Housing is a basic human need, but for many individuals and families, secure and affordable housing can be out of reach. Thankfully, there are numerous charities and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping those struggling with homelessness, housing instability, or the inability to afford rent. These charities offer a range of services, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, rent assistance, and long-term housing solutions to help people get back on their feet.
Here’s a guide to some of the top charities that help with housing, providing both immediate shelter and long-term support for those in need.
1. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is one of the most well-known housing charities, helping families worldwide build and buy affordable homes. Through volunteer labor and donations, Habitat constructs houses for low-income families and provides affordable mortgage options. Families must contribute “sweat equity” by helping to build their homes or volunteering in other ways.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Construction of new homes for low-income families.
- Home repairs for families in need of assistance.
- Disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts.
How They Help:
- Homeownership programs: Families in need can apply to become Habitat homeowners, purchasing a home with affordable mortgage options.
- Home repair programs: For existing homeowners, Habitat offers repairs to improve living conditions.
- How to access: Apply for housing assistance through your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers various housing programs, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. They work to help individuals and families get back on their feet by providing temporary shelter, rent assistance, and case management services to ensure long-term stability.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Transitional housing for people working toward permanent housing.
- Rental and utility assistance for struggling families.
How They Help:
- Emergency shelters: Immediate, short-term housing for people who are homeless.
- Transitional housing: Provides longer-term housing with supportive services, such as job training and counseling.
- Permanent housing programs: Offers ongoing housing for those with disabilities or long-term needs.
- How to access: Contact your local Salvation Army center to inquire about available housing programs.
3. Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities provides comprehensive housing services to individuals and families facing homelessness or housing insecurity. This includes emergency shelters, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing options. Catholic Charities operates across the U.S., offering both short-term and long-term solutions to help people stabilize their housing situations.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Shelters for homeless individuals and families.
- Assistance for securing permanent housing.
- Financial aid for rent, utilities, and home repairs.
How They Help:
- Emergency and transitional shelters: Immediate housing assistance with access to meals and case management.
- Permanent supportive housing: Long-term housing options for families and individuals with special needs.
- How to access: Visit your local Catholic Charities branch or their website to apply for housing assistance.
4. National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is a non-profit organization that works to develop solutions for ending homelessness in the United States. They provide funding, advocacy, and support for programs that help homeless individuals and families find stable housing and prevent homelessness before it starts.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Programs aimed at preventing homelessness and rapidly rehousing families.
- Research and advocacy to improve policies around housing and homelessness.
- Grants and resources for shelters and housing programs.
How They Help:
- Prevention programs: Provides support to at-risk individuals to prevent homelessness, including financial assistance for rent and utilities.
- Rapid rehousing: Helps individuals experiencing homelessness move into stable housing quickly by providing short-term rent assistance and services.
- How to access: NAEH works with local agencies to provide services. Visit their website for resources or to find local support.
5. Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America (VOA) offers a wide range of housing services, including affordable housing options for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. VOA also provides emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing for people facing homelessness.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
- Homeless shelters and transitional housing programs.
- Permanent supportive housing for those with disabilities or long-term needs.
How They Help:
- Affordable housing: Offers housing options that are accessible and affordable for seniors, veterans, and families.
- Supportive housing: Provides housing combined with supportive services like mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance.
- How to access: Contact VOA through their website to learn more about housing options and services in your area.
6. Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless is the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless individuals and families in New York City. They provide emergency housing, food, clothing, and crisis services, as well as permanent supportive housing for those with long-term needs.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Emergency shelters and food programs.
- Advocacy and legal assistance for homeless individuals.
- Permanent housing for families and individuals.
How They Help:
- Emergency housing and crisis services: Provides immediate shelter and resources to homeless individuals and families in crisis.
- Permanent housing programs: Offers affordable and supportive housing for people transitioning out of homelessness.
- How to access: Visit the Coalition’s website for details on how to access services in New York City.
7. YWCA USA
The YWCA USA provides housing support primarily to women and children experiencing domestic violence or housing instability. Their programs include emergency shelters, transitional housing, and affordable long-term housing solutions. YWCA’s housing programs often focus on women and children escaping dangerous situations and working toward self-sufficiency.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Emergency shelters for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
- Transitional and affordable housing programs.
- Support services like job training, legal assistance, and counseling.
How They Help:
- Domestic violence shelters: Safe housing for women and children escaping abuse, with access to counseling and support services.
- Transitional housing: Provides temporary housing while helping women secure permanent homes and employment.
- How to access: Reach out to your local YWCA chapter to learn about housing programs available in your area.
8. Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing is a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating affordable housing for low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with special needs. They build and manage affordable housing developments and provide supportive services to help residents improve their financial stability and well-being.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Construction and maintenance of affordable housing developments.
- Supportive services for residents, such as financial literacy and job training.
- Housing programs for seniors, veterans, and families.
How They Help:
- Affordable housing: Develops and manages housing projects for low-income individuals and families.
- Resident services: Offers programs to help residents achieve financial independence and maintain stable housing.
- How to access: Visit Mercy Housing’s website to inquire about affordable housing in your area.
9. ShelterBox
ShelterBox is a global disaster relief organization that provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families displaced by conflict or natural disasters. While their work focuses primarily on short-term relief, they play a crucial role in providing shelter for people who have lost their homes due to crises.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Emergency shelter kits, including tents, blankets, and tools.
- Essential supplies like solar lights, cooking equipment, and water filters.
- Disaster response efforts around the world.
How They Help:
- Emergency shelter kits: Provides temporary shelter to families displaced by disasters, helping them rebuild and recover.
- Disaster response: Delivers aid to people affected by earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies.
- How to access: ShelterBox works through partners to deliver aid directly in crisis zones. Donations go toward providing immediate shelter to those in need.
10. Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA)
NACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to making homeownership accessible and affordable for low- and moderate-income individuals. They provide mortgage counseling, advocacy, and affordable loan options with no down payment or closing costs. While not a charity in the traditional sense, NACA helps people find long-term housing solutions by assisting with affordable home buying.
What Your Donation Supports:
- Affordable homeownership programs.
- Mortgage counseling and financial education.
- Advocacy for fair housing policies.
How They Help:
- Affordable mortgages: NACA offers affordable mortgage options with no down payment or closing costs.
- Housing counseling: Provides guidance on budgeting, saving, and purchasing a home.
- How to access: Visit the NACA website to sign up for homebuyer workshops and counseling services.
Quick Reference Table: Charities That Help with Housing
| Charity | Services Provided | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity | Home building, repairs, affordable mortgages | Apply via local Habitat affiliate |
| The Salvation Army | Emergency shelters, transitional housing | Contact local Salvation Army center |
| Catholic Charities USA | Emergency shelters, rent assistance | Visit local Catholic Charities branch |
| National Alliance to End Homelessness | Homeless prevention, rapid rehousing | Local partnerships through their website |
| Volunteers of America | Affordable housing, supportive services | Contact VOA through their website |
| Coalition for the Homeless | Emergency shelters, permanent housing | Visit their website (NYC-based) |
| YWCA USA | Shelters for women and children | Contact local YWCA chapter |
| Mercy Housing | Affordable housing, supportive services | Apply via their website |
| ShelterBox | Emergency shelters for disaster victims | Donate or partner through their website |
| Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) | Affordable mortgages, housing counseling | Sign up for workshops on their website |
These charities work tirelessly to provide housing solutions to individuals and families in need, whether it’s immediate shelter, transitional support, or long-term housing stability. If you or someone you know is facing housing challenges, reaching out to one of these organizations can be a critical step toward finding a safe and stable place to call home.