Learn more about how to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness before, during, and after a disaster.

People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable during disasters. In a disaster, people who are experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience aggravation of existing mental illness, withdrawal from substances, and inability to evacuate. They may lose access to places they spent time and found safety before the disaster.

In spite of these issues, this population is often not prioritized during disaster planning and preparedness, response, and recovery. Inclusion of people experiencing homelessness and homelessness services providers in disaster planning is vital to ensuring all community members are accounted for and included in disaster response.