According to the Boston Public Health Commission, there was a total of 7,663 homeless men, women and children in Boston in February, 2015. As the dead of winter approaches, here are five small ways that you can help the homeless.
1. Take time to volunteer
While we are all very busy during the school year, it's always good to take time to volunteer. This can mean anything from working at a soup kitchen to volunteering at a home. While volunteering options can vary depending on the home, many take donations during the winter. Some homes in the Boston area include The Pine Street Inn, Friends of Boston Homeless, Rosie's Place and The New England Center for Homeless Veterans.
Examples of volunteering include running a clothing drive, sending baskets with house appliances for the Housing First program and volunteering at a soup drive.
2. Keep small change available
This is something that I always try to do. Having gone to high school in a city, I have always been taught to keep small change in my pockets rather than in my wallet when I plan on giving some money to the homeless. This makes it safer for you, as it gives no chance of any passersby stealing your wallet, but also makes it easy to take out. Being a student, I am aware of being on a budget, but I always figure that giving something will always help. This winter, keep small change in your pocket so that you can donate to the homeless while walking in the city.
Just so you know where your money could be going, here are a few items that can be bought for $5 dollars or less: two food items from McDonald's McPick 2, soap, toothbrush, matches, lighter, scissors for grooming and a can opener. There are, of course, more objects that are for sale under $5 that are useful.
3. Buy them a hot meal or drink
If you are uncomfortable giving out small change, take the time to buy a hot meal or drink like coffee and tea for a homeless person. This way, you know exactly where your money is going, and can help someone in need nourish themselves. A warm meal can really make a difference on a rigidly cold day during the winter time. While I prefer to give out small change, whenever I buy a meal or drink for a homeless person, like you would for anyone, I ask what they want. For me, it is because they are a human being just like me, and I want to buy them something that they will actually enjoy or want. It really makes such a small gesture more personal and considerate.
4. Donate warm clothes
As mentioned before, donating clothes is a great way to volunteer for the homeless. I mention this separately, however, because there is such a large need for warm clothes. While warm clothing is usually expected, socks and underwear are especially needed and are not always donated. Friends of Boston's homeless makes it especially easy to donate clothing through organizing a clothing drive. Visit their website for a downloadable flyer and more information.
5. Make care packages
I have never actually done this before, but have seen a lot of social media posts about it recently. Making care packages is a really great idea, and can reach so many people. You can basically put anything in the care package depending on what you can afford or think is the most important, but some possible items include toiletries (soap, Purell, deodorant, lip balm), packaged food items (peanut butter crackers, trail mix) and even gift cards. You can either make these package alone or in a group of friends, but either way it is a really nice thing to do.
