15 Churches that Help the Homeless with Housing – Get Help

Homelessness is a critical situation throughout America, and many people do not know where to turn. Fortunately, churches that help homeless with housing, not only provide shelter, but also a way to dignity, compassion and stability. Nonprofit organizations strengthen people to rebuild their lives and provide immediate needs and provide a lifeline.

Rooted in service, Christian ministries operate both nationally and locally, opening their doors to people from all walks of life—regardless of religion, background, or status. In this article, we’ll explore over 15 churches and ministries across America committed to providing housing help, including how to contact them, what programs they offer, and how you can qualify.

15 Churches that Help the Homeless with Housing

Here, churchesthathelpus has described the list of the top 15 churches that help with housing for free to the low-income people and the homeless. Explore the churches that are listed here. Now, let’s check the churches:

1. Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities offers emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs for the homeless. They help people, families, veterans, and seniors. Many local branches also provide case management, food, and several other assistance. Their services are available across the country.

2. Salvation Army

The Salvation Army runs emergency shelters and transitional living centers across the U.S. for homeless individuals and families. They also provide food, clothes, and spiritual counseling. Many locations provide long-term support to help people gain independence.

3. St. Vincent de Paul Society

This Catholic lay organization provides housing support, rental assistance, and emergency shelter programs. Their “House of Charity” and transitional housing programs serve low-income and homeless individuals. Local chapters also offer help with utilities, food, and job readiness.

4. Union Rescue Mission (Los Angeles, CA)

The Union Rescue Mission offers shelter, food, and recovery programs to men, women,n and children in crisis. Located in Skid Row, it is one of the largest missions in America. This organization’s approach includes spiritual care and life skills training.

5. Lamb Center (Fairfax, VA)

Lamb Center is a one-day drop-in shelter that provides hot food, shelter, laundry, consultation, and housing referral. It focuses on restoring dignity and hope through a Christ-centered approach. Guests receive individual case management to find permanent housing.

6. City Rescue Mission (Jacksonville, FL)

This nonprofit organization provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for men, women, and children. Their programs focus on recovery from intoxication, spiritual development, and self-sufficiency. Food, clothes, and medical help are also available.

7. Denver Rescue Mission (Denver, CO)

They offer a range of housing services, including emergency shelters, transitional programs, and long-term rehabilitation. The mission is based on Christian values ​​and emphasizes the restoration of life through confidence and accountability.

8. Dream Center (Los Angeles, CA)

The Dream Center provides housing for people in the homeless, human trafficking hunting and recovery. This includes discipleship, job training, and educational support. They also conduct mobile food trucks and community outreach programs.

9. New Life Evangelistic Center (St. Louis, MO)

This church-based organization offers emergency shelter and transitional housing programs. They assist homeless individuals with basic needs, spiritual support, and job training. The ministry operates under a strong mission of serving “the least of these.”

10. Catholic Worker Movement

Rooted in Christian teachings, this grassroots movement operates hospitality houses across the U.S. These organizations provide shelter, food, and community to the homeless. Emphasis is placed on living in solidarity with the poor and offering a non-institutionalized environment.

11. Open Door Mission (Omaha, NE)

The Open Door Mission provides more than 900 secure shelter beds and more than 2,000 meals daily to the homeless. Their housing programs support long-term recovery through nonprofit education and job training. Guests receive consultation and personal matter management.

12. Wheeler Mission (Indianapolis, IN)

Wheeler Mission serves homeless men, women, and children with emergency shelter, long-term recovery, and job readiness programs. The Christian organization also operates addiction recovery centers and provides housing placement assistance. They’ve been serving the community since 1893.

13. Gospel Rescue Mission (Tucson, AZ)

Gospel Rescue Mission offers different men’s and women’s centers that provide safe shelters, warm food, and spiritual guidance. Their long-term recovery program includes Bible studies, counseling, and professional support.

14. Covenant House (Various Cities)

Covenant House focuses on homeless and runaway youth, offering emergency shelter and transitional living. Their Christian mission promotes dignity, trust, and opportunity. They also provide education, mental health services, and employment support.

15. House of Mercy (Benton Harbor, MI)

A small but powerful, non-profit offering emergency and transitional housing for women and children. The House of Mercy helps customers gain independence through spiritual support, upbringing classes, and life skills training. They focus on treatment and empowerment through Christ.

These are the top 15 churches that may help you with free housing assistance for a temporary purpose or sometimes for a long time.

• Also read: Churches That Help With Housing Assistance

Types of Housing Assistance Offered by Churches

Churches offer various types of assistance programs throughout the United States. Here, the types of assistance that are offered by the churches.

✅Emergency Shelter

Churches often provide short-term, overnight shelter to individuals and families in crisis. These shelters offer a safe place to sleep, along with food, hygiene facilities, and spiritual care. Some churches operate their own shelters or partner with local missions.

✅Transitional Housing

This form of housing helps people to move from homelessness to stable living. Churches may provide transitional housing for several months while offering job training and faith-based support. It helps with emergency shelter and permanent housing.

✅Permanent Supportive Housing

Some nonrprofit organizations offer long-term housing with ongoing support for those facing chronic homelessness. These programs mainlt help seniors, disabled people, or those with mental health or addiction challenges. Services include counseling, budgeting help, and spiritual guidance.

✅Rent and Utility Assistance

Many churches help low-income families avoid eviction by providing one-time or short-term rent and utility payment support. This financial aid is often part of a broader crisis ministry. Churches may require documentation or a meeting with a caseworker or pastor.

✅Family and Women’s Housing Programs

Some churches run housing programs specifically for single mothers, women fleeing domestic violence, or families with children. These programs provide a safe and nurturing environment along with life skills, counseling, and access to childcare.

✅Rapid Rehousing

Churches and nonprofits may work with government programs to offer rapid rehousing for homeless. This includes short-term rental subsidies to help people find and keep stable housing quickly.

✅Sober Living and Recovery Housing

Faith-based sober living homes help people recovering from addiction. Churches often operate these homes with rules, accountability, and a spiritual growth component. Residents receive support in maintaining sobriety and rebuilding their lives.

✅Host Homes or Church-Based Hospitality

Some churches recruit members to open their homes temporarily to those in need. Known as host housing, this support is more personal and often used for youth or immigrants. Churches may also offer rooms within church property for emergencies.

These are the different types of housing assistance that are offered by the churches to help the needy.

• Also read: Churches That Help Homeless People

List of Required Documents for Housing Assistance

To get help and to ask for help, a few documents are required. Here, the documents are listed:

• Photo ID: Government-issued ID for all adults.

• Social Security Cards: For all household members.

• Proof of Income: Payment Stubs, Benefits, or Bank Statement.

• Proof of Homelessness/Residency: Eviction notice, shelter letter, or lease.

• Household Info: Birth certificate, marriage, or custody documents.

• Utility Bills: Recent electricity, water, or gas bill.

These are a few basic required documents.

Steps to Apply for Housing Voucher

Here we have given a step-by-step housing voucher application process:

✅ Step 1: Locate a Church That Offers Housing Help

Start by doing research on local churches or nonprofit organizations known to help with housing. Catholic charity, salvation Army, or local baptist and Methodist Church are always there to help people in need. These groups often work directly with housing authorities or know where to direct you.

✅ Step 2: Contact the Church Outreach Office

Contact to the church’s community outreach or housing ministry by phone, email, etc. Ask if they help with housing vouchers, shelter referrals, or applications. Be clear and honest about your current housing situation when speaking with staff.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Basic Documentation

Before applying, collect documents such as photo ID, proof of income, social security card and any removal notice. These help to confirm your identity and display your need. Churches or partner agencies often require you before they can submit or refer to your application.

✅ Step 4: Fill Out a Voucher Application (if available)

Some churches help you complete the official housing voucher (Section 8) form or refer you to an agency that does. You’ll need to provide income details, family size, and current living conditions. If they do not offer the form directly, they can help you get on the waiting list with your local Housing Authority.

Stay in contact with the church that helped you—they may help further while you wait for approval. Some churches also help cover your security deposit or first month’s rent once your voucher is approved.

Conclusion

Churches that help homeless with housing are the only solution to several low-income people and families – they are the only solution for those facing crisis. By offering access to emergency shelters, transitional housing, and housing vouchers, the nonprofit organizations will help the homeless across the country. For further help contact the churches that are listed here.