People Experiencing Homelessness

The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines someone as “homeless” if they sleep outside, in a car or abandoned building, or in a shelter or other transitional, unstable, or non-permanent housing situation. Although population statistics are difficult to collect , The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that on any given night in 2016, over 500,000 people experienced homelessness. 1.5 million people entered shelters, transitional living, and other homeless resource centers over the course of 2016.

Resources:

American Psychological Association

Helping People Without Homes PDF

Description: This is a PDF from APA to help mental health professionals provide competent care to people experiencing homelessness. This comprehensive guide includes basic demographic information, psychosocial issues pertaining to this population, as well as suggested interventions and policy recommendations.

National Coalition for The Homeless

Fact Sheet Home Page

Description: This site offers a variety of quick reference sheets including but not limited to basic demographic information, why people are homeless, and ways to help. The Coalition also offers guides for specific homeless socio-demographic groups.

National Healthcare for The Homeless Council

Clinical Practice Cultural Competence Home Page

Outreach to People Experiencing Homelessness PDF

Organizing Health Service for Homeless People PDF

Description: This site offers a variety of resources to help clinicians, service providers, and organizations that provide culturally competent care to the homeless population.

National Center for Cultural Competence

Community Health Center Outreach Program to Homeless Population

Description: This page from NCCC reviews the practices of Unity Healthcare Inc., an organization that provides effective and culturally competent health care and HIV/Aids services for the homeless population in Washington, D.C. Specific strategies include bringing services to the population and learning cultural vernacular.

Services:

Front Steps

Front Steps Home Page

Description: Front Steps is an organization committed to helping the homeless population in Austin.  They provide individuals and families with resources, permanent supportive housing, and case management services. Front Steps has a number of programs and collaborations like The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) and The Central Texas Recuperative Care Project.

Austin ECHO

ECHO Home Page

Description: ECHO is a coalition committed to engaging the community to address the systemic factors that lead to homelessness. ECHO conducts a Point in Time Count each year in addition to offering a coordinated assessment for individuals requesting help finding a place to live.

Caritas of Austin

Caritas of Austin Home Page

Description: Caritas of Austin provides comprehensive services in collaboration with community partners. Caritas aims to end homelessness through a range of services including housing, food, education, employment, support for veterans, and refugee resettlement.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army Austin Home Page

Description: A Christian organization, The Salvation Army has an emergency shelter, women and children shelter, and adult rehabilitation center that partners with other local providers to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

The SAFE Alliance

SAFE Alliance Home Page

Description: The SAFE Alliance provides housing and support for survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. SAFE offers services such as housing, LGTBQIA services, legal advocacy, and a 24/7 hotline.