Helping the homeless is something that many has the opportunity to do. There is a plethora of ways that you can help the homeless in your community. The world of a homeless person is completely foreign to the world that you live in. They face constant struggles and challenges every day, and many people living on the street struggle to cope with these challenges on a daily basis. Here are three ways that you can help the homeless.
There are so many reasons why a person is homeless, and most of the time it is not their fault. Divorce, illness, job loss, lack of affordable housing, domestic abuse, and substance abuse are just some of the reasons why people can become homeless. The first step thing that you can take to help the homeless is educating yourself about how the came to be where they are now.
The second thing that you can do to help the homeless is to show them respect. Many homeless people will tell you that the most difficult thing to deal with as a homeless person is the loss of dignity that they experience. This loss of dignity makes their lives that much more difficult. When a homeless person says “good morning,” respond to them, or better yet, say “good morning” to them first.
Donating is one of the major ways that you can help the homeless in your community. There is always a need for shoes, food, clothing and blankets. Non-perishable items are short in supplies at food pantries and shelters, and they are always welcome. If you want to donate to a shelter, think about donating utensils, books, cups, plates, kitchen supplies, coats, blankets, and office supplies.
Chris Tinney is the co-founder of Spread Peace USA, which is a non-profit organization fighting poverty and homelessness in the United States.
There are so many reasons why a person is homeless, and most of the time it is not their fault. Divorce, illness, job loss, lack of affordable housing, domestic abuse, and substance abuse are just some of the reasons why people can become homeless. The first step thing that you can take to help the homeless is educating yourself about how the came to be where they are now.
The second thing that you can do to help the homeless is to show them respect. Many homeless people will tell you that the most difficult thing to deal with as a homeless person is the loss of dignity that they experience. This loss of dignity makes their lives that much more difficult. When a homeless person says “good morning,” respond to them, or better yet, say “good morning” to them first.
Donating is one of the major ways that you can help the homeless in your community. There is always a need for shoes, food, clothing and blankets. Non-perishable items are short in supplies at food pantries and shelters, and they are always welcome. If you want to donate to a shelter, think about donating utensils, books, cups, plates, kitchen supplies, coats, blankets, and office supplies.
Chris Tinney is the co-founder of Spread Peace USA, which is a non-profit organization fighting poverty and homelessness in the United States.