Homelessness has long been a problem in the United States; however, in recent years, the numbers of Homeless Americans is on the rise. Due to the rising cost of housing, those who are facing economic hardships often end up without a home; many people who are working are still unable to afford to keep a roof over their heads.

The idea of losing your home is frightening, to stay the least. If you or someone you have not yet lost a home, but you are struggling to make payments on your rent or mortgage and are afraid that you will one day be homeless, there are options available that may be able help you avoid a crisis situation.

What are my options?

There are several preventative and emergency Assistance programs available across the nation that offer help for those who are on the verge of losing their homes. These programs aim to provide financial assistance for those who are struggling with paying for their living expenses; things like rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.

For those who are homeless, there are also emergency assistance programs available that may be able to provide assistance with basic needs, such as health care, nutrition, and shelter by way of temporary, transitional, or permanent housing.

Finding Help for Homelessness

For anyone who is having a hard keeping up with the cost of their housing expenses, or for those who have lost their homes, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is an excellent resource to turn to. This organization provides a comprehensive database that offers an extensive listing of programs across the nation that provide help for the homeless.

By visiting the NCH website, you can find organizations in your local area that will offer you the assistance that you need. If the NCH cannot provide help in your local area, you are urged to reach out to them directly and they will assist you with finding the help that you need.

Healthcare Assistance for the Homeless

Healthcare has become a major problem in the United States. Sadly, even those who have insurance have ended up going bankrupt as a result of the rising cost of healthcare. Those bankruptcies have also lead to homelessness.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), poor health often results in homelessness; additionally, those who are homeless usually suffer from poor health.

Where can I find help?

Those who are forced to lose the roofs over their heads because their health is poor, their conditions can worsen at a rapid pace; fortunately, the National Healthcare for Homeless Council offers information for those who are homeless and in need of healthcare, or those who are on the verge of homelessness because of their healthcare needs.

You can visit they here, where you will find a full directory of healthcare services across the country for those who are suffering from homelessness or who are on the verge of becoming homeless because of their healthcare needs.

Food Assistance for the Homeless

There are so many problems that are associated with homelessness; a lack of nutrition being one of the leading problems. Unfortunately, when individuals are unable to afford to keep a roof over their heads, they are also unable to secure funds to purchase Food. Like everything else in the United States, the cost of food is constantly increasing, which further exacerbates the problem.

Proper nutrition is crucial for overall health and well being. Those who do not have access to healthful food options on a daily basis can develop a number of physical and mental health problems. Unfortunately, many homeless people resort to searching through the garbage to find scraps of food to eat or beg for meals. If you or someone you know is homeless and struggling to find food, or if you are on the verge of homelessness and cannot afford healthful food, there are options available.

Where to find it?

You can dial 1-866-3-HUNGRY(6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE(6273), the numbers for the National Hunger Hotline. By dialing this number, you will be able to gain access to immediate assistance for food. There are also several food banks throughout the country, which can be found by visiting feedingamerica.org. If you do not have access to a computer or a phone of your own, visit a shelter or a local library, where you may be able to secure a connection to the Internet or use a telephone to get the nutritional assistance that you need.

Additional Benefits for the Homeless

If you are having a hard time making ends meet and are homeless or on the verge of losing the roof over your head, there are a wealth of other resources available that may be able to provide you with the assistance you need.

Grants, money that is offered by the federal government, non-profit foundations, and for-profit organizations, provides funding that never needs to be repaid. There are grants available for virtually every basic need, including:

• Housing
• Healthcare
• Medical assistance
• Disabilities
• Food and nutrition

Financial crisis funding

In addition to these basic needs, there are also grant programs available that provide funding that may be able to help you get out of your financial crisis. For example, small business grants may afford you the opportunity to start up a small business so that you can get on your feet and improve your life; there are grants available for education, too.

Visit grants.gov, the US database of federally funded grants. You can also search for various non-federally funded grant programs by doing a simple search on the Internet; again, as mentioned, non-profit and for-profit organizations provide grants for a variety of purposes.

Conclusion

If you are homeless or you are on the verge of homelessness, there are ways that you can overcome the obstacles that you are facing. Take advantage of the several programs that are in place for the homeless; there are so many options available. Once you secure a safe space to stay and have attained to your nutritional needs, you might want to consider applying for grants to secure the funding you need to better your situation.

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