Steps to Take If You Are Facing Homelessness

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Facing homelessness can be overwhelming and frightening, but you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. This comprehensive guide outlines concrete steps you can take today to find immediate help and long-term housing solutions. Whether you’re currently homeless or at risk of losing your housing, resources are available to support you through this difficult time.

Immediate Actions for Housing Crisis

Step 1: Call the National Homeless Helpline (211)

Most communities have a 211 helpline with trained staff available 24/7 to connect you with:

• Emergency shelter options
• Food assistance programs
• Healthcare services
• Mental health support
• Transportation assistance
• Financial aid resources

Simply dial 211 from any phone to speak with a specialist who can direct you to local resources tailored to your situation.

Step 2: Contact Local Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters provide immediate, temporary housing while you work on finding a permanent solution:

• For individuals: Search for adult shelters, which typically offer beds on a night-by-night basis
• For families: Look for family shelters that keep your household together
• For youth: If you’re under 24, youth-specific shelters often have specialized services
• For domestic violence survivors: Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential shelter options

The National Homeless Shelter Directory can help you locate shelters in your area.

Step 3: Use HUD’s Homeless Service Provider Locator

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a tool to find local homeless assistance:

1. Visit the HUD Homeless Service Provider Locator
2. Select your state from the dropdown menu
3. Contact the homeless service provider nearest to your location
4. Also reach out to any statewide providers listed

Pro tip: Contact multiple providers, as some may have shorter waiting lists or different eligibility requirements.

Step 4: Document All Communications

Create a simple tracking system for all your outreach efforts:

• Name of organization
• Contact person’s name and title
• Phone number and email
• Date and time of contact
• Summary of conversation and next steps
• Application deadlines and required documents

Store this information securely but accessibly—consider a dedicated notebook, folder, or password-protected note on your phone.

Accessing Government Housing Assistance

Contact Your Local Public Housing Agency (PHA)

Public Housing Agencies administer crucial housing assistance programs, including:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): Subsidies that help pay rent in private housing
• Public Housing: Government-owned affordable housing units
• Emergency Housing Vouchers: Special vouchers for those facing homelessness
• Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs: Coordinated homeless assistance services

To find your local PHA:

1. Visit HUD’s PHA locator tool
2. Enter your state and nearest city
3. Contact the agency directly to inquire about emergency assistance
4. Ask specifically about their homeless prevention programs

The application process for housing assistance typically involves:

1. An initial application
2. Verification of income and household information
3. Possible waiting list placement
4. Interview and eligibility determination

Important: While many housing programs have waiting lists, explain that you’re facing homelessness—many PHAs prioritize emergency situations.

Apply for Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs

The Continuum of Care program coordinates homeless services in your community:

1. When contacting your PHA, specifically ask about CoC programs
2. Request to be connected with your local CoC Coordinated Entry System
3. Complete their assessment to determine which services best match your needs
4. Follow through with all appointments and paperwork

CoC programs can provide:

• Rapid rehousing assistance
• Permanent supportive housing
• Transitional housing
• Case management services
• Rental assistance

Working with Housing Counselors

HUD-certified housing counselors can be invaluable resources during a housing crisis:

How Housing Counselors Can Help

These professionals provide free or low-cost services including:

• Eviction prevention strategies
• Emergency rental assistance connections
• Foreclosure prevention options
• Budget counseling
• Long-term housing planning
• Fair housing rights education
• Mediation with landlords or mortgage companies

Finding a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor

1. Visit the HUD Housing Counselor Directory
2. Select your state from the dropdown menu
3. Contact counselors in your area who specialize in homelessness prevention
4. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible

When meeting with a housing counselor, bring:

• Current lease or mortgage information
• Recent rent/mortgage statements
• Income documentation
• Any eviction or foreclosure notices
• ID and Social Security cards for household members
• Documentation of any special circumstances (disability, etc.)

Community Organizations and Specialized Resources

Faith-Based Organizations

Many religious organizations offer housing assistance regardless of religious affiliation:

• Catholic Charities
• Salvation Army
• Lutheran Social Services
• Jewish Family Services
• Local churches, synagogues, and mosques

Most offer emergency financial assistance, temporary shelter, and connections to other resources.

Population-Specific Resources

For Veterans

• VA Homeless Programs: Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
• HUD-VASH Program: Combined housing vouchers and case management

For Families with Children

• Family Promise: Shelter and support services specifically for families
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Financial assistance
• McKinney-Vento Education Program: School support for homeless children

For Youth (Under 24)

• National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY
• Covenant House: Shelters and services for youth
• Youth-specific drop-in centers

For Domestic Violence Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Safe housing networks with confidential locations
• Legal advocacy for housing protections

Rental Assistance Programs

Several programs can provide emergency rental assistance:

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
• Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
• Community Action Agencies
• Local charities and foundations

To find rental assistance:

1. Visit rentassistance.us
2. Contact your city or county housing department
3. Reach out to community action agencies in your area

Creating a Homelessness Prevention Plan

If You’re At Risk of Homelessness

1. Address the immediate threat:
   • If facing eviction, seek legal aid through Legal Services Corporation
   • Negotiate with your landlord for payment plans or temporary arrangements
   • Apply for emergency rental assistance through your local housing department
2. Stabilize your housing situation:
   • Seek mediation services between you and your landlord
   • Apply for long-term rental assistance programs
   • Consider shared housing arrangements temporarily
   • Explore relocation if necessary to more affordable areas
3. Build a support network:
   • Connect with a case manager through local service agencies
   • Involve trusted family members or friends who can offer support
   • Join support groups for people experiencing housing instability

If You’re Currently Homeless

1. Secure immediate shelter through the methods described earlier
2. Address basic needs:
   • Find local food banks through Feeding America
   • Access healthcare through community health centers
   • Obtain a free phone through the Lifeline program
   • Establish a mailing address through general delivery or a friend’s address
3. Work toward permanent housing:
   • Meet regularly with assigned case workers
   • Follow through with all housing appointments
   • Keep all documentation organized and accessible
   • Stay in contact with housing providers

Additional Tips for Success

Document Organization

Create a “housing survival kit” containing:

• Identification documents (birth certificates, Social Security cards, ID)
• Income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters)
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Contact information for all services and agencies
• Copies of applications submitted

Consider digital backups of important documents using secure cloud storage.

Self-Advocacy Strategies

• Be persistent but polite in follow-ups
• Document every interaction with service providers
• Ask for written confirmation of appointments and waiting list status
• If denied services, always ask about appeal processes
• Request specific referrals if an agency cannot help you directly

Taking Care of Your Well-being

• Connect with mental health support through your local community mental health center
• Visit community health centers for physical health needs
• Maintain personal hygiene through day centers and public facilities
• Prioritize safety in all temporary arrangements
• Join support groups to reduce isolation

Prevention Resources for the Future

Once your immediate housing crisis is resolved:

• Work with housing counselors on budget management
• Build an emergency savings fund
• Learn about tenant rights through HUD’s tenant rights page
• Consider homeownership programs if appropriate
• Stay connected with support services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps if I’m facing homelessness?

Call 211 for local resources, and seek an emergency shelter right away. Visit the HUD Homeless Service Provider Locator to find immediate services. Document all outreach, including contact names, dates, and next steps.

How do I find emergency shelter or transitional housing?

Contact local shelters that serve your specific needs (adult, family, youth, DV). Many are listed in 211’s database or at the National Homeless Shelter Directory. For domestic violence, call 1-800-799-7233 for confidential options.

Where can I apply for government housing assistance?

Reach out to your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) or public housing. Also explore Continuum of Care (CoC) programs offering rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing. If the waiting list is closed, ask about emergency or high-priority placements.

What can a HUD-certified housing counselor do for me?

They provide free or low-cost guidance on eviction prevention, rental assistance, budgeting, and more. Find one via the HUD Housing Counselor Directory. Counselors can mediate with landlords, explore solutions to overdue rent, or point you to relevant assistance programs. See bills-during-covid for financial tips.

How can I get help with rent or other urgent bills?

Look into the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), local charities, Community Action Agencies, or faith-based groups like Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army. Also review energy-assistance-for-the-low-income for help with utility costs.

What if I’m at risk of homelessness but not yet homeless?

Try negotiating with your landlord or mortgage servicer, apply for emergency rental or mortgage aid, and seek mediation to avoid eviction. If you have an eviction notice, consider legal aid services. Being proactive may keep you housed.

Where can veterans, youth, or families find specialized help?

Veterans: Call 1-877-424-3838 or explore SSVF / HUD-VASH programs.
Youth (under 24): Covenant House or youth-specific shelters / programs.
Families: Family Promise or TANF benefits ( TANF guide). Each demographic has focused resources for urgent or ongoing housing needs.

What documents and strategies should I keep in mind?

Create a ‘housing survival kit’: ID, proof of income, rental/eviction notices, etc. Track every call or application. Keep your contact info updated with agencies, and respond quickly to requests. If you find stable housing, build an emergency fund and stay connected with supportive services.

Conclusion

Remember that homelessness can happen to anyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The path to stable housing may take time, but persistence and utilizing the right resources can lead to success.

If you’re helping someone else at risk of homelessness, share this information and offer to assist with calls and applications. Sometimes having an advocate makes all the difference in accessing services effectively.

For more information on affordable housing options, visit our comprehensive guide on common types of housing in the U.S. and learn about Section 8 and affordable housing options.