Help for the Homeless

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Both the government and private organizations provide housing, food and job assistance to the homeless. Below are just a few of the programs available: Shelters Homeless shelters provide temporary housing for people who don’t have a place to stay. In 2005, nearly 500,000 beds were available in emergency and transitional shelters around the country. Most shelters are clustered in and around cities. About two-fifths of shelters accept families— the rest specify men or women only. Public Housing Public housing units, from apartment buildings to individual homes, are available to very low-income families, the elderly and disabled people. People who live in public housing pay only what they can afford, which is either a small percentage of their income or a very low monthly rent. People can stay in public housing indefinitely, provided that they comply with the rules outlined in their lease. Food Banks and Food Donations Food banks have been around since the 1960s. Community food banks collect canned goods and other, primarily non-perishable items from companies and individual donors, and then distribute that food to homeless people at centers around the country.