WASHINGTON — Most U.S. adults think personal choices are a major driver of poverty and homelessness, according to a new poll, while fewer blame a lack of government support.
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Garbage trucks wait Aug. 14 as homeless people empty their belongs from their tents in Washington.
Stephanie W., 28, who is homeless, rests on a foam mattress Aug. 13 as a United States Park Police vehicle drives past in northwest Washington near the Kennedy Center.
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Jesse Wall, 43, clears up a tent encampment Aug. 14 where people who are homeless lived in Washington.
Protesters hold signs at a homeless encampment Aug. 14 in Washington.
A homeless person watches as National Guardsmen patrol Aug. 20 along the National Mall in Washington.
George M. reacts as a volunteer from Miriam's Kitchen brings him Chick-fil-A meal Aug. 13 at a tent encampment of people who are homeless in Washington near the Lincoln Memorial.
Resources for homelessness in every state
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, in 2019. Being that these are the most recent available numbers on a national level and that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the world’s population in 2020, those numbers could potentially be much higher in 2020 and 2021. Homeless individuals already suffer from chronic medical conditions at a rate much higher than housed individuals, and the pandemic has put the of an already vulnerable population at greater risk.
The issue of homelessness also has disproportionate effects on minority populations. , with 40% of individuals accessing services identifying as being LGBTQ.
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 .
Though there are ample phone numbers to call, from local 211 hotlines to national crisis centers, accessing resources, transitioning into programs—some of which have stringent protocols to maintain alcohol and drug abstinence—or participate in other treatment programs. 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.
Click through 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 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 . State and federal programs provide throughout the state.
Arizona: Arizona Department of Economic Security
Arizona provides residents in need with options. There are programs for those , and there are also a throughout the state.
Arkansas: Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas in each county that can be accessed by those in need of services. In addition, are distributed through a network of food banks.
California: California Department of Social Services
California to help individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. As of March 2020, there is a specifically to help those 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 .
Connecticut: Connecticut State Housing and Homeless Services Unit
Dialing 211 can provide access to various services in Connecticut. The 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 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 .
Georgia: Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Georgia offers that provide supplies and readymade meals. Accessing services starts with a call to 211. The 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 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 . The average wait time for a response to a is 12-24 months. For financial education, legal support, immediate eviction mediation, and housing support, organizations like 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 , 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 . 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 . The Iowa Department of Human Services’ Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) provides limited coverage to a . are available, as well.
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Kansas: University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center provides throughout the state. These include programs for and 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 through the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky. The organization provides information to connect with .
Louisiana: Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care
Federally funded agencies in Louisiana list ways to 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 . 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 website also lists contacts for veterans services, as well as a concise, printable 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 of resources for individuals who are homeless and need support services. Numerous emergency and longer-term housing supports are available. are easily accessible and widely available throughout the state.
Michigan: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides assistance to 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 .
Minnesota: Disability Hub MN
Services for homeless or disabled individuals are easily accessible in Minnesota through , 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 for those with unstable housing. Applications for are available, as well.
Missouri: Missouri Department of Social Services
Missouri offers through federal programs. Emergency shelter service inquiries can be utilized by calling 211. , 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 . Programs offer resources from . There are also local that offer support.
Nebraska: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides . The state program disperses funds and resources to counties, and services available include .
Nevada: Nevada Homeless Alliance
According to The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, , including 1,285 youths without adult supervision, were homeless in Nevada in January 2019. The Nevada Homeless Alliance 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 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 . Included are for cash assistance, housing, and medical care.
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New Mexico: New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority
can be found through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Local contact numbers for are available, as well. The Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico has for those needing permanent, affordable housing.
New York: Coalition for the Homeless
Organizations across New York provide for vulnerable state populations. The Coalition for the Homeless lists for those needing immediate help and 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 . Additional are available, as well.
North Dakota: North Dakota Homeless Coalition
North Dakota homeless resources are , and immediate housing requests can be accessed by calling 211. are also available.
Ohio: Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Ohio provides information on through a state hotline. Resources for individuals facing are available, as well. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has 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 . A limited amount of are available in Oklahoma City.
Oregon: Housing Oregon
are available to those who currently do not have stable living arrangements in the state. Housing Oregon provides in the Portland area. Portland Homeless Family Solutions has a family shelter that can be reached by calling 211 and offers 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 across the state, as well as for local homeless populations.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless
A variety of services can be accessed through 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 , 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 “skywayâ€) for . 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. , while also provide services.
Tennessee: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Information to help in each county is provided by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The state also provides a comprehensive list of .
Texas: Texas Health and Human Services
For , 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 . Hotlines for are provided by Homeless Services of Salt Lake County.
Vermont: Department of Children and Families
Vermont’s Department of Children and Families provides in the state. Individuals needing 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 .
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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 website. Seven separate are located throughout the state.
Washington: Washington State Department of Commerce
Contact information for programs to help with is available through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Calling 211 will help individuals find local services that can .
Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of Human Services
in Washington D.C. for both men and women. Some emergency shelters are considered “low barrier†and . Transitional resources are available, as well.
West Virginia: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
in West Virginia is provided by the Homeless Shelter Directory and broken up by town. Hotlines connecting with are available through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The state’s Bureau for Children and Families can connect individuals with .
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, people who need assistance can connect with . The agency provides mailing addresses for homeless individuals, as well as a that serve homeless youth.
Wyoming: Wyoming 211
Wyoming provides 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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