A Toolkit for the Homeless / Impoverished

Introduction

Homelessness and poverty are critical social issues that affect millions of people around the world. Individuals who experience homelessness live without stable, safe, or adequate housing, while those living in poverty often struggle to meet their basic daily needs such as food, healthcare, transportation, and education. These challenges are not just financial. They are also deeply tied to social, psychological, and structural factors. People facing these circumstances may encounter significant barriers that make it difficult to achieve stability or access the resources needed to improve their quality of life.

There are many reasons why a person might become homeless or live in poverty. Factors such as job loss, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and a lack of affordable housing can all contribute to housing insecurity. Systemic issues, including racial and economic inequality, also play a major role. Certain groups such as children, veterans, single-parent families, and people with disabilities, are particularly vulnerable to experiencing homelessness and poverty.

One of the most pressing challenges for this population is access to information. Without consistent housing or financial resources, it can be extremely difficult to find out where to go for help or how to qualify for assistance. The information needs of homeless and impoverished individuals are broad and deeply connected to their daily survival and long-term well-being.

First, they need access to information about basic services, such as where to find shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, and hygiene facilities. Knowing where to get a meal or find a safe place to sleep can be a matter of life and death. Access to healthcare is another critical area. Many people in poverty or without homes do not have health insurance or regular medical providers. They need information on where to receive free or low-cost medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment. Managing chronic illnesses or accessing prescription medications can also be especially difficult without guidance and support.

Employment opportunities and job training are essential for individuals trying to regain financial stability. However, many people in these situations lack access to job listings or do not have the documentation needed to apply for work. Understanding how to obtain identification, prepare a resume, or join workforce development programs is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Legal information is another major need. Many homeless individuals face legal challenges, such as eviction, outstanding fines, or barriers to receiving public benefits. Knowing their rights and having access to legal aid can help them protect themselves and navigate complex systems. Similarly, educational opportunities, such as GED programs or adult education classes, can provide a path to better employment and greater stability. Youth who experience homelessness may also need special support services to stay in school and access resources.

In the modern world, access to technology is also vital. Without a phone, internet connection, or mailing address, it can be extremely difficult to communicate with service providers, apply for jobs, or stay informed. Libraries and community centers that offer Wi-Fi, computer access, and charging stations can play a crucial role in bridging this gap.

In conclusion, individuals who are homeless or living in poverty have diverse and urgent information needs. Meeting these needs is about more than simply providing services—it’s about ensuring people have the knowledge and tools to access them. Clear, accurate, and accessible information can empower individuals to make informed choices, connect with resources, and take steps toward a more stable and healthy life. Addressing these needs is not only a matter of human dignity, but also a critical part of building stronger, more equitable communities.

Resources

1) Harrison House of Hope:

This day center serves as a vital support system for individuals who are homeless, near-homeless, or unemployed. Its mission is to help clients achieve self-sufficiency through personalized care and a range of supportive services. The center provides essential resources such as food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and laundry facilities. It also offers assistance with obtaining identification, finding employment, developing life skills, case management, and securing housing. In addition, House of Hope makes telephones, computers, transportation, and a mailing address available to those in need. On the "Contact Us" page of their website, visitors will find a photo of the building’s exterior and a satellite map showing the facility’s location, both of which are helpful tools for anyone unfamiliar with the area.

2) Hope Cottages:

Hope Cottages is a compassionate organization dedicated to helping homeless and struggling mothers achieve stability and self-sufficiency. They provide shelter, life skills training, cooking and sewing classes, and emotional support to women and their children in crisis. The staff helps to create personalized action plans to equip mothers with the tools needed for independent living. The website highlights volunteer opportunities, success stories, and ways the community can donate or get involved, making it a useful resource for learning and support.

3) Harrison Housing Authority:

The Harrison Housing Authority serves low-income families and individuals within the city limits of Harrison, Arkansas and up to 15 miles outside the city limits. They provide rental assistance through programs such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and manage affordable housing units. Their goal is to help residents find safe, affordable places to live. The website is useful for accessing housing applications, learning about eligibility requirements, and contacting staff for assistance. It also provides details about their office hours and the housing units that are located in historic downtown Harrison.

4) The Salvation Army Boone and Newton Counties (Harrison) Service Unit:

This local division of the Salvation Army contains two services: casework services and emergency financial assistance. One predominant example of financial assistance they provide is the Utilities Assistance Program. It helps individuals and families struggling to pay their utility bills, aiming to prevent shutoffs and maintain safe living conditions. They serve low-income households, and the program provides financial aid for essential services like electricity, gas, and water. The website is especially useful because it allows users to easily find local Salvation Army offices, check eligibility requirements, and start the assistance application process.

5) Area Agency on Aging of NW Arkansas:

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas provides housing services to support older adults and individuals with disabilities who are facing housing instability or homelessness. They serve seniors aged 60 and older, as well as younger adults with disabilities. Their programs include emergency housing assistance, home repairs, and help finding safe, affordable housing. The website is especially useful because it outlines available services, eligibility criteria, and provides direct contact information for case managers who can assist with housing needs.

6) Sanctuary, Inc.:

Sanctuary, Inc. is an organization based in Harrison, Arkansas, that provides emergency shelter and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence. They provide safety, advocacy, and assistance to help rebuild their lives. Their services include 24/7 crisis intervention, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, outreach services, order of protection assistance, and education. The "Get Help" page on their website is especially useful because it explains how to quickly access emergency assistance, outlines available services, and provides a confidential hotline number for immediate support that even responds to text messages.

7) National Alliance to End Homelessness:

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. They serve individuals, families, veterans, and youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. While the Alliance does not provide direct services, their website offers guidance on how to find local shelters, housing programs, and other immediate resources. The page is particularly useful because it directs users to nearby help through Continuum of Care programs and explains how to access emergency support.

8) Ozark Share and Care:

Ozark Share and Care is a nonprofit organization serving low-income individuals and families in Boone, Carroll, and Newton counties in Arkansas. They provide essential assistance, including food, clothing, household goods, and limited financial aid for utilities and rent. Their goal is to help meet immediate basic needs and support those facing crisis situations. The website is especially useful because it offers information on available services, locations of their thrift stores, how to apply for assistance, and ways the community can donate or volunteer.

9) Loaves & Fishes Food Bank:

Loaves & Fishes Food Bank is a nonprofit organization located in Berryville, Arkansas, dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. They serve low-income residents of Boone County by distributing groceries and pantry staples to help reduce hunger in the community. The organization also offers emergency food boxes for those in urgent need. The website is useful because it provides information on distribution times, donation opportunities, volunteer options, and updates on special food drives and community events.

10) Boone County Special Services:

BCSS is a nonprofit organization in Harrison, Arkansas, that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They offer programs that support independent living, job training, social skills development, and community integration. Although not exclusively focused on homelessness, BCSS helps clients access stable housing and supportive services as part of promoting long-term self-sufficiency. The website is useful because it details available programs, eligibility requirements, referral information, and ways to contact case managers for personalized assistance.

11) Camp Jack:

The Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center, also known as Camp Jack, is located in Harrison, Arkansas. Veterans can receive assistance with military disability claims, apply for short-term or specific financial aid, and learn about the local Veterans Affairs Medical facility. The center also offers access to a food and clothing pantry, as well as support for applying for handicapped ramps, doorways, and other ADA-compliant accommodations. The website is useful because it offers a chat option to answer direct questions from people in need.

12) U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs Homeless Program:

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides free, confidential, 24/7 support to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The services are accessible via phone or online chat. The center connects veterans, their families, and service providers with trained VA counselors. These counselors offer information on local VA homeless programs, healthcare, and other services. The website also features tools to locate nearby VA Medical Centers and access additional resources through the VA’s National Resource Directory.

13) U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development Resource Locator:

​The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers an online tool to help individuals in Harrison, Arkansas find local emergency shelters and housing resources. By entering a ZIP code, people can access shelter details, including contact information, services, and eligibility. This resource helps those facing homelessness to connect with available services, and provides information on housing assistance programs like the Continuum of Care (CoC) to support long-term housing solutions. A useful item on the page is a directions feature that gives driving directions to the resource.

14) U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services:

The HHS website serves as a valuable resource hub for individuals experiencing homelessness. The website connects users to a range of services, including the Homeless and Housing Resource Center, which offers training for professionals in housing stability and recovery. It also features the National Runaway Safeline for at-risk youth, and tools to locate Family and Youth Services Bureau shelters and Health Care for the Homeless programs, all aimed at providing immediate and long-term support.

15) U.S. Dept of Labor:

The DOL website offers resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and the service providers who assist them. The website features information on the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), which provides job training, placement, and supportive services to homeless veterans. It also offers guidance for organizations seeking grants to support employment services for homeless populations. Additionally, the site connects users to mainstream labor programs and provides tools for locating local employment and training services.