Homelessness is a national crisis. On a single night, more than half a million Americans are experiencing unsheltered homelessness and the demand for housing and food resources is rising. Here in Philadelphia, there are over 1,000 people who are unsheltered. While the City of Philadelphia has made strides toward ending street homelessness, including adding hundreds more shelter beds and increasing outreach efforts, we are counting on you to help us meet that goal.
Sometimes a person you encounter needs attention right away. In that case, you can get them help by alerting the City’s Homeless Street Outreach Team. However, there are several other ways to make a more lasting impact.
Here are three ways you can help someone who is experiencing homelessness:
- Call. If you see someone who needs help, call (215) 232-1984. The City’s Homeless Street Outreach hotline and street teams respond around the clock, all year long. Calling the hotline is especially important when temperatures are extremely cold or hot. Save the number in your phone.
- Volunteer. We partner with dozens of organizations that serve free meals to Philadelphians every day. They can always use a helping hand! Choose from any of the meal providers on our list. To learn how to sign up for volunteer shifts, make sure to call your preferred organization ahead of time or visit its website.
- Spread the word. You can help right away today by sharing the information in this blog post with your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers!
