Resources for job seekers experiencing homelessness, recovery and re-entry

Gaps in employment history, compounded by the stigma associated with homelessness, further limit opportunities. Additionally, the daily struggle to meet immediate needs, such as food and shelter, often leaves little time or energy to focus on long-term goals like finding work. These barriers create a cycle of instability that is hard to break without targeted support and resources.

Employment plays a vital role in restoring this stability. It provides not only financial independence but also a sense of purpose and connection to the community, as well as a chance to build relationships and a support system. In this article we aim to share practical guidance and resources to help people experiencing homelessness overcome these obstacles and take that important step toward long-term stability.

Homeless individuals face significant barriers to employment that make it difficult to secure stable work. One of the primary obstacles is of course the lack of stable housing, which can not only impact the ability to maintain personal hygiene and a professional appearance but also significantly complicates job search efforts. Without a permanent address, it becomes difficult to receive important mail, such as job applications or offers.

Resources for job seekers without a permanent address

For homeless job seekers without a permanent address, a few possible solutions may be:

1. Transitional housing or shelter addresses

Many shelters or transitional housing programs allow individuals to use their addresses to receive mail. This can be a helpful option when applying for jobs, as it provides a reliable contact address.

2. General delivery address (USPS)

General Delivery is a service offered by the USPS that allows you to receive mail at a local post office even without a permanent address. You can pick up your mail at the post office for up to 30 days. To use this service, simply visit your nearest post office and request General Delivery.

3. Local libraries or community centers

Many libraries and community centers offer free access to computers, the Internet, and printers, which are essential for applying for jobs. Some libraries may even allow you to use their address to receive mail, providing a temporary solution for job applications.

4. Virtual mailbox services

Virtual mailbox services give you a digital address where your mail can be scanned and forwarded to you online. These services are particularly useful if you're moving between locations or need quick access to important documents.

5. Job search without an address

Focus on finding jobs that do not require an address on the application. Many temporary, day labor or gig-based jobs prioritize skills and availability over formal documentation, making them more accessible for those without a stable address.

Finding housing and other helpful resources 

Finding a stable shelter is a crucial first step before beginning a job search, as it provides a safe and reliable space to focus on job applications, attend interviews, and maintain personal well-being. 

The following national resources are great places to search if you need help with finding shelter, food, support, or healthcare. 

Housing assistance and shelters

HUD Local Assistance: A resource from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that helps locate local homelessness assistance programs.

HUD Housing and Homeless Assistance: Offers information and resources on housing programs and services for homeless individuals.

Find Shelter on HUD: A tool to locate emergency shelters and other homeless services in your area.

National Homeless Shelter Directory: A comprehensive list of shelters across the U.S.

Shelter Listings: A directory of shelters, food pantries, and services for people experiencing homelessness.

Transitional Housing Directory: A resource for finding transitional housing programs nationwide.

Women's Shelters: Provides a directory of shelters specifically for women, including those fleeing domestic violence.

National Health Care for the Homeless Grantee Directory: A directory of health care providers for the homeless.

Food assistance

Feeding America Food Bank Finder: Helps locate local food banks to provide meals and groceries.

Food Pantries: A resource for finding local food pantries across the U.S.

Counseling and support

National Runaway Safeline: A resource for runaway youth, offering support and a hotline for assistance.

VA Homeless Veterans National Call Center: Provides support for veterans experiencing homelessness.

National Coalition for the Homeless Need Help: A guide to various resources for people experiencing homelessness.

Pets of the Homeless: Assists homeless individuals with caring for their pets, including food and veterinary care.

General assistance and information

211: A free, confidential service that helps people find local resources and services, including housing and food.

USA.gov Finding Home: A government website providing information on housing programs and services.

Homeless Assistance Resources: A collection of resources aimed at helping homeless individuals access assistance.

Continuums of Care Database: A database providing information about local Continuums of Care programs across the U.S.

Building a resume

Creating a resume as a homeless person may feel challenging, but it’s important to focus on your skills, experience, and dedication. Even if you have gaps in your employment history, highlight any work you’ve done, whether it’s formal employment, volunteer work, or day labor. Include transferable skills like customer service, manual labor, or problem-solving that can apply to many jobs. If you've volunteered at shelters, food banks, or other community organizations, list these experiences to show your commitment and work ethic.

Employment gaps are among the largest challenges for homeless job seekers. However, it’s important to remember that gaps do not define your work ethic or abilities. When addressing employment gaps on a resume or in an interview, it’s helpful to focus on the positive things you were doing during those periods. For example, if you were volunteering at a shelter, working on personal development, or taking care of family, these experiences can be used to demonstrate important traits to potential employers.

Rather than seeing gaps as a negative, reframe them as opportunities for growth. Highlight any skills or lessons learned during the time away from the workforce. If you worked in temporary or informal positions, be sure to include those experiences, even if they were not long-term. 

Interview tips

Getting an interview is a huge accomplishment—it means the employer has already seen value in your resume and experience. This is one of the hardest parts of the job search, so take pride in making it this far! The fact that you were selected to interview shows they’re interested in you, so trust in your skills and the unique perspective you offer.

In terms of preparation, make sure you’re as presentable as possible, even if you don’t have professional clothing. Many shelters or community centers offer laundry and shower services to help you look your best. If transportation is a challenge, try to schedule the interview during times when public transit or ride-sharing services are available. Remember, the interview is your chance to show your enthusiasm for the job and your commitment to working hard, so stay positive and confident in your abilities.

Resources for houseless job seekers

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering can be a valuable way for individuals experiencing homelessness to gain work experience, develop new skills, and build their resumes. It also provides an opportunity to connect with others, create a sense of purpose, and increase confidence, all of which can be stepping stones toward finding paid employment and long-term stability.

VolunteerMatch: A popular platform that connects individuals with volunteer opportunities based on location, interests, and causes. It offers a wide range of opportunities for both in-person and virtual volunteering.

Idealist: Idealist lists volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs in nonprofit organizations. It allows you to search by location, cause, and type of work.

All for Good: A volunteer matching site that aggregates volunteer opportunities from multiple sources. It also allows you to search by location and cause.

HandsOn Network: HandsOn Network connects volunteers with local service projects. It offers a wide range of opportunities to help with community-based projects and nonprofit organizations.

Catchafire: Catchafire connects professionals with nonprofits in need of skills-based volunteers. It’s a great platform for individuals looking to use their expertise to help organizations.

Houseless-specific job search resources

CareerOneStop - Workforce Development Boards: This site provides access to local workforce development boards across the U.S., offering services such as job training, career counseling, and employment resources. These boards help individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, find support and pathways to employment, education, and training opportunities.

CareerOneStop - American Job Centers: American Job Centers (AJCs) offer free services to job seekers, including job search resources and career counseling. These centers are a great starting point for individuals seeking employment, providing tailored support to help overcome barriers to work.

Partnerships for Opening Doors Summit: The Partnerships for Opening Doors Summit, hosted by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), brings together organizations and government agencies to collaborate on strategies for ending homelessness. This initiative focuses on creating partnerships and aligning resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness in their journey toward stability.

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers a variety of programs designed to help unemployed individuals, including those facing homelessness. These programs provide job training and employment resources, as well as financial aid and emergency services to support people in need.

Rehabilitation Services Administration: The RSA provides resources and support for individuals with disabilities, including vocational rehabilitation services. The website offers a directory of state agencies that provide services such as job training, education, and career placement, helping individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and achieve independence.

Job resources for unhoused youth

JobCorps: JobCorps offers free education and vocational training for low-income youth (ages 16-24), providing them with the skills needed to secure stable employment. The program includes academic education, job training, and life skills development, as well as housing and other support services.

Youth Employment Services (YES): YES programs offer job training, internships, and employment placement services for at-risk youth, including those experiencing homelessness. These programs often provide mentorship and guidance to help young people transition into the workforce.

Covenant House – Jobs and Career Resources: Covenant House offers a range of services for homeless and at-risk youth, including job readiness training and career counseling. They also provide shelter, education, and other essential services to support youth in their journey toward self-sufficiency.

The National Runaway Safeline: While primarily focused on helping runaway and homeless youth, this organization also provides resources related to employment, education, and housing. They offer a helpline and online resources to help youth connect with job opportunities and other support services.

YouthBuild: YouthBuild offers education, job training, and leadership development to young people (ages 16-24) who are out of school and out of work. The program focuses on helping youth develop skills in construction, healthcare, and other fields, with a strong emphasis on community service and personal growth.

Resources for those in recovery

Addiction is a significant factor for many homeless individuals, often complicating their efforts to find and maintain stable employment. However, there are resources available to help those in recovery rebuild their lives and improve their chances of securing employment. These programs offer support, job readiness training, and rehabilitation services that can help individuals overcome the barriers of addiction.

Finding help for recovery

How to Find Help – National Institute on Drug Abuse: This guide from the National Institute on Drug Abuse provides step-by-step instructions for adults seeking help with drug use disorders. It includes advice on how to find treatment programs, what to expect during treatment, and how to access local resources. The guide aims to make the process of seeking help easier and more accessible for those struggling with addiction.

American Society of Addiction Medicine: ASAM offers a variety of resources for individuals seeking help with addiction. Their patient resources section provides information on understanding addiction, treatment options, and how to find qualified treatment providers. The site also offers educational materials to help patients and their families navigate the recovery process.

FindTreatment.gov: FindTreatment.gov is a government website that helps individuals find treatment services for substance use disorders. Users can search for treatment centers by location, type of care, and specific needs. The site includes a directory of providers across the U.S., offering a range of services such as inpatient and outpatient care, therapy, and detox programs.

SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a directory of treatment services for individuals facing substance use and mental health disorders. The directory allows users to search for treatment centers based on their location and specific needs, including residential treatment, outpatient services, and detox programs.

Narcotics Anonymous – Meeting Search: Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers a meeting search tool that helps individuals find local NA meetings. This platform is useful for people in recovery looking for support groups and fellowship in their area. The site allows users to search for meetings by location, day, and time, providing a valuable resource for those seeking community and recovery support.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Find a Meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous offers a network of support groups for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. The website includes a search tool to find local AA meetings, both in-person and virtual. AA's 12-step program is widely used and provides a community of individuals who support each other through recovery.

SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery is a science-based program that helps individuals recover from addiction through self-empowerment and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The website offers information on meetings, online resources, and tools for managing addiction. SMART Recovery is an alternative to 12-step programs and focuses on personal responsibility and evidence-based methods.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment Resources: NIDA provides comprehensive resources on treatment options for substance use disorders. The site includes information on different types of treatment, how to access help and research-backed approaches to recovery. NIDA's resources also cover how to handle co-occurring mental health issues and the latest advancements in addiction treatment.

Employment resources for those in recovery

Clean Comeback: Clean Comeback supports individuals in recovery by connecting job seekers with second-chance employers and provides ongoing mentorship to help maintain recovery while re-entering the workforce.

CareerOneStop – Addiction Recovery Support: This resource from CareerOneStop provides support for individuals in recovery, offering information on job training, career counseling, and job search tools tailored to those overcoming addiction. It connects users with local services and programs designed to help them re-enter the workforce and maintain long-term recovery.

Resources for re-entry

Many individuals experiencing homelessness often face additional challenges, such as having criminal records or being in the process of re-entering society after incarceration. However, there are numerous resources available to assist these individuals in overcoming these challenges. This collection of helpful resources offers support ranging from housing assistance and job training to legal aid and healthcare, helping them rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

National HIRE Network: The National HIRE Network works to improve employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records by advocating for policy reform and providing resources for job training, employer engagement, and legal support. It aims to reduce barriers to employment for those reentering society after incarceration.

2nd Chances 4 Felons: 2nd Chances 4 Felons provides a platform that helps individuals with felony convictions access job listings, housing opportunities, and support networks. The site focuses on creating pathways to employment and self-sufficiency for those with criminal records.

Felony Record Hub: Felony Record Hub connects individuals with felony convictions to resources that help them find felony-friendly employers, housing, and educational opportunities. It aims to reduce the barriers faced by those with criminal records in securing stable employment and housing.

Jails to Jobs: Jails to Jobs offers practical tools and guidance for individuals transitioning from incarceration to employment.

CCRC: 50-State Comparison: The Collateral Consequences Resource Center provides a 50-state comparison of policies related to criminal records in licensing and employment. This resource helps individuals understand how their criminal history may affect their ability to obtain professional licenses or secure employment in different states.

Women’s Prison Association: The Women’s Prison Association supports women affected by incarceration through programs that offer job training, housing assistance, and other services. Its focus is on empowering women to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into society. Clean Slate Clearinghouse: The Clean Slate Clearinghouse helps individuals clear their criminal records by providing information and resources on expungement and sealing. This process helps remove barriers to employment and housing, improving opportunities for those with criminal histories.

CareerOneStop Reentry Programs: CareerOneStop offers a directory of reentry programs across the U.S., connecting individuals with job training, employment assistance, and other support services. This resource helps people transitioning from incarceration find the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into the workforce.

Workforce GPS Reentry Employment Opportunities: Workforce GPS offers resources and training for workforce development professionals and individuals seeking employment after incarceration. It provides tools for connecting individuals with job opportunities, skills training, and other services to support successful reentry.

Federal Bonding Program: The Federal Bonding Program encourages employers to hire individuals with criminal records by offering free bonding services. This program helps mitigate risks for employers and creates more job opportunities for people with criminal histories.

National Reentry Resource Center: The National Reentry Resource Center provides a wealth of resources and guidance to support individuals transitioning from incarceration. It focuses on employment, education, and reducing recidivism, offering tools and best practices for reentry programs.

Youth.gov Juvenile Justice Reentry: Youth.gov offers resources for young people transitioning from juvenile justice systems, focusing on education, employment, and community support to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration into society.

GEO Reentry Connect: GEO Reentry Connect connects individuals reentering society after incarceration with community-based resources. These include job training, housing assistance, and other services designed to support successful reintegration and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.