Homelessness Prevention

Over half a million Americans experience homelessness every year

Cost of living increases and inflation are pushing many families over the brink. In 2023 alone, 653,000 Americans experienced homeless. But there’s good news lining these dark clouds: communities see a major decrease in homelessness when they invest in homelessness PREVENTION programs.

Treating homelessness is costly — preventing homelessness isn’t.

It costs an average of $35,578 per year to support a person who is chronically homeless, including costs for emergency shelters, healthcare, and law enforcement. In contrast, preventing homelessness permanently through early intervention costs, on average, $2,000.

We bring personalized help to people in crisis.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is spearheading a nationwide movement to prevent homelessness. In cities across the United States, SVdP Councils and Conferences bring help and hope to the unhoused in our communities through rental and utility assistance, food pantries, charitable pharmacies, day centers, transitional housing for disabled and veteran persons, and more.

More and more single-parent families stand on the brink of homelessness. One car wreck, hospital stay, or layoff can dislodge a family from a home and put them out on the streets.

$60 Million of assistance provided

In 2023, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul mobilized $60 million in emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and keep people housed. Every dollar invested in prevention saves up to five dollars in costs associated with homelessness. And keeping individuals and families housed promotes healthier, more stable communities. Will you help?

Donate to Homelessness Prevention Today

In the NEWS

SVDP Council Spotlight: Baltimore 1078 720 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher
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SVDP Council Spotlight: Baltimore

As a single mother to a grown, autistic son, Sarah faced a heartbreaking reality. Sarah had been commuting all the way across town for work. But then, she got divorced and that commute was no longer feasible. Her son couldn’t be left alone that long, so she had to choose between her job and caring…

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Helping families on the brink of homelessness saint vincent de paul 2
What does the Grants Pass decision mean for SVdP USA? 1080 720 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher
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What does the Grants Pass decision mean for SVdP USA?

THE RECENT GRANTS PASS U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION ALLOWS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE IT A CRIME FOR SOMEONE TO LIVE OUTSIDE AND UNSHELTERED IF THEY HAVE NO HOME. This is concerning because criminal laws do not address the actual problem of homelessness — which has more to do with skyrocketing housing costs and inflation than…

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SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register 398 398 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter
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SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register

“To address the homelessness crisis, we must encounter those on the brink.” So writes SVdP National President John Berry, in his latest op-ed for the National Catholic Register. Here’s an excerpt: “To understand why prevention programs are so critically needed, we must first understand why so many people are becoming homeless. According to Harvard’s Joint…

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ABOUT SVDP USA

The National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Inc. is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations to the National Council are deductible. The Council’s tax identification number is 13-5562362.

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