San Jose Department of Housing - Homeless Information

You can help end homelessness in San José!

Donate money to your favorite service provider.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Educate yourself and your community on the issue of homelessness.
When you see someone who you think is homeless, don’t ignore them. Treat them as you would any other neighbor—smile and nod, acknowledge their presence and common humanity. To the person who receives your acknowledgement, you may be the only one to do so all day.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP HOMELESS RESIDENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY!

Outreach to the chronically homeless
Do you enjoy direct contact and meeting new people? Are you interested in building community and trust with the homeless? Consistency, friendliness, and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless are essential to this position. This commitment involves walking around speaking with homeless residents about their situations and ultimately connecting them with appropriate resources and referrals.

Hold a donation drive for Project Homeless Connect events
Would you like to rally your congregation, family, friends, and co-workers to accumulate and distribute basic needs items to those who need it most? Don’t have too much money to spare but want to contribute? Suggested donations include bottled water and gifts cards or new backpacks, towels, sleeping bags, blankets and hygiene items.

Help out at a local homeless shelter and/or service provider
Are you looking for an ongoing life-changing experience? We can connect you to the most appropriate opportunity whether it is preparing lunch for chronically homeless individuals, serving dinner to homeless families, tutoring a homeless child, teaching a workshop on resume writing or English as a Second Language, or providing child care, we can connect you to the right agency!

Are you ready to get involved!? We can help! Contact Kelly Hemphill at 408-975-4483 or kelly.hemphill@sanjoseca.gov.