Many programs that are designed to assist the homeless population have incorporated some type of housing program for their clients. Volunteers of America is an agency that believes preventing family homelessness is a critical part of their organization. Through them, transitional housing and emergency shelters are available to those who are in desperate need. The two main types of housing programs provided for homeless people are transitional and permanent. Transitional housing programs are operated to help individuals and families obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible. Transitional housing programs assist homeless for a fixed amount of time or until they are able to obtain housing on their own and function successfully in the community, whichever comes first. Permanent housing is for a significant number of homeless Americans with mental or physical impairments, often coupled with intensive supportive services. Some shelters and associated charitable foundations have bought buildings and real estate to develop into permanent housing for the homeless in lieu of transitional Housing.