How to Start a Homeless Support Group Organization

If homelessness is a problem in your community, a great way to make a difference is by starting a support group. A support group offers a non-threatening way for homeless individuals to engage with others and seek information about services they may benefit from. If there are already a host of services for the homeless, the support group may be a great way to meet others in similar situations and to speak and be heard. It can help homeless individuals begin to build a sense of community and stability.

Instructions

1. Find someone willing to facilitate support group meetings. This could be a volunteer social worker, therapist, doctor, priest or anyone with experience leading group meetings. It doesn't have to be a licensed professional, but it helps.

2. Find a location. Look for churches, hospitals and community centers that already host support groups and ask if they would allow you to hold your support group there. Ask local homeless shelters and social service agencies if they have a board or meeting room you could use to hold your meetings.

3. Gather a list of resources in the area. You are not making official referrals, but providing information for anyone who may want it. This information should include mental health services, food banks, clothing banks, free clinics, shelters, case management services, homeless services agencies, subsidized housing resources, social security and other resources, such as children and family services information and drug or alcohol addiction services. Type this list up, make copies, and keep a stack of them with you to place on the table at your meetings.

4. Invite area agency representatives to your meetings to offer advice or assistance to people with questions about community resources.

5. Advertise your meeting at local agencies. Go out into the community and invite people to attend.

6. Once you have the basic structure of the meeting down, repeat this process to other areas of town or at other times of day to bring in the maximum number of people.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer something to eat. This will help people in the door. Some will not be there for what the support your group intends to offer, but many will. You can ask for donations from the community for food, or ask a church to adopt your support group and provide meals as part of their charitable fellowship.

• Avoid the temptation to try to help everyone. It really is best to allow social service agencies to do their jobs. You will never be able to help everyone, and my not have the entire set of skills and training necessary to provide the most useful assistance.

Resources

• Tips for leading a group discussion