is findhelp.org.

If you’re concerned about possibly losing your home, learning about your options and preparing ahead of time can really help you and your family. There are resources available for support when an individual or family finds themselves without shelter or enough food.

Emergency resources

Public assistance

Public assistance means help from the government. This may be available to you, especially if you’ve received any notices that your utilities will be disconnected. Assistance programs vary from state to state, so it’s best to ask your local social services department for advice. Be aware that many programs can’t help unless you can prove that you’ve tried all other resources, such as applying for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits.

Public Housing and Section 8 Housing may be within your means. It’s best to apply as soon as possible, as availability is limited and the waitlist can be long. Visit USA.Gov’s resources for housing help.

If you contact public assistance and are told that no funding is available, it’s a good idea to ask these questions:

When will public assistance help be available to me?
When will I be eligible and what will I need to do?
Can you direct me to any other programs or resources?

Shelter

Think about the options currently available to you. Can family or neighbors take you in? Find area shelters and ask about their availability or if there’s a waiting list. Something to consider is that shelters typically won’t store your furniture and personal items, so you may need to find a place to keep your things, such as a friend’s garage. Some resources you can use to look for shelters include:

Food

Searching for housing is often one’s main focus, but it’s important to make a plan for food and water as soon as possible, too. Stock up on nonperishable items – a.k.a. foods that last a while and won’t go bad, such as boxed pasta, canned vegetables and bottled water. Social services can also assist with food stamps if you’re eligible. Other no-cost food sources may include:

TIP: Have an emergency pack and plan ready

Most shelters limit the number of bags you can bring, so try to pack only the things you need. You can ask someone you trust to keep your other things, and be sure to keep these items in a safe place. It’s important to remember to pack all your medications and your ID. It’s also a good idea to make plans for someone to watch your pet, as many shelters don’t allow animals.

TIP: Have your ID current and available.

If your driver's license has expired or is lost, reapply or get a state identification card. Most shelters and employers have strict ID rules — it will make things much easier if you have this information updated. If possible, arrange for a post office box to receive mail.

Moving forward

Experiencing homelessness is a difficult chapter in life. But don’t give up. If you are, or are about to become, homeless, there are programs available to help you and people ready to support you. It may feel uncomfortable, but ask for the help you need. Planning carefully may help you avoid homelessness or make your stay at a shelter a short one.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress (PDF). December 15, 2023.

National Alliance to End Homelessness. State of Homelessness: 2023 Edition. 2023.

Worried About Losing Your Home? There Is Help.

More about Financial