According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over half a million people across the nation experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2022.

This is a significant figure—but it doesn’t have to be this way. As temperatures dip across the nation, think of a few ways you can help people without safe and stable shelter get through winter. An excellent place to start is sharing your generosity with a local or national organization.

 National alliance to end homelessness (NAEH)

This organization believes that there is an end in sight for homelessness. To make this lofty goal a reality, it works hard to not only provide solutions for those in need but also prevent homelessness altogether. Donations to this service directly fund research into permanent housing, nonpartisan policies that favor affordable housing across the nation, the development of shelters in high-risk areas, and more. NAEH even creates programs to increase employment and income nationwide to help individuals afford steady housing.

To learn more, visit endhomelessness.org

National Coalition for homeless veterans (NCHV)

NCHV works tirelessly to support a group of individuals at high risk of experiencing homelessness: veterans of the armed forces. Donate to this organization to support projects such as policy efforts to get to the root of the epidemic of veteran homelessness, employment assistance, and a referral helpline impactful ways to support the nation, think of a few ways you can help people without safe and stable shelter get through winter. An excellent place to start is sharing your generosity with a local or national organization. for at-risk or unhoused individuals. As the only national organization that focuses solely on unhoused veterans, it makes a tremendous impact across the country thanks in part to its generous donors. In fact, NCHV helped over 40,000 veterans achieve permanent housing in 2022 alone.

To learn more, visit nchv.org

True colors united

Cofounded by singer Cyndi Lauper, this organization works to help youth populations that disproportionately experience homelessness. While it does not operate shelters or food banks directly, it helps service providers across the nation “develop and implement systems at the community level to prevent youth homelessness.” These efforts include meeting with local government officials to address housing crises in their communities, opening twenty-four-hour drop-in centers, and ensuring community programs provide “inclusive and affirming spaces” for youth.

To learn more, visit truecolorsunited.org

Local resources 

Joining organizations near you can make a huge difference for unhoused folks in your community. If you’re short on altruistic funds or already give regularly to other charities, you can still donate your time by volunteering. Conduct a simple online search to identify local resources, then participate in services like food drives and shelter cleanups to make an instant impact on people in need.

You can also donate resources like nonperishable foods and clothing to these organizations or contribute essentials like toothpaste, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products. Give them a follow on social media, share their efforts with loved ones, and consider speaking to your employer about creating a volunteer or partnership initiative.