HELPING THE HOMELESS

Homelessness is the situation of an individual, family or community

without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the
immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it.

Why is homelessness becoming a problem?

Homelessness is not a choice. Anyone can become homeless. Although
the root cause is poverty, underlying issues include:

 poor physical or mental health

 violence or abuse in the home
 lack of employment or income
 a shortage of affordable housing

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the homelessness-related

challenges. Increased job losses, economic instability, and strained social
services have pushed more individuals into homelessness.

The underlying issues and the hike in people becoming homeless

are an indication of how big of a problem homelessness has
become.

Misconceptions about homelessness?

Homelessness does not mean that a person is uneducated. There isn’t
just one reason why someone ends up homeless. Not all homeless
people are jobless people. Some people don’t earn enough to make ends
meet or have a financial crisis going on within their lives. Escaping
homelessness, once you’re trapped in the cycle, is incredibly difficult.

Homelessness affects various populations, including youth, veterans,

Indigenous peoples, women fleeing violence, and individuals with mental
health or addiction issues.
Hidden Homelessness
There is also the problem of hidden homelessness that means that a
person is homeless because any reason (like sudden life change due to
catastrophe or any other sudden change in life which might cause this
transition) but lives temporarily with friends or family for short periods
of time. This is more common than one might think and is usually ignored
by people.

Homelessness in Canada and USA

Homelessness is a complex social issue that affects both Canada and the
United States. While the specific contexts and approaches to addressing
homelessness may vary between the two countries, there are some
common themes and challenges.
Both Canada and the USA face challenges related to the availability and
affordability of housing. Rising housing costs, low rental vacancy rates,
and insufficient social housing options contribute to homelessness in
both countries.

Canada: The Canadian government has implemented strategies such as

the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the National Housing Strategy
to address homelessness. Housing First, an approach that prioritizes
providing stable housing along with support services, has been widely
adopted.

USA: The US government has implemented initiatives like the Continuum

of Care program and the Homeless Assistance Grants. The Housing First
model has also gained traction in several cities, emphasizing providing
permanent housing as a first step to addressing homelessness.

Addressing homelessness in both Canada and the USA requires a multi-

faceted approach, including increased affordable housing options,
supportive services for mental health and addiction, poverty reduction
measures, and targeted strategies for marginalized populations.
Collaborative efforts involving governments, non-profit organizations,
and community stakeholders are essential to effectively combat
homelessness and ensure everyone has access to safe and stable
housing.

Canada’s government has made emergency shelters available for

homeless people. These shelters are open 24 hours a day, and while they
are not addressing the cause of homelessness nor reducing the number
of homeless people, at least they provide homeless people somewhere
warm and safe to stay.

The following table provides the percentage of homeless people based

on numerous factors:
List of shelters for homeless in Canada is as follows: -

1. Grande Prairie Youth Emergency Shelter Society – Grande

Prairie, AB

To provide safe, temporary emergency shelter for youth ages 12-17. If you
are between 12 and 17 looking for a safe place to go you may access the
shelter in one of two ways: Self-referral: intake occurs daily from 6-9pm.
You are not required to call first, however, if you are able to, they would
appreciate it or an Agency referral: referred intakes are accepted 24
hours/day. The agency may include CFSA, RCMP, John Howard Society,
Alberta Health Services or any other social agency you are working with.

2. Quesnel Shelter & Support Society - 146 Carson Avenue,

Quesnel BC V2J 2A8

The shelter is based on the principles of harm reduction and

minimal barriers. This means that there are minimal obstacles and
barriers in the way of accessing our services. Quesnel Shelter &
Support Society recognizes that the work involves the highest
needs and high-risk members of our community and therefore
needs to be creative and flexible in order to meet them where they
are so they can receive much needed services.

3. End Homelessness Winnipeg Inc - 216 Pacific Ave,

Winnipeg MB R3B0M4
End Homelessness Winnipeg is an Indigenous organization with a mission
to create lasting solutions with the community that prevent and end
homelessness, toward the vision.

4. Fredericton Homeless Shelters - 65 Brunswick St,

Fredericton NB E3B 1G5

The Shelters is a rule and behavior-based organization that works

with people as individuals, some with complex problems and some
not so much. They offer a supportive environment for the needy.

5. NL Housing and Homelessness Network - 100-77

Charter Ave, St John's NL A1A0N2

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness

Network (NLHHN) is a group of community-based service
providers, municipal, provincial and federal departments.

6. Shelter Nova Scotia - 101-5506 Cunard St, Halifax NS

B3K1C2

Shelter Nova Scotia supports people in times of crisis. They offer

help through emergency shelters, support and community
housing, and community outreach programs.
 7. Youth Without Shelter - 6 Warrendale Crt, Etobicoke
ON M9V 1P9

Youth Without Shelter is an emergency residence and referral

agency serving homeless youth. They are dedicated to providing
shelter and support programs for homeless youth ages 16-24.

8. Shelter Services - 184 weymouth St, Charlottetown

PE C1A 4Z3

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that

began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of
the largest non-governmental direct providers of social causes.

9. Day Center Maison De Lauberivière - 1030-c Rue Des

Prairies, Quebec City Quebec G1k 3m6

More than a shelter for the homeless in Quebec, Lauberivière

rekindles lives thanks to various services for people in need or
living in a difficult situation.

10.YWCA Prince Albert - 1895 Central Ave, Prince Albert

SK S6V4W8

YWCA Prince Albert is a charitable organization providing

programs, shelter, services and support. They offer help through
emergency shelters, support and community housing, and
community outreach programs.

11. Humane Society Yukon - 126 Tlingit Street,

Whitehorse YT Y1A6J2

Our mission is to be a community leader in modelling, educating

and providing for the safety and they’ll-being of animals. Our four
core pillars are to: foster and model a caring.

12.Nunavut Housing Corporation - 1553 Federal Rd,

Iqaluit NU X0A0H0

Through its Homeownership Programs and support, the NHC

assists residents who can afford the costs of homeownership to
secure and maintain their house.

List of shelters for homeless in USA is as follows: -

1. Lake Martin Storm Shelters - 9070 Highway 63 S,

Alexander City, AL 35010

Specialize in storm shelters, below ground and above ground safe

rooms and community shelters. They sell and install anywhere in
the state of Alabama.
 2. Fairbanks Rescue Mission - 723 27th Ave, Fairbanks,
AK 99701

The Fairbanks Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter and life

changing programs to those experiencing hardships or
homelessness in Interior Alaska.

3. Phoenix Rescue Mission - 1540 W Van Buren St,

Phoenix, AZ 85007

The Phoenix Rescue Mission is a nonprofit organization that serves

homeless and poor individuals and low-income families.

4. Bethlehem House - 1115 Parkway St, Conway, AR

72034

A Christian Transitional Shelter providing shelter and services to

homeless men, women and children.

5. Opportunity House Homeless Shelter – Solano - 267

Bennett Hill Ct, Vacaville, CA 95688

Their mission is to break the cycle of homelessness for women,

men, families, and transitional age youth in Solano County.
 6. Boulder Shelter - 4869 Broadway St, Boulder, CO
80304

The Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is a Housing Focused,

nonprofit shelter that creates solutions to homelessness through
unrelenting empathy and collaboration.

7. Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation - 221 Main St

4-1, Hartford, CT 06106

Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation provides housing

assistance and supportive services to people.

8. Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing - 684 Forest St,

Dover, DE 19904

Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH) exists to be a leader

in providing homeless services and advocacy for displaced persons.

9. Desoto Cares Homeless Services - 159 S Orange Ave,

Arcadia, FL 34266

It is a community volunteer program that addresses basic needs of

on-the-street homeless people.
 10. Genesis JOY House Homeless Shelter, Inc - 501
Marshall Ave, Warner Robins, GA 31093

Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter, Inc., is a nonprofit

organization committed to ending chronic homelessness among
women.

11. HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc. - 357 Waianuenue Ave,

Hilo, HI 96720

Hope Services Hawaii provides transitional housing services for

men and women returning to our community from incarceration.

12. Idaho Falls Rescue Mission - 840 Park Ave,

Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Provides emergency shelter, meals clothing, kitchen, Bible Study,

medical care, recovery program Community Services: dinner, food
boxes,

13. Department of Human Service - 100 S Grand

Ave E, Springfield, IL 62762

The Illinois Department of Human Services, founded in 1997, is one

of largest government agencies in the state government with
more than 14,000 employees.
 14. Horizon House Inc - 1033 E Washington St,
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Horizon House embodies the belief that all human beings have the
right to have their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and
personal.

15. Willis Dady Shelter - 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar

Rapids, IA 52403

Willis Dady Homeless Services provides shelter, case management,

homeless prevention, and veteran support for Cedar Rapids,

16. Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter - 437

N Topeka St, Wichita, KS 67202

Providing help and safety planning for victims of domestic violence

and those needing to escape an abusive relationship.

17. Green River Ministries Center - 55 Clem Haskins

Blvd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Green River Ministries (GRM) is the only long-term, semi-private,
non-discriminatory Homeless Shelter of its kind in Central
Kentucky.

18. Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless - 153 N

17th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless works to advance the

provision of quality services for homeless and at-risk persons, to
improve data.

19. Bangor Area Homeless Shelter - 263 Main St,

Bangor, ME 04401

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter (BAHS) opened on Christmas

Eve, 1986 as a 12-bed overnight facility. Developed primarily by
several members.

20. Talbot Interfaith Shelter - 107 Goldsborough St,

Easton, MD 21601

They are dedicated to ending homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-

Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to
Success.
 21. Veterans Inc. - 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA
01605

Veterans Inc. is the largest provider of support services to veterans

and their families in New England. Since 1990, they have helped
more than 90,000 veterans in need and today operate offices.

22. Pathway Homeless Shelter - 511 Union St, Port

Huron, MI 48060

Gateway Rescue Mission serves the physical and spiritual needs

of the homeless. They do this by providing tasty, nutritious
meals.

23. Gateway Rescue Mission - 328 S Gallatin St,

Jackson, MS 39203

Shelter and support services to individuals who are experiencing

homelessness. Pathway provides shelter to single men, couples,
single men.

24. DOROTHY DAY HOSPITALITY HOUSE - 703 1st

St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

The Dorothy Day Hospitality House is a temporary homeless

shelter conveniently located in downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
 25. Harvest House Inc - 1224 Rural St, Boonville,
MO 65233

History of Harvest House, The Benedictine sisters of St. Scholastica

Monastery constructed the Boonville Missouri St. Joseph Hospital
in 1911.

26. Pettigrew Emergency Shelter - 2723 Q St

Omaha, NE – 68107

Pettigrew Emergency Shelter provides emergency services

for homeless single men, single women and parents with
children. Meals are available to residents three times per
day, seven days per week. The Centre’s facilities are
substance-free. Residents must be sober to enter.

27. Safe Nest: Temporary Assistance for

Domestic Crisis 2915 W. Charleston Avenue, Las

Vegas, NV

Safe Nest's shelter provides a refuge for victims to recover

from the trauma of domestic violence and transition to an
abuse-free life. Admission to the shelter starts with a call to
the Crisis Hotline. After a confidential interview, counselors
meet the family at a neutral location and transport them to
the shelter. Food, clothing and other basic necessities are
provided. It Maintains more than 70 beds in a confidential
location.
 28. Epworth Youth Emergency Services

(YES) Shelter -University City, MO 7.18 miles outside

Kirkwood, Missouri

The Youth Emergency Service shelter provides food and housing to

youth experiencing homelessness or family crisis. The safe, nurturing
environment and therapeutic services help youth and families.

29. Cold weather Shelter: Belknap County -

40 Beacon St. ELaconia, NH 03246

Warming shelters open from 8pm-8am with capacity of 30 individuals per

night, open depending on emergency weather conditions.

30. Covenant House Newark - 330 Washington

Street
Newark, NJ 07102-2630
Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) provides sanctuary and
support for youth ages 18-21 facing homelessness or human
trafficking. They have seven locations across the state:
Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City, Camden, and Asbury Park,
and specialized care in Montclair and Elizabeth. Across all our
New Jersey sites, they serve about 4,585 youth annually, and
all their services are free.
31. Barrett House - 10300 Constitution Ave NE,
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Barrett House provides shelter and supportive services to women
and children experiencing homelessness. These are the women
and children who don’t have a safety net to catch them. Barrett
House creates an opportunity for them to get a safety net in place
to build the stability they need to start their journey toward
securing a home for themselves and their children.

32. Covenant House New York - 460 west 41st

Street, New York, NY 10036
Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) provides sanctuary and
support for youth ages 16-24 facing homelessness or human
trafficking. Their doors are open to all young people who
need help, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or
gender identity or expression. Our services are based on
trauma-informed principles, and their holistic approach helps
youth take steps toward real independence. All their services
are free.

33. Harvest Center - 2225 Freedom Dr, Charlotte,

NC - 28297
The Ideal Candidate for their Transformation Program:
Affected by homelessness, poverty, and/or unemployment
Single adults, 18 years of age, and older, in transition
No custodial obligation to a dependent
Free/clean of impairing substances
Willingness to remain unemployed for the first two months of
the Transformation Program
Highly-functioning, able-bodied, and ready, willing, and able to
be employed after the first two months
Highly motivated for success

34. Bishop Dudley Hospitality House - 101 N.

Indiana Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House offers a warm, safe and
secure place to start the road back to a more stable, long-term way
of living. Located in downtown Sioux Falls, their facility is within
walking distance of several agencies that provide programs for the
needy, supporting the proven plan to work in partnership with
existing agencies to coordinate many services under a single roof.

35. Faith Mission - 217 North Grant Avenue,

Columbus, Ohio 43215
At Faith Mission, their services help clients meet their basic food
and shelter needs, while also giving them the resources and
support to improve their lives.

36. Homeless alliance – 1724 N.W. 4th Street,

Oklahoma City, OK 73106
The goal of the Homeless Alliance is to move people off the streets
and into the safety and security of a home. The Homeless Alliance
operates a multi-agency homeless resource campus with access to
multiple nonprofit and government agencies providing services
including health clinics, veterans’ services, budgeting and legal
assistance.
37. Bradley Angle House - 5432 N. Albina Ave,
Portland, OR - 97217
The mission of Bradley Angle is to offer survivors of domestic
and sexual violence options for safety, employment, healing
and hope, while collaborating with our communities to
create social change. Emergency Shelter provides up to 10-12
weeks of shelter and support services for nine families.

38. Lifepath Christian Ministries Single Women

and Children's Shelter - 17 Jefferson Avenue, York,
PA – 17405
Their primary goal is to shelter, feed, and clothe women and
children. They also provide strong programs designed to
help women grow spiritually, develop life skills, and more.
Everything they need to flourish personally and in the
community.

39. Women's Center of RI - P.O. Box 603300,

Providence, RI – 02906
The Women's Center of Rhode Island has merged with
Crossroads Rhode Island to better serve and provide safety and
shelter to domestic violence survivors.
The Domestic Violence Program of Crossroads is an emergency
shelter that serves exclusively domestic violence survivors and
their children. The shelter provides 26 domestic violence
survivors and their children in a confidential location where they
will have basic needs assistance such as education, employment
services and intensive care management. It is separate from the
Crossroad Rhode Island additional shelters which serve
homeless individuals and their families.

40. Star Gospel Mission - 474 Meeting St.,

Charleston, SC – 29403
The Star Gospel Mission is Charleston's oldest not-for-profit
Christian welfare organization serving the homeless and needy
in the community since 1904. They provide transitional housing
for homeless men and respond to the needs of the community
by offering food, clothing, rental assistance, utility assistance,
emergency medical and transportation assistance.

41. Union Gospel Mission Men's and Women's

Shelters - 220 N weber Ave, Sioux Falls, SD – 57102
The Mission provides safe, comfortable lodging and showers for
individuals who find themselves without shelter and needing a
place to rest and get out of the elements.

42. Nashville Rescue Mission - 639 Lafayette St,

Nashville, TN – 37203
Emergency Shelter Separate men's shelter and women and
children shelter.
43. Lil Audrey's Safe Place - 2505 Southmore,
Houston, TX – 77004
Lil Audrey's Safe Place Foundation is a safe environment
within a transitional homeless facility and emergency shelter
that houses alumni of the foster care system seeking a Post
Secondary Education.

44. Family Promise of Salt Lake - 814 west 800

South
Salt Lake City, UT – 84165
Family Promise Salt Lake is an organization that helps families
experiencing homelessness. It networks with local churches to
provide shelter at night and on the weekends. There is also a
Day Center that is open to families in our program during the
day, so that 24 hours a day there is somewhere safe for them to
be.

45. The Committee on Temporary Shelter -

Daystation and Waystation - 113 Elmwood Avenue,
Burlington, VT – 05401
This daytime drop-in shelter is open 365 days a year seven
days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers refuge from the
streets and access to an array of services and medical care.
46. Commonwealth Catholic Charities - Homeless
Point of Entry - 511 W. Grace Street, Richmond, VA –
23230
It is the starting point for anyone who is homeless and in
need of shelter, case management, and related services. This
free program helps clients achieve self-sufficiency and gain
permanent housing. Staff work directly with area emergency
shelters to fill available beds in greater Richmond.

47. Noel House Women's Referral Center - 2030

3rd Ave, Seattle, WA – 98101
Noel House Programs provides safe, comfortable shelter to a
diverse community of homeless women, particularly those
most vulnerable.

48. Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center - Giltinan Center

- 505 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV – 25301
The Giltinan Center (GC) is a 60-bed emergency homeless
facility for adult men. With the guidance and assistance of
case managers, residential coordinators, peer counselors,
and direct service staff, clients strive to establish personal
goals, find employment, save money, and find suitable. safe
and stable permanent housing.
 49. Joy House - Milwaukee Rescue Mission - 830 N
19th St,
Milwaukee, WI - 53202
Joy House is a family shelter, offering a range of short- and long-
term solutions, with the goal of helping families become self-
sufficient and stable. Hot meals provided along with other types of
help.

50. Central Wyoming Rescue Mission - 230 North

Park
Casper, WY – 82602
A homeless shelter for all, men, women, and children.