How You Can Help

There are many ways to support our community members who are experiencing homelessness. Below we have included a handful of ideas, but we encourage you to explore on your own as well.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a wonderful way to get to know your community and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors. Here are just a few ideas.

Donate

Organizations like the ones listed above, rely –at least in part –on donations from individuals and businesses. You can donate money, food, or other helpful items identified by the organization.

Share Resources

Familiarize yourself with the resources available for people who are experiencing homelessness or hardship and pass them on. You can find a list of resources here.

Learn about the Root Causes of Homelessness

Poverty and homelessness have complex and varied roots. Here are some great resources for learning more:

• Take the Next Step: This local organization provides a wealth of information about poverty in Snohomish County and around the nation. The data may surprise you.
• The National Alliance to End Homelessness: This national nonprofit hosts a website that is full of useful information and data.
• Poverty 101: This interactive training hosted by the Everett Gospel Mission will help you better understand the unique challenges of long-term poverty.
• The HART Report: The Housing Authority Regional Taskforce (HART) published a report and action plan in 2020 about affordable housing in Snohomish County.

Advocate for Change

As you learn more about the root causes of poverty and homelessness, look for ways that you can influence your elected officials and other decision-makers to address systemic problems.