How the Church Provides Housing to Those in Need

Texas: JustServe - Apartment Setup
There are many reasons why a person may experience homelessness throughout their life. Whether homelessness is due to an emergency, a sudden change in circumstances, or a more long-term challenge, the Lord cares for His children—and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to help.

—Isaiah 58:6–7

How Does the Church Help?
When aiding those experiencing homelessness, the Church responds through numerous methods to address the circumstances that led to their homelessness.
A woman working at a food kitchen . She is handing a tray of food to a homeless man. The woman is smiling at the man.
Emergency Response
In cases of emergencies, conflict, and other disasters that have forced individuals to leave their homes, the Church works with other humanitarian organizations to provide temporary shelter, support for those who have been displaced, and help in restoring homes whenever possible.
Providing Service for Homeless
Helping the Vulnerable
For those at greater risk of experiencing homelessness, the Church provides assistance, allowing individuals and families to be more secure so they can avoid becoming homeless in the future. This assistance includes food donations, employment support, and self-reliance courses.
Jackeline Sahbaz, who received help from the Las Vegas Transitional Services Office, makes her way to her job on Monday, August 9, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. After being unemployed for more than a year, Sahbaz met service missionaries who gave her unemployment resources that supported her job-finding efforts.
Connecting the Homeless with Resources
In the United States, the Church operates nine Transitional Services offices, where those experiencing homelessness can get help with immediate temporal needs and connect with community resources. Those in need of a job also receive help through the Church’s Employment Services.
A woman is in a home. She is making beds in a room that has two beds. There is netting hanging above the bed. The woman is wearing a pink dress and appears to be a nurse of some kind. This is in Sierra Leone, Africa.
Addressing Homelessness Globally
Through collaborations with humanitarian organizations, the Church provides global help to those experiencing homelessness by contributing food, goods, and other aid to homeless shelters and community kitchens around the world.

Who Does This Effort Benefit?

Missionaries for Employment Services
Unemployed Individuals
Providing employment support through Employment Services and Transitional Services helps individuals to be self-reliant and afford housing.
Ghana: Woman
Women
The Church believes that supporting women not only helps them but also their families and communities.
Still from the video Helping Displaced Families - Refugee - Bike video.
Displaced Persons
Individuals who have been forced from their homes due to conflict, natural disaster, or another emergency.

How Can I Get Involved?

Every community has vulnerable individuals or groups. Here are some ideas of how you can help those experiencing homelessness in your area.

  • Volunteer at a local evacuation center or your local Red Cross or Red Crescent office.
  • Sponsor a family seeking refuge in your area.
  • Talk to your neighbors about the needs of those experiencing homelessness in your community.

See What the Church Did in 2023

Did you know that in 2023 alone, the Church contributed to 374 projects serving the homeless? To learn more, read the 2023 Summary on Caring for Those in Need.
Efforts to Support Housing Needs in 2023