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?

In the NEWS

The Pillar feature: For SVDP, preventing homelessness begins with home visits 623 594 SVDP USA

The Pillar feature: For SVDP, preventing homelessness begins with home visits

The Pillar feature: For SVDP, preventing homelessness begins with home visits Published in The Pillar Catholic media project on December 30, 2024 by Laura Loker The statistics surrounding homelessness in America are sobering. The number of Americans experiencing homelessness increased 12% from 2022 to 2023. Some research even estimates that as many as 3 in…

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Helping families on the brink of homelessness saint vincent de paul 2
The Catholic Exchange feature: Michael Acaldo talks about the Catholic Way to Address Homelessness 1080 720 SVDP USA

The Catholic Exchange feature: Michael Acaldo talks about the Catholic Way to Address Homelessness

The Catholic Way to Address Homelessness: An Interview with Michael Acaldo Published in the Catholic Exchange December 26, 2024 by author and writer Joshua Nelson  omelessness is a growing crisis in the United States, with over 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunity. Rising housing costs,…

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Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention 627 621 SVDP USA

Podcast: National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention

National President John Berry’s vision for SVDP USA’s role in homelessness prevention In the latest episode of the St. Vincent de Paul Louisville video podcast, our National President John Berry shares his unexpected journey into the SVDP USA organization and his deep passion for homelessness prevention. Listen to Episode 32: With Arms Wide Open on…

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