Here’s a list of US. Goverment Agencies dedicated to addressing housing and homelessness across the United States. Keep in mind the current federal administration is making massive changes to all of these organizations and the information at their websites may become out-of-date or inaccurate any any moment. Each entry includes the organization’s name linked to its website and a brief description of its mission or services:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is the lead federal agency addressing housing and homelessness. It administers public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), homelessness assistance programs like Continuum of Care, and initiatives to expand affordable housing access.
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)
USICH coordinates the federal response to homelessness across 19 agencies, working to implement strategic plans and cross-sector collaboration to prevent and end homelessness nationwide.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS supports health and social services for people experiencing homelessness, including behavioral health, medical care, and housing support, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA funds mental health and substance use disorder services for people experiencing homelessness, including programs like Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) and the Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI).
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA’s Health Care for the Homeless program delivers primary health services to individuals experiencing homelessness, offering outreach, case management, and substance use disorder services at community health centers.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA provides housing, case management, healthcare, and income support to veterans facing homelessness through programs such as HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), and Grant and Per Diem.
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Housing Service (RHS)
RHS provides affordable housing loans, grants, and rental assistance to very low-income families in rural areas, supporting safe and sustainable housing options.
U.S. Department of Education – Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY)
EHCY ensures homeless children and youth have equal access to public education, including transportation, enrollment help, and resources to support their academic success.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL funds employment training programs tailored to people experiencing homelessness, with the goal of improving access to sustainable job opportunities and economic stability.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA provides benefits through programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which support income stability for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk.
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
ACF runs programs aimed at families and youth experiencing homelessness, such as Runaway and Homeless Youth programs and initiatives addressing family violence and early childhood services.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS administers health insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare that serve people experiencing homelessness by ensuring access to medical and behavioral healthcare services.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides emergency shelter and disaster housing assistance to individuals and families displaced by natural or human-caused disasters, including those at risk of homelessness.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
DOJ supports reentry and diversion programs that help individuals exiting incarceration access housing and services to prevent homelessness and reduce recidivism.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
DOE supports weatherization and energy assistance programs that help low-income households reduce energy costs, indirectly reducing the risk of eviction or housing instability.
U.S. Department of the Treasury
The Treasury oversees programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which provides funds to help low-income renters avoid eviction and stay housed during economic crises.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
DOT supports transit access programs that help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness reach employment, healthcare, and shelter, especially in urban and underserved areas.
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
DOI supports housing development and infrastructure in tribal communities, helping address homelessness and overcrowded living conditions among Native American populations.
U.S. Department of Commerce
Commerce administers economic development programs that strengthen local infrastructure and can influence affordable housing creation through support for community revitalization projects.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
DHS oversees shelter and housing services in emergency and disaster response, including grants to states and nonprofits that support displaced and unhoused individuals.