Business ideas to help the homeless include homeless shelters, mobile shower services, street food vendors, recycling businesses, and landscaping/cleaning services.
Homelessness is a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting millions of individuals. To tackle this problem, innovative and effective solutions are needed.
In this blog post, we will explore business ideas that can help the homeless population, providing not only basic amenities but also job opportunities and a path toward self-sufficiency.
Idea 1: Homeless Shelter Business

A homeless shelter business provides temporary accommodation, food, clothing, and other basic amenities to individuals who are without a home.
The business model can also include collaboration with local authorities and other organizations to provide medical care, job training, and other support services to help them transition back to a self-sufficient life.
How this Business idea Will Help the Homeless
Homeless shelters provide a safe and stable environment for individuals who may not have a place to go.
It can also provide them with access to food, shelter, and basic amenities such as clothing and hygiene products.
Additionally, homeless shelters can help individuals get connected to other resources such as job training and medical care, which can help them transition out of homelessness and back into a stable life.
Approximate Investment and ROI
The investment and ROI for a homeless shelter business can vary depending on factors such as location, size, and scope of services.
Here is an example of a potential investment and ROI chart for a small homeless shelter:
Investment | Cost |
---|---|
Building or leasing a property | $500,000 |
Renovations and equipment | $100,000 |
Staff and operational costs for the first year | $250,000 |
Total Investment | $850,000 |
Return on Investment | Income |
---|---|
Room and board fees per night per person | $50 |
Average occupancy rate per night | 90% |
Annual income from room and board fees | $1,642,500 |
Total ROI after one year | $792,500 |
Note: This is just an example and actual investment and ROI can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the business.
Idea 2: Mobile Shower Service Business

The Mobile Shower Service Business is a unique and innovative business idea that aims to provide showering facilities to homeless individuals.
By bringing shower units directly to the homeless population, this business addresses the need for basic hygiene facilities, which is often overlooked.
This business can potentially improve the overall health and well-being of homeless individuals, increase their self-esteem and social interaction, and ultimately help them transition back to a more self-sufficient life.
Short Description
A mobile shower service is a business idea that involves setting up a van or trailer with shower units and providing showering facilities to homeless individuals.
This business aims to address the need for basic hygiene facilities among the homeless population.
How It Will Help the Homeless
Homeless individuals often struggle with basic hygiene needs due to the lack of access to showering facilities.
A mobile shower service can provide a convenient solution for this problem bringing shower units directly to the homeless population.
By providing clean and accessible showering facilities, this business can help improve the overall health and well-being of homeless individuals, increase their self-esteem and social interaction, and ultimately help them transition back to a more self-sufficient life.
Approximate Investment and ROI
The investment required to start a mobile shower service business can vary depending on the type and size of the mobile unit, equipment, and other operational costs.
Below is an example of the approximate investment and ROI for a mobile shower service business:
Investment | Cost |
---|---|
Mobile unit and equipment | $50,000 |
Operational costs (water, electricity, maintenance, etc.) | $10,000 per year |
Total investment | $60,000 |
ROI | Calculation |
---|---|
Revenue per shower | $5 |
Average number of showers per day | 50 |
Total revenue per day | $250 |
Total revenue per year (300 days) | $75,000 |
Return on investment (ROI) | 125% |
Based on this example, the mobile shower service business has the potential to provide a good return on investment while also addressing an important social issue.
Idea3: Street Food Vendor

Starting a street food vendor business can be a great business idea to help the homeless. The basic concept of this business is to offer food items to customers from a mobile food truck or cart.
This business idea requires low investment and can be an excellent source of income for homeless individuals.
How This Business Idea Will Help the Homeless
Starting a street food vendor business can provide a way for homeless individuals to earn a living cooking and selling food.
It can also provide them with valuable work experience and help them develop essential job skills, such as customer service, time management, and financial management.
Additionally, this business idea can offer flexibility in terms of working hours and the ability to move locations, making it a suitable option for those who may have limited access to transportation.
Approximate Investment and ROI in a Table Chart
Investment | Cost |
---|---|
Food truck or cart | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Kitchen equipment | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Licenses and permits | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Supplies (food, utensils, etc.) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Marketing and advertising | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Total Investment | $19,000 – $50,000 |
Revenue | Monthly | Yearly |
---|---|---|
Sales (average per day) | $500 – $1,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Expenses (food, equipment, etc.) | $4,000 – $8,000 | $48,000 – $96,000 |
Net Profit | $7,000 – $11,000 | $84,000 – $132,000 |
Note: The table above is only an approximation and the actual investment and ROI may vary based on the location, type of food, and other factors.
Idea 4: Job Training and Placement
In today’s society, homelessness remains a pressing issue, affecting countless individuals who face the challenges of unemployment and lack of opportunities. Recognizing the power of education, skills development, and employment in transforming lives, our business, Job Training, and Placement, aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the homeless population.
How It Will Help the Homeless
The business idea of Job Training and Placement aims to address one of the fundamental challenges faced the homeless population – unemployment. By offering specialized job training and placement services tailored to the needs of the homeless, this business can provide them with valuable skills and increase their chances of finding stable employment.
The program can include various components such as skills development workshops, resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance. It may also involve partnering with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities specifically for program participants.
By equipping homeless individuals with marketable skills and helping them secure employment, this business idea can have a significant impact on their lives. It provides them with a pathway out of homelessness, enhances their self-esteem and financial stability, and empowers them to rebuild their lives.
Approximate Investment and ROI
Investment in a Job Training and Placement business can vary depending on factors such as the scale of operations, resources required for training programs, and overhead costs. Here is a table chart showcasing a rough estimate of investment and potential return on investment (ROI):
Investment Components | Approximate Cost |
---|---|
Facility Rental | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Equipment and Supplies | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Staff Salaries | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Marketing and Outreach | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Training Programs | $20,000 – $30,000 |
Miscellaneous Expenses | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Total Investment | $85,000 – $140,000 |
It’s important to note that these figures are rough estimates and can vary significantly depending on the specific location and scale of the business. It’s recommended to create a detailed business plan and conduct thorough research to obtain more accurate investment projections.
The return on investment (ROI) for a Job Training and Placement business can come from various sources, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, and potential fees charged to employers for job placement services. The ROI can be measured not only in financial terms but also evaluating the social impact and the number of homeless individuals successfully reintegrated into the workforce.
Idea 5: Landscaping and Cleaning Services Business Idea
The landscaping and cleaning services business involves providing landscaping, lawn mowing, snow removal, and cleaning services to businesses and homeowners.
This business idea can provide homeless individuals with steady employment and help them develop valuable job skills.
How This Business Idea Will Help the Homeless
This business idea will help the homeless providing them with a reliable source of income.
Homeless individuals who struggle to find employment due to a lack of job skills, experience, or resources, can be trained to provide landscaping and cleaning services, which can give them a sense of purpose, help build their self-esteem and create a pathway to long-term employment.
Approximate Investment and ROI
Here is a table chart to provide a general idea of the approximate investment and ROI for this business idea:
Investment | Approximate Cost |
---|---|
Equipment and Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Marketing and Advertising | $500 – $1,000 |
Employee Wages | $15 – $25/hour |
Insurance and Licenses | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Total Investment | $25,000 – $50,000 |
Return on Investment | Approximate Revenue |
---|---|
Year 1 | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Year 2 | $75,000 – $150,000 |
Year 3 | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Total ROI after 3 years | $225,000 – $450,000 |
The above figures are approximations and may vary depending on several factors such as location, market size, competition, and the quality of services offered.
However, the potential for a profitable business while helping the homeless population is evident, making this a worthwhile venture to consider.
In conclusion, the issue of homelessness is complex and requires innovative solutions. The five business ideas discussed in this post – homeless shelters, mobile shower services, street food vendors, recycling businesses, and landscaping and cleaning services – offer diverse approaches to help the homeless population.
By providing temporary housing, basic amenities, employment opportunities, and support services, these businesses have the potential to make a positive impact in the lives of homeless individuals and their communities.