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

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C. 1600 1065 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher
  • No Comments
  • No Likes

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA opens advocacy office in Washington D.C. On Friday, April 4, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) officially opened its new office in Washington D.C. as it seeks to ramp up efforts to advocate for those on the margins. As one of the largest lay Catholic…

read more
04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
  • admin
  • 10 Comments
  • No Likes

04-03-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

Every night, over half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we don’t have to imagine it, we live it. And we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. We understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in…

read more
Op-Ed: Why the next homelessness crisis is so perilous — and how we must respond 1080 1080 SVDP USA
  • Kristen Blacksher
  • No Comments
  • 1 Like

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…

read more
Enter your
text here