Tag Archives: help

How to Help First-Hand

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While writing a generous check to a charity or church is great, you might be wondering what else you can do to help the homeless. However, some might fear that monetary hand-outs could help fuel drug or alcohol addictions. Here is a collection of steps you can take to provide a helping hand to those in desperate need of it without supporting unhealthy habits.

Supply shoes and a large pack of socks. If you see the same homeless person every day, take a good look at their shoes. In four-season climates, worn shoes could mean frostbite and infections. Purchase boots several sizes larger than you would think they wear and drop them off with a package of thick athletic socks. The homeless person can then wear layers of socks and still put on their boots to keep their feet warm and dry.

Other clothing items such as thermal undergarments, coats, hats, gloves, mittens, and fleece throw blankets are appreciated. In warmer climates, fresh socks, sandals, and t-shirts are good choices. Always give out items that are a bit too large. Too-small clothing is worthless, while items that are too large can still be used.

Donate bus tokens, prepaid calling cards, postage stamps, or free meal coupons. The homeless need to eat and charities cannot always feed everyone who arrives. Homeless individuals also need to make phone calls and conduct business by mail, whether it’s calling an estranged family member or contacting social services for assistance. If they have to appear in court or go to the other side of town for help, the bus tokens will get them there.

Make up cards detailing the addresses and phone numbers of shelters in the area. Tuck a card into any donation you give out. This will help them find a place to eat, sleep, or shower if their usual methods fall through.

Giving to the homeless is a natural extension of human empathy. Be safe as you distribute any gifts, and be sure to offer a kind word or two. Often, the greatest gift to the homeless is that of treating them with dignity and compassion. Continue reading →

Helping the Homeless

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It is estimated that over 600,000 people are homeless on any given night. Some reside in shelters, but many are unsheltered and out on the streets, braving weather extremes and going hungry. There are many ways compassionate souls can help the homeless.

Lots of people volunteer at shelters to serve holiday meals, but how many do it the rest of the year? The homeless need good food all year long, so if volunteers committed to helping out a few more times a year, many more could be served. If volunteering doesn’t fit your schedule, make a few sandwiches before heading out to run errands and give them to any homeless people you see on the street.

Donating items to a shelter is another way to help. Cash and food are always welcome, but coats, gloves, hats, and blankets are much-needed items in the winter. Some shelters offer assistance in job placement, so donations of business suits and other work clothing are needed to help people look their best for job interviews. And don’t forget the little ones — children’s clothes, toys, diapers, and formula are high on the list of needs for shelters.

Volunteering your expertise can also make a difference. Lawyers and medical professionals can offer free services at shelters. The possibilities for donating your time and talents are endless, whether you are a writer who can help with resumes or a hairdresser offering free haircuts. Sharing your talents not only provides a needed service but also offers a deep human connection to the homeless, who may think society has given up on them.

Every little gesture can help bring a homeless person one step closer to reintegrating into society. Know that your efforts do make a difference, and encourage friends and family to follow your lead.

We’d like to thank Miss Sue Lang on this contribution to our web page.

http://www.puffpieces.com.au/softies-baby-shoes/

How to Help the Homeless This Holiday Season

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For most people, the holidays are a time of sharing a cozy home with friends and family. Not everyone is so fortunate to find the holiday season a time of celebration or plenty; with the ongoing economic problems, more and more families are struggling and some may even lose their homes. The number of homeless in America has increased sharply over the past several years, and the holiday season is especially difficult for many who have no place to turn to for a meal, shelter or warm clothing.

Fortunately, more and more Americans are becoming aware of the genuine need and ways to help the homeless, and there’s no better time to start than the holidays. In nearly every town and city, large or small, area churches and aid programs are asking for volunteers to deal with the influx of those in need. Volunteering at one of these shelters or safe havens a few times a week can make a huge difference in the life of a homeless person or displaced family.

Donating food, warm clothing or toys is another great way you can help. Food drives and toy drives are especially easy to find during the holidays as charitable organizations and generous people strive to find ways to bring a little happiness and hope to those who have fallen on hard times. Check your local charity organizations, churches, food pantries and fund raising events to see what items are needed the most and to find out more ways you can help.

Knowing the resources in your area can help in another way, too. If you know or see a homeless person, understanding what aid is available in the region can help you direct them to a safe place they can get food, shelter and other aid. Continue reading →