Top Charities That Support Homeless People in the U.S. (2025)
Introduction
Homelessness is a pressing challenge in the United States in 2025, with hundreds of thousands of people lacking stable housing on any given night. The causes range from economic hardships and housing shortages to mental health struggles. Fortunately, many charities that support homeless people are working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and hope. In this post, we highlight the top charities that support homeless people in the U.S. and the impact they’re making, along with ways you can contribute to their life-changing work.
The State of Homelessness in the U.S. (2025)
Homelessness in America has reached alarming levels. On a single night in January 2023, an estimated 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness – over a 12% increase from the previous year. About 39% of these individuals had no access to shelter and were living on the streets or in encampments. A nationwide shortage of affordable housing is a major driver of this crisis: only 34 affordable homes are available for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. As a result, 74% of the poorest renters pay more than half of their income on rent, leaving many one financial setback away from homelessness.
Other factors contribute as well. Stagnant wages and rising rents have created a wide affordability gap. Many people experiencing homelessness also face personal challenges like mental illness or addiction—nearly one-third of the homeless population suffers from a serious mental health disorder without adequate support. Despite these daunting statistics, numerous organizations and community groups are stepping up. They provide emergency shelter, housing solutions, job training, and healthcare, all with the goal of helping homeless individuals regain stability. Below, we spotlight some of the top charities supporting homeless people and how they are making a difference in 2025.
An aerial view of a homeless encampment, illustrating the urgent need for housing solutions.
Habitat for Humanity (Founded 1976)
Habitat for Humanity is a globally renowned nonprofit that focuses on providing affordable housing for low-income families. Founded in 1976 in Georgia , Habitat tackles one root cause of homelessness: lack of secure housing. The organization helps support homeless people and others in need by building and renovating homes through volunteer labor and donations. Homeowners partner with Habitat and contribute “sweat equity” by working on their houses alongside volunteers, making homeownership accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford a house.
Habitat for Humanity’s impact is tremendous. Since its inception, Habitat has helped more than 59 million people around the world obtain safe, decent housing. In 2023 alone, Habitat assisted 13.4 million people in building or improving a place to call home. Many of those efforts directly benefit Americans experiencing homelessness or housing instability by moving them into permanent homes. You can support Habitat by volunteering at a local build site or by making a donation. Every contribution – whether time, money, or materials – helps build homes and hope for those in need. (Learn more on the Habitat for Humanity official site.)
Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity work together to build an affordable home for a family in need.
The Salvation Army (Founded 1865)
The Salvation Army is a faith-based charity, founded in 1865, that has long been synonymous with helping the homeless and the poor. Active across the U.S., the Salvation Army operates hundreds of shelters, soup kitchens, and transitional housing programs. Its mission is to meet human needs without discrimination – offering food, shelter, and support to individuals regardless of background. From emergency shelters that provide a safe bed for the night to longer-term housing assistance and rehabilitation programs, the Salvation Army’s services are a lifeline for many experiencing homelessness.
The Salvation Army’s reach is vast. In 2023, it assisted nearly 27.5 million Americans and provided over 9 million nights of shelter to those in need. This organization is often on the front lines during extreme weather and disasters, opening warming centers and emergency shelters. To support their work, you can donate money or goods or volunteer at your local Salvation Army center. Especially during cold winter months and holidays, shelters greatly appreciate extra hands and resources. Even a small contribution can help the Salvation Army “do the most good” for homeless individuals and families.
National Alliance to End Homelessness (Founded 1983)
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is a leading advocacy and research organization dedicated to ending homelessness at a systemic level. Founded in 1983 (originally as the National Citizens Committee for Food and Shelter), NAEH works behind the scenes to drive policy changes, analyze data, and promote evidence-based solutions like Housing First. Their mission is to address the root causes of homelessness and help craft effective strategies for governments and communities nationwide.
NAEH’s influence can be seen in the adoption of smarter programs and national progress. For example, the Alliance partnered with federal agencies to expand housing programs for veterans, contributing to a nearly 47% reduction in veteran homelessness between 2010 and 2015. NAEH also publishes the annual State of Homelessness report, a key resource for understanding trends and needs. By focusing on strategic solutions – such as increasing affordable housing, rapid re-housing, and prevention – NAEH helps communities move the needle on homelessness. You can support NAEH by donating to fuel their research and advocacy, or by using their resources to advocate for better homelessness policies in your city or state. Visit the NAEH website to learn about their latest initiatives and find ways to get involved.
Covenant House (Founded 1972)
Covenant House is the largest charity in the Americas dedicated to helping homeless youth. Founded in 1972 in New York City, Covenant House provides shelter, safety, and support to young people (typically ages 16–24) facing homelessness, abuse, or trafficking. Every night, Covenant House’s doors are open 24/7 to youth who have nowhere else to turn. They offer a warm bed, hot meals, medical care, counseling, and job programs – all within a caring, trauma-informed environment that emphasizes “unconditional love and absolute respect”.
To date, Covenant House has served over 1.5 million young people in need. In the past year alone, it provided about 862,000 nights of safe shelter and 1.8 million meals to more than 57,000 youth across its shelters and programs. Beyond immediate shelter, Covenant House helps young residents move toward brighter futures through education, job training, and mental health services. To support Covenant House, consider a donation or even a small monthly gift – even $10 a month can help keep a bed open for a young person in crisis. You can also volunteer at local Covenant House sites (mentors and tutors are often needed) or simply spread the word about youth homelessness. Learn more or give through the Covenant House website to help these young people build independent futures.
Family Promise (Founded 1988)
Family Promise focuses on assisting homeless and low-income families by harnessing community resources. Founded in 1988 (as the Interfaith Hospitality Network), Family Promise has grown into a national network of over 200 affiliates in 43 states. It mobilizes local houses of worship to host families overnight on a rotating basis, while a Family Promise day center provides professional case management and help finding employment, childcare, and housing.
Family Promise’s community-based approach yields impressive results. In 2023 alone, its programs assisted 63,000 families (including 97,000 children) and helped 81% of those in shelter secure stable housing upon exit. This high success rate shows the effectiveness of combining temporary shelter with intensive support. You can help Family Promise by volunteering at a local affiliate (for example, cooking meals, driving families, or mentoring parents) or by donating funds or supplies. Your support helps parents and children stay together, avoid the trauma of living on the street, and regain independence. Check out Family Promise’s website to find an affiliate near you or to contribute to their programs.
Volunteers of America (Founded 1896)
Volunteers of America (VOA) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profits serving vulnerable populations – including those experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth, VOA now operates in 46 states (with 32 local affiliates) and provides a wide array of services. A core focus is on housing and supportive services for homeless individuals and families. VOA runs emergency shelters, drop-in centers, transitional housing for veterans and families, permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, and affordable housing for seniors.
Each year, Volunteers of America serves approximately 1.5 million people across its programs, many of whom are homeless or at risk. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit developers of affordable housing, VOA provides tens of thousands of people with stable, long-term housing each year. Their holistic approach often combines housing with wraparound support like job training, addiction treatment, and case management – addressing factors that contribute to homelessness. To support VOA, you can donate or volunteer with your local VOA affiliate. Whether it’s serving meals at a VOA shelter or assisting with a donation drive, your help furthers VOA’s 125-year-strong mission of uplifting those in need. Visit Volunteers of America to find opportunities and learn more.
How You Can Help Support Homeless People
Beyond supporting specific organizations, there are many ways you can make a difference in the fight against homelessness. Every action, big or small, contributes to the solution:
Donate to Charities That Support Homeless People
Financial contributions are one of the most immediate ways to help. Consider donating to reputable homeless charities – including the ones listed above or local shelters in your community. Even small gifts help: a few dollars can provide a hot meal or a warm blanket for someone in need. You can also donate goods like winter clothing, socks, or toiletries to shelters and outreach programs. Many organizations have online wish lists or seasonal drives for essential items.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with and support homeless individuals. You might serve meals at a soup kitchen, help build or repair housing, or offer professional skills (like resume-writing, tutoring, or medical care) at a shelter. Simply spending time listening and showing kindness can make a world of difference. Look for opportunities with local shelters or via volunteer match websites. Volunteers often become the backbone of homeless service organizations – and your time is as valuable as any donation.
Advocate and Raise Awareness
Advocacy and education are key to long-term solutions. Use your voice to advocate for policies that address homelessness and housing affordability. This can be as simple as contacting your elected officials to support funding for affordable housing, mental health services, or rental assistance programs. You can also help by dispelling myths and reducing stigma: share facts and stories about homelessness on social media or within your network to foster understanding and empathy. By raising awareness and urging our leaders to prioritize this issue, you help build public support for meaningful action.
Conclusion
The organizations highlighted above demonstrate that when compassion meets action, lives change. These charities provide not only beds and meals, but also dignity, community, and hope.
Now it’s up to us to support their efforts. Consider getting involved by donating or volunteering – every contribution brings us one step closer to a future where everyone has a safe place to call home. If you found this information useful, please share this blog with others to spread awareness. By working together and supporting these initiatives, we can help ensure that everyone has the shelter and support they need.
