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

Op-Ed: Why the next homelessness crisis is so perilous — and how we must respond 1080 1080 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher
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Op-Ed: Why the next homelessness crisis is so perilous — and how we must respond

Op-Ed Published in the Dayton Daily News 3/26/2025. Submitted by John Berry, National President of Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA After a decades-long decline in poverty among elderly populations, there has been a sharp uptick in recent years. This dangerous trend particularly affects older women. According to a recent government report, the number…

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy 1703 2560 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP USA) has hired Ingrid Delgado as its National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy as the organization seeks to raise the profile of key issues, including efforts to prevent homelessness and protect the most vulnerable. Delgado most recently worked at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops…

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SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts 1920 1920 SVDP USA
  • Jill Pioter
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SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising. While we recognize the Administration’s…

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