The Challenges of Being Homeless
Being homeless in America is often a personally damaging and emotionally traumatic experience. People who are homeless face many challenges, including:
Finding a safe place to sleep
Many homeless people are forced to sleep on public streets, parks, or other areas, which can be physically and emotionally dangerous.
Getting enough to eat
Many homeless people do not have enough money to buy food and often rely on food banks or soup kitchens to get enough to eat.
Keeping warm
In the winter, homeless people can be at risk of hypothermia. They may have to find ways to stay warm, such as huddling together in groups or sleeping in shelters.
Staying clean
It can be difficult for homeless people to keep clean. They may not have access to showers or bathrooms and must go to great lengths to find clean clothes.
Keeping belongings safe
Homeless people are often forced to carry all their belongings with them. They must be constantly on guard to prevent their belongings from getting stolen or lost.
Accessing healthcare
Homeless people often have difficulty accessing healthcare. They may not have health insurance, and they may not be able to afford to pay for medical care.
Mental health – alcohol and drug addiction
Many homeless people have mental and emotional health challenges which have led them to alcohol and drug abuse. Any combination of these issues can make it extremely difficult for them to recover and get back on their feet.
In addition to these challenges, homeless people often face discrimination and stigma. They are often treated poorly by the general public. They are denied employment opportunities that most other people take for granted.
Select Your State:
| AL | HI | MA | NM | SD |
State Pages Contain Local Maps Rich With Related Resources
Each of the above state pages contains a local map that includes important local resources near you, which you can access now, including links to:
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Local Addiction Treatment Centers
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Local Community Health Care Centers
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Local Homeless Centers
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Local Food Banks And Pantries
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Local Legal Aid Services
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Local Low-Income Housing
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Local Mental Health Clinics
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Soup-Kitchens
National Crisis Hotlines
Each Above State Page Provides National Crisis Hotlines Providing Emergency Information you can access now:
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Suicide Prevention
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Domestic Violence
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Elder Abuse
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Addiction
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ADHD
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Alzheimer’s and Dementia
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Autism
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Caregiving
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Eating Disorders
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LGBTQ+
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Parenting
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Self-Harm
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Team Trouble
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Veterans Crisis
Homeless Resources From Different Sources
Public, Charitable, and Private Services Programs
The homeless resources you will find come from a variety of sources, including charitable and non-profit organizations, federal and state assistance programs, foundations, and local community and private organizations dedicated to the needs of others.
While many no-cost public programs and charitable organizations are available to help, such as shelters, food banks, medical and mental health, and addiction counseling, the growing demand for these services far exceeds the current supply.
Learn More…
Read our articles to learn more about the following public, private, and non-profit resources:
Trouble-Shooter Social Impact Program
In response to these growing needs, we feature local, regional, and national organizations that have positively and substantially impacted the fight against homelessness while demonstrating innovative ideas and practices.
We call these compassionate and successful organizations Trouble-Shooters, and after screening them will feature their organizations and include them in our donation section in their state.
Contact Our Trouble Shooter Program
To apply directly, or if you know or have heard of such an organization, we invite you to contact us directly and share their information by emailing us at: trouble-shooters@gottrouble.org.
