How Do You Tackle World Homelessness? One City At a Time

As a nonprofit and relief organization working with homeless populations, we’re excited to share some exciting news about our expanded reach in Houston!

So, just what does homelessness look like today? Here are a few facts and figures to help put things in perspective.

The United Nations conducted a worldwide survey in 2005 and estimated that approximately 100 million people were homeless worldwide.

In a 2019 count, it is estimated approximately seventeen out of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness, amounting to 568,000 individuals.

In Texas, approximately 25,000 Texans are experiencing homelessness.

In Houston, the 2020 Point-in-Time Homeless Count & Survey indicated that nearly 4,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness on any given night.

We are incredibly passionate about empowering people to build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities— including those without a place to call “home.” For years, this has meant supporting Veterans experiencing homelessness throughout Texas. And now we are able to expand our reach to a more general homeless population in Houston! Endeavors was recently selected as a Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) service provider and awarded over $2 million by the City of Houston as part of the Community COVID Housing Program to support individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What will we do?

Thanks to this generous grant, we will be able to offer case management, rapid rehousing, and temporary financial assistance for 200 clients who have been impacted by COVID! This work is especially important because of the pandemic. Due to underlying health conditions and a lack of access to facilities, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to COVID-19 and at higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms. We hope that this work will help keep folks safe and healthy, and housed. "We must take care of the most vulnerable among us during this time," said Annie Erickson, Endeavors Senior Director of Veteran and Community Based Services.

How can you help?

For individuals seeking to help and spread awareness, you can make a donation or follow our social media accounts to share and spread the word. If you’re a local property manager in Houston and would like to participate in our rapid rehousing program, contact Ashlie Young, Manager of Landlord Engagement, at ayoung@homelesshouston.org or call the "landlord hotline" at 832-531-6051. To learn more information about the program, visit www.homelesshouston.org/CCHP. Homeless individuals looking for assistance can contact Endeavors at txhousing@endeavors.org. About Endeavors Endeavors, a San Antonio based nonprofit, is a longstanding national nonprofit agency that provides various programs and services supporting children, families, Veterans, and those struggling with mental illness, disabilities, disasters, or emergencies. Endeavors has served vulnerable people in need since 1969 through personalized services. For more information, please visit www.endeavors.org.