My daughter is living on the street. She can't care for herself. What help is there?

She has to be the one to get help. There are resourses out there, but she has to apply for them. Social Services can help with temporary house, food vouchers and stamps. Social Security disability can't help if she has a physical or mental disability. There is group housing. But she needs to want the help. No one can force her.

Homeless people where I am live in a tent in the woods usually.

You need to contact your local county/city social services.

Our town(small city) prioritizes putting women and women with children in housing first over unhomed men.

That depends on the city she's living in, her willingness to access shelters and other services, and the reasons she may be on the street. Often there is mental illness or drug dependency involved. Much depends on the city. You might consider taking your daughter in for a while if you are able, if that's sustainable, and if she is willing to abide by your household limits and rules.

So sorry. As I know you are aware this is an issue all over our country.

It honestly depends on where she lives. If it’s a blue state, she might have half a chance. If it’s a red state, you can forget it

Is she an addict? Mental illness? If she's an addict on the street who is interested in getting recovery The Salvation Army can help her. Also, the Betty Ford Foundation has a lot of resources and can help her get into a residential recovery program.

If she's mentally ill, call the police and APS (Adult Protective Services). DO NOT take her in though. You will be putting yourself in danger if she's mentally ill.

If she is an addict, DO NOT take her in or give her any money. If she shows up at your house, don't let her in. Call the police.

Your daughter needs real help and that can't happen if she has enablers or people helping her out with money and a place to stay.

Call 211 and find out what resources are available in your area for her.

Is she mentall ill? Has a substance abuse problem? A cognitive impairment? If she doesn't cooperate with any care or solution there's not much you can do unless you can convince social services to do emergency guardianship to get her into an institution. If you know where she is you can call 911 and tell them she's not herself and possibly is having a medical issue. If she agrees to go with them then talk to the hospital social worker and discharge planner to see if they can do a social admit or Baker Act her. I'm so very sorry for this distressing situation. I hope she gets the help she needs.

I am so sorry to hear this. How old is she? Does she have any specific physical or mental health problems?

If you can advise us what county she is in, we can look up the phone number for the Area Agency on Aging or Health and Human Services Department in your area.