The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

While permanent housing, often coupled with supportive services, is the best way to
end homelessness, many individuals and families need short-term stabilization before
they can find housing that will meet their long term needs. That’s why Volunteers of
America, for over 100 years, has provided emergency assistance to homeless persons
in the form of homeless shelters.
DROP-IN CENTERS
Since homeless persons can be reluctant to leave the streets and accept emergency
shelter or transitional housing, we operate drop-in centers — places where homeless
youth or adults can get off the streets and find a temporary safe haven. And often, when
homeless persons begin to trust drop-in center staff, they agree to leave the streets and
enter transitional or permanent housing.
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
For a significant number of homeless Americans with mental or physical impairments,
often coupled with drug and/or alcohol use issues, long-term homelessness can only be
ended by providing permanent housing coupled with intensive supportive services.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Our transitional housing programs are operated with one goal in mind — to help
individuals and families obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible. Our
programs serve diverse populations — from women and children who are victims of
domestic violence to homeless veterans who have spent years living on the streets.
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