🏠 580,000+ Americans experience homelessness tonight. One Level Up Foundation is fighting back. You are not alone.

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One Level Up Foundation  ·  Serving Underserved Communities

No One Should Sleep
Without a Home.

Wraparound support for homeless individuals — advocacy,
financial literacy, housing, and digital empowerment.

Our Three Pillars

Dignity
Get Help Now
Stability
Find Grants
Opportunity
Free Training
 
Donate
580K+
Americans homeless tonight
40%
of homeless are families
$0
cost to access our resources
1 in 5
homeless adults have mental illness
4.2M
youth homeless annually
Today's Word
Community & Service
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Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
— Galatians 6:2
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Carry each other's burdens, and in this wa...
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💬

Who We Serve

Homelessness Has Many Faces

Every story is different. Every person deserves dignity. Select a population below to explore resources and how we help.

Elderly homeless senior
🧓
48%
Seniors — The Fastest Growing Homeless Population
Nearly half of all homeless individuals are over 50. Fixed incomes, rising rents, and health crises push seniors to the streets — often after a lifetime of hard work.
Click to explore resources →
Person experiencing homelessness and mental health crisis
🧠
30%
Mental Health — When the Mind Has No Safe Place to Rest
30% of homeless individuals live with serious mental illness. 57% have never received treatment. Homelessness and mental health are inseparable crises.
Click to explore resources →
Homeless family
👨‍👩‍👧
40%
Families — No Child Should Wonder Where They Will Sleep
40% of homeless are families with children. 84% are led by single mothers. Job loss, domestic violence, and the housing crisis push entire families into shelters and onto the streets.
Click to explore resources →
Homeless youth
👦
4.2M
Minors & Youth — Our Children Are Sleeping Outside
4.2 million young people experience homelessness every year. Most are invisible — couch surfing, hiding, surviving alone. 40% have aged out of foster care with nowhere to go.
Click to explore resources →

Senior Homelessness

The Fastest Growing Homeless Population

Adults over 50 now make up nearly half of all homeless individuals in the US. Fixed incomes, rising rents, and health crises push seniors to the streets at alarming rates.

Over age 50
48%
Live alone
62%
Have disability
74%
On fixed income
81%
Section 8 / HCV Program
Housing Choice Voucher — priority for seniors 62+
Apply →
SSI / Social Security Benefits
Supplemental income for elderly individuals in need
Learn →
NJ PAAD Program
NJ Prescription Assistance for seniors on fixed income
Apply →
Elder Care Locator (HHS)
National resource to find local senior services
Find →
NJ Area Agency on Aging
County-level services, meals, transportation, housing
Connect →

Mental Health & Homelessness

When the Mind Has No Safe Place to Rest

Mental illness is both a cause and consequence of homelessness. Without stable housing, managing mental health becomes nearly impossible — and without support, housing cannot be maintained.

Have mental illness
30%
Substance use disorder
26%
Never received treatment
57%
Experienced trauma
87%
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 — free, confidential, 24/7
Call →
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free mental health & substance use treatment referrals
Find Help →
PATH Program (NJ)
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness
Apply →
NJ Mental Health Cares
NJ hotline connecting to local mental health services
Connect →
HUD-VASH (Veterans)
Housing + clinical support for homeless veterans
Learn →

Family Homelessness

Families Deserve More Than Survival

Families with children are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. Job loss, domestic violence, and the affordable housing crisis push entire families into shelters, cars, and motels.

Families with children
40%
Single mothers
84%
Fled domestic violence
50%
Children miss school
75%
Emergency Family Shelter — NJ 211
Dial 211 — NJ statewide family shelter locator
Call 211 →
Family Unification Program (HUD)
Housing vouchers for families at risk of child separation
Apply →
SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)
Federal nutrition assistance for low-income families
Apply →
TANF — NJ WorkFirst
Temporary cash assistance for families in crisis
Learn →
DV Hotline — Safe Housing
National domestic violence hotline — safe housing resources
Get Help →

Youth & Minors

Our Children Are Sleeping Outside

Youth homelessness is largely hidden. Young people couch surf, sleep in cars, and avoid shelters out of fear. Many aged out of foster care with nowhere to go. LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately represented.

Aged out of foster care
40%
LGBTQ+ youth
40%
Experienced abuse
46%
Dropped out of school
75%
National Runaway Safeline
1-800-RUNAWAY — 24/7 crisis support for youth
Call →
RHY Program (HHS)
Runaway & Homeless Youth federal grants & shelters
Find Shelter →
NJ Youth Continuum
NJ-based youth homeless shelters and transition services
Connect →
McKinney-Vento School Rights
Homeless youth have the right to stay enrolled in school
Learn →
True Colors United
Resources specifically for LGBTQ+ homeless youth
Get Help →

Our Programs

How We Lift Communities

Four pillars — advocacy, financial literacy, housing navigation, and AI-powered digital communications.

Community Advocacy

We fight at the policy level for housing rights, anti-discrimination protections, and funding for homeless services. Your voice amplified — at city hall, in Trenton, and in Washington.

Advocacy
💚
Financial Literacy via AI

AI-powered workshops on budgeting, credit repair, banking access, and benefits navigation. We help individuals understand their financial rights and build a foundation for stability.

Financial Empowerment
🏠
Housing Navigation

From Section 8 applications to emergency shelter placement, our trained navigators walk alongside individuals through every step of the housing process — no one navigates alone.

Housing
📡
AI Digital Communications

We bridge the digital divide — teaching homeless individuals how to use AI tools, access online resources, apply for benefits digitally, and navigate modern systems.

Digital Equity

Grant Hub

Funding Opportunities
for Those We Serve

We curate and update grant opportunities for homeless individuals, families, nonprofits, and community organizations. Financial help exists — we help you find it and apply.

💰
$2M+
in grants tracked & updated
Federal — Housing
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
Federal rental assistance for very low-income individuals and families. Priority given to elderly, disabled, and homeless applicants.
Up to 100% rent subsidy
📅 Open enrollment varies by county
Apply via HUD →
Federal — Emergency
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
Funds emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and HMIS data systems for nonprofits.
$50K – $500K
📅 Annual — contact your state DCA
Learn More →
Federal — Continuum
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC)
The largest federal grant for homeless services — funds transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing programs.
$100K – $2M+
📅 Annual NOFA — typically summer
Apply →
NJ State — Housing
NJ Affordable Housing Trust Fund
State-level funding for affordable housing development and preservation in New Jersey communities.
Varies by project
📅 Rolling applications
Apply via NJHMFA →
Foundation — Social Services
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Major foundation funding health equity, housing, and community-based programs addressing root causes of poverty.
$25K – $500K
📅 Multiple cycles annually
Apply →
Federal — Youth
Runaway & Homeless Youth (RHY)
HHS grants for organizations providing basic center shelter, transitional living, and street outreach to homeless youth under 21.
$75K – $200K
📅 Annual NOFA
Apply →

Training & Education

Knowledge Is the First Step Up

Free training powered by AI and digital communications — for anyone who wants to understand the system, navigate it, and rise above it.

🏠
01
Section 8 & Housing 101

Step-by-step guide to understanding, applying for, and navigating Section 8 and federal housing programs.

  • How Section 8 waitlists work
  • What documents you need
  • How to appeal a denial
  • Local housing authority resources
💵
02
Financial Literacy for Stability

AI-powered financial literacy — from opening a bank account to building credit from zero.

  • Opening a bank account without credit
  • Credit building from scratch
  • Budgeting on a fixed income
  • Benefits cliff navigation
📡
03
AI & Digital Skills

Bridge the digital divide — use AI tools and digital platforms to find housing, apply for benefits, and access opportunities.

  • Using AI to find resources
  • Applying for benefits online
  • Digital communication basics
  • Online job applications
📋
04
Grant Navigation & Advocacy

For community leaders and nonprofit founders — find, apply for, and manage grants for homeless services.

  • Finding the right grants
  • Writing a winning narrative
  • Grant reporting basics
  • Building funder relationships
Sign Up for Free Training

Get Help

You Deserve More Than
Where You Are Right Now

No judgment. No barriers. Whether you need emergency shelter, housing assistance, financial guidance, or just someone to talk to — we are here.

Free Download · Vol. 1, Issue 1

Roots of Resilience

Community Survival Resource Guide 2026 — NJ · Tidewater VA · Charlotte NC

Roots of Resilience: Community Survival Resource Guide 2026 — Volume 1, Issue 1 ⬇️ Download (PDF)

Water · Clothing · Food · Phone & Internet · Shelter · Transportation · ID & Documents · Legal Aid · Mental Health · Emergency Contacts

Browse all 12 topics online →

Free · Printable · Shareable — It May Save a Life

🏠 Need Housing Help?

Our housing navigators walk you through every option — Section 8, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and more. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Request Housing Help

💚 Need Financial Guidance?

From benefits applications to credit building, our financial literacy coaches will help you understand your options and take the next step toward stability.

Get Financial Help
🔜 Coming Soon

🧠 Crisis Hotline

Our dedicated One Level Up crisis hotline is launching soon — direct connection to trained counselors who understand homelessness and mental health. Until then, call 988 for immediate crisis support.

Call 988 Now
🔜 Coming Soon

📡 Digital Access Program

Our digital equity program — providing devices, WiFi hotspots, and AI literacy training to homeless individuals — is launching soon. Register your interest and we will reach out when we go live.

📧 info@onelevelupfoundation.com  ·  🌐 onelevelupfoundation.org

Free Community Resource · Volume 1, Issue 1

Roots of Resilience

A practical guide to survival today — clean water, shelter, food, mental health support, legal aid, transportation, and more. Free to read online, print, or share with someone who needs it.

New Jersey · Tidewater Virginia · North Carolina

12 Topics. One Guide.

Tap any topic to read it online, or download just that page as a printable flyer.

💧

Water

Finding Clean Water

🧥

Free Coats

Finding Free Coats & Warm Clothing

📱

Phone & Connectivity

Staying Connected

🌿

Safe Plants

Edible & Medicinal Plants for Survival

🍎

Food

Finding Food Resources

🏠

Shelter

Finding Safe Shelter

💜

Mental Health

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

🪪

ID & Documents

Replacing Lost Identification

🚌

Transportation

Getting Around Without a Car

🧼

Hygiene

Staying Clean & Healthy

Legal Aid

Free & Low-Cost Legal Help

🤝

Community Resources

Connecting with Your Community

If you need help right now

211Local Resources
988Crisis Lifeline
911Emergency
1-800-799-7233Domestic Violence
1-877-424-3838Veterans Homeless Hotline
💧

Water

Finding Clean Water

Public Sources

  • Parks with drinking fountains (check city maps)
  • Libraries and community centers
  • Churches and faith-based organizations
  • Gas stations (ask politely)

Water Safety Tips

  • Always use clear, odorless water when possible
  • Boil water for 1 minute if unsure of safety
  • Avoid stagnant water sources
  • Store water in clean containers with lids

Free Water Distribution

  • Check local food banks for bottled water
  • Community events often provide water
  • Some fire stations offer water refills
🧥

Free Coats

Finding Free Coats & Warm Clothing

Distribution Sites

  • Salvation Army locations
  • Goodwill stores (free voucher programs)
  • Church coat drives (seasonal, Oct-Feb)
  • Community action agencies
  • School district family resource centers

Tips for Getting Coats

  • Call 211 for local coat drive schedules
  • Visit shelters during intake hours
  • Check social media for pop-up giveaways
  • Ask at food pantries — many also have clothing

Keeping Warm Without a Coat

  • Layer multiple thin items (more effective than one thick layer)
  • Newspaper insulation inside clothing
  • Cover extremities first (head, hands, feet)
  • Use emergency mylar blankets (free at shelters)
📱

Phone & Connectivity

Staying Connected

Free Phone Charging

  • Public libraries (during open hours)
  • Shopping malls and airports
  • Community centers and shelters
  • Some fast food restaurants
  • Hospital waiting areas

Free Wi-Fi Locations

  • Libraries (most reliable)
  • McDonald's, Starbucks, Burger King
  • Parks with city Wi-Fi programs
  • Shelters and day centers
  • Some churches and community orgs

Free Phone Programs

  • Lifeline (government program — apply at checklifeline.org)
  • Assurance Wireless
  • SafeLink Wireless
  • Contact 211 for local options

Tips

  • Keep phone in low power mode to extend battery
  • Download offline maps when you have Wi-Fi
  • Save important numbers on paper as backup
🌿

Safe Plants

Edible & Medicinal Plants for Survival

Common Edible Plants

  • Dandelion (entire plant is edible — leaves, roots, flowers)
  • Clover (flowers and leaves — high in protein)
  • Plantain (broad leaf variety — anti-inflammatory)
  • Chickweed (mild flavor, good in salads)
  • Wood sorrel (lemony taste, high in vitamin C)

Medicinal Uses

  • Plantain leaves: chew and apply to insect bites/stings
  • Dandelion root tea: digestive aid
  • Clover tea: respiratory support
  • Yarrow: stops bleeding when applied to wounds

Safety Rules

  • NEVER eat a plant you cannot 100% identify
  • Avoid plants near roads (chemical runoff)
  • Avoid plants sprayed with pesticides
  • When in doubt, DO NOT eat it
  • Start with small amounts to test for reactions
🍎

Food

Finding Food Resources

Food Pantries & Banks

  • Call 211 for nearest food pantry
  • Feeding America network (feedingamerica.org)
  • Local church pantries (often no ID required)
  • Salvation Army meal programs
  • Community fridges (free, no questions asked)

Meal Programs

  • Soup kitchens (breakfast & dinner most common)
  • Shelter meal times (even if not staying overnight)
  • Senior centers (60+ can eat free)
  • After-school programs (youth under 18)

Government Assistance

  • SNAP/Food Stamps (apply at local DSS office)
  • WIC (women, infants, children)
  • Free school meals (children qualify automatically in some districts)

Foraging Tips

  • See Safe Plants section (Page 4)
  • Fruit trees in public spaces are often free
  • Community gardens may share surplus
🏠

Shelter

Finding Safe Shelter

Emergency Shelters

  • Call 211 for nearest available shelter
  • Salvation Army emergency housing
  • Gospel Mission shelters
  • Domestic violence shelters (National Hotline: 1-800-799-7233)
  • FEMA disaster shelters (during emergencies)

Transitional Housing

  • Contact local Housing Authority
  • HUD-approved housing counselors
  • Rapid Re-Housing programs (through CoC)
  • Veterans: call VA homeless hotline 1-877-424-3838

Staying Safe Outdoors

  • Find sheltered areas (bridges, awnings, parking garages)
  • Stay in groups when possible
  • Keep belongings close and secured
  • Avoid isolated areas at night
  • Know your rights: sleeping bans vary by city

Long-Term Solutions

  • Section 8 vouchers (long waitlists — apply early)
  • Public housing applications
  • Habitat for Humanity programs
💜

Mental Health

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Crisis Lines

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
  • Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
  • SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7)
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1

Free/Low-Cost Counseling

  • Community mental health centers (sliding scale)
  • NAMI support groups (free, peer-led)
  • Open Path Collective (sessions $30–$80)
  • University training clinics (very low cost)
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers

Self-Care Strategies

  • Maintain a routine even without stable housing
  • Stay connected to others (isolation worsens symptoms)
  • Exercise: walking is free and proven to help
  • Limit alcohol/substances (they worsen depression)
  • Practice grounding: 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you touch

Substance Use Help

  • AA/NA meetings (free, everywhere)
  • SAMHSA treatment locator: findtreatment.gov
  • Many programs accept uninsured individuals
🪪

ID & Documents

Replacing Lost Identification

Birth Certificate

  • Contact vital records office in your birth state
  • Many states offer fee waivers for homeless individuals
  • Shelters and legal aid can help with applications
  • Cost: typically $10–$30 (ask about waivers)

Social Security Card

  • Visit ssa.gov or local SSA office
  • Free replacement (up to 3 per year)
  • Need one form of ID or two alternative documents
  • Shelters can provide address for mailing

State ID / Driver's License

  • Visit local DMV
  • Some states offer free IDs for homeless individuals
  • Need birth certificate + SSN + proof of address
  • Shelters can provide address verification letters

Veterans DD-214

  • Request at archives.gov/veterans
  • Free for veterans
  • VA can help with the process

Tips

  • Start with birth certificate (needed for everything else)
  • Ask 211 about local ID restoration programs
  • Legal aid organizations often help for free
🚌

Transportation

Getting Around Without a Car

Free & Reduced Transit

  • Many cities offer reduced fare for low-income riders
  • Medicaid covers rides to medical appointments
  • Veterans: DAV free ride program
  • Some shelters provide bus tokens
  • 211 can connect you to ride programs

Bike Programs

  • Community bike shops (free/low-cost bikes)
  • Bike share programs (some offer low-income passes)
  • Donated bikes through shelters and churches

Walking Safety

  • Wear reflective clothing at night
  • Plan routes near well-lit areas
  • Know locations of rest stops and water
  • Carry a charged phone when possible

Long-Distance Travel

  • Greyhound offers discounts for certain programs
  • Salvation Army emergency travel assistance
  • Some churches help with emergency travel
  • Amtrak occasionally offers social service fares

Medical Transportation

  • Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
  • Call your insurance for ride coordination
  • Hospital social workers can arrange rides
🧼

Hygiene

Staying Clean & Healthy

Free Showers

  • Homeless shelters (many allow non-residents to shower)
  • YMCA/YWCA (ask about free day passes)
  • Truck stops (some offer free showers with purchase)
  • Public pools and recreation centers
  • Beach showers (seasonal)

Hygiene Kits

  • Shelters often distribute free kits
  • Churches and food pantries
  • Period supplies: call 211 or visit local health dept
  • Diaper banks for families with children

Laundry

  • Laundry Love events (free laundry nights)
  • Shelters with laundry facilities
  • Some churches offer free laundry days
  • Laundromats near shelters may offer discounts

Dental & Medical Hygiene

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (sliding scale)
  • Dental schools offer free/low-cost cleanings
  • Remote Area Medical (RAM) free clinics
  • Health department STI testing (free)

Tips

  • Baby wipes for quick clean-ups between showers
  • Baking soda works as deodorant and toothpaste
  • Keep feet dry to prevent infections
🤝

Community Resources

Connecting with Your Community

Key Hotlines & Numbers

  • 211: Local resources (housing, food, utilities, health)
  • 988: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • 911: Emergencies only
  • 311: Non-emergency city services
  • 1-800-799-7233: Domestic Violence Hotline
  • 1-877-424-3838: Veterans Homeless Hotline

Online Resources

  • findhelp.org (search by zip code)
  • needymeds.org (medication assistance)
  • benefits.gov (check eligibility for programs)
  • lawhelp.org (free legal aid by state)
  • feedingamerica.org (food bank locator)

Local Organizations

  • One Level Up Foundation (housing assistance)
  • Salvation Army (multi-service)
  • Catholic Charities (all faiths welcome)
  • United Way (community programs)
  • Goodwill (job training & employment)

How to Stay Connected

  • Library cards are free (internet, books, programs)
  • Community centers offer free classes
  • Faith communities welcome all
  • Peer support groups (free, no judgment)

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions People
Ask Us Most

Quick answers to the questions we hear most from individuals, families, and partners across New Jersey, Tidewater Virginia, and Charlotte NC.

How do I apply for emergency housing in New Jersey?

Call or text 211, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina including Charlotte. You can also reach out to One Level Up Foundation directly at info@onelevelupfoundation.com, and our housing navigators will walk you through options including emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and Section 8.

What is the Faith Action Network?

The Faith Action Network (FAN) is a partnership between One Level Up Foundation and faith communities across New Jersey, in collaboration with Lt. Governor Dale G. Caldwell, that connects houses of worship with resources, training, and tools to support people facing housing insecurity in their local communities.

How can I donate to One Level Up Foundation?

You can donate to One Level Up Foundation, Inc. at givebutter.com/onelevelup. Your gift directly funds housing navigation, free resource guides, digital training workshops, and community programs serving individuals, families, and veterans in New Jersey, Tidewater Virginia, and Charlotte NC.

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