Solutions to Homelessness
Wondering how to help homeless people? One of the biggest barriers to ending homelessness is public misunderstanding. Negative stereotypes—fueled by lack of awareness—are harmful and contribute to policies that criminalize, rather than solve, homelessness. You have the power to help shift the narrative and support real solutions.
Here are four meaningful ways you can take action:
1) Educate Yourself, Your Peers, and Your Community
Learn about the root causes of homelessness, who it affects, and the proven solutions that work. Understanding the systemic issues—like the lack of affordable housing, wage gaps, and limited access to care—is key to replacing myths with facts.
Share what you learn with friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. Conversations—even small ones—help reduce stigma and build public will for change.
2) Volunteer
There are organizations in nearly every community that support homeless people and those living in poverty. Some are homeless shelters. Others provide homeless people with supports like food, clothing, legal advocacy, and financial assistance.
There are also organizations and groups that are not addressing homelessness specifically, but are advocating for affordable housing, increasing minimum wages, and other issues that impact people who are homeless. Find an organization or group that is focused on ending homelessness (not maintaining it), interests you, and is looking for volunteers.
Volunteering is a great way to help people in your community and learn about the challenges they are facing. Some, but not all, non-profit organizations have volunteer coordinators. You may want to try a few different organizations or groups to find the right fit for both you and the organization.
3) Raise Money
Most homeless shelters and programs providing services to people living in poverty are non-profit organizations. They depend on donations to do what they do. Consider supporting organizations that:
- Provide housing and supportive services
- Advocate for affordable housing and wage equity
- Help meet basic needs like food, hygiene items, and medical care
Work with your school, civic group, faith community, or even on your own. Raise money and donate to organizations that need financial support. Some organizations even post “wish lists” for specific items they need on their websites or social media channels.
4) Advocate for Change
Now more than ever, your voice matters. Real solutions to homelessness require changes in law, funding, and public policy. These include:
- Affordable housing
- Wages that meet the cost of living
- Access to health and mental health care
- Supportive services like transportation and child care
Speak up in your community.
The Trump Administration has floated strategies like forcibly moving unhoused people into large camps, and many cities continue to conduct encampment sweeps or pass anti-homeless ordinances. These actions criminalize poverty instead of addressing its root causes.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Attend city council meetings and voice your opposition to harmful policies
- Support local, state, and national advocacy efforts
- Call or email your elected officials—from mayors to U.S. Senators—and demand compassionate, housing-focused solutions
- Encourage friends and family to get involved
If you’re 18 or older, register to vote and show up on Election Day. Be an informed voter: learn where candidates stand on poverty, housing, and healthcare—and vote for the people who support the things you want to see in your community and our country.
Learn More on How to Help Homeless People
To learn more about solutions to homelessness, visit:
Each of these activities may seem small, but every action matters! Whether you’re donating, learning, speaking up, or casting your ballot, your voice helps build a future where everyone has a safe place to call home. Together, we can have a collective impact to help homeless people.
