Homeless shelters provide a safe place to sleep for folks who don't have anywhere to go and can't afford to stay at a hotel. Since most people struggling with homelessness have little to no money, it's understandable the first question they'd ask is whether the shelter will charge them to stay. Generally, shelters are free but there are some cases where you may be required to pay.
You Enter a Rehousing Program
Many shelters have programs designed to help homeless people transition into permanent housing. While these programs use a variety of resources to get people back on their feet, they sometimes require applicants pay a weekly or monthly fee as one of the requirements for participating.
The fee charged typically has several purposes, which vary depending on the shelter and the program. Primarily, since people in the program will be required to pay rent to their landlords once they get into a place, the fee acts as a training device to get folks used to making payments so they avoid getting evicted and becoming homeless again.
In some cases, the money collected is either returned to the payer at the end of their stay in the facility or used to help them acquire housing. For instance, the shelter may charge a family $200 per month but take all the money collected and use it to put a deposit on an apartment.
Regardless of how the money is used, it's important to make sure you understand what you're paying for to avoid wasting cash better spent on other necessities. Request a printout of fees and ask as many questions as you need to determine where the money is going and whether the program will ultimately help you achieve your long-term goals.
You Take Part in a Meal Program
Another reason you may be asked to pay at a homeless shelter is if you choose to eat meals at the facility. If the shelter is not funded by the government, it typically depends on food and monetary donations to sustain itself. Unfortunately, there are times when there just isn't enough cash or food coming in and the shelter must tap other resources to pay for the things it needs for its clients.
Thus, the shelter may let you sleep at the facility for free but ask that you pay for the meals you eat there to help curb food costs. On the plus side, shelters tend to charge such nominal amounts for the meals that it's possible to get breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the price of a combo at a fast-food place.
For more information about staying at a homeless shelter, contact a facility like The Gathering Place in your area.
