Homeless shelters are already struggling to provide a place for our city’s homeless from day to day, though this shortage of resources was acutely exacerbated by the arrival of Storm Jonas, which left D.C. blanketed in almost a foot of snow. All the while, most of us visited the grocery stores and ABC stores stocking up on everything needed to make it through the snowy weekend, oblivious to the hardship that many faced during that time. Wrapped up in our favorite comfortable clothes and blankets, we stayed warm and laughed our way through the winter storm with friends.
Now close your eyes and imagine spending that storm under a bridge or in a tent without heating, proper clothing or food. According to a recent Housing and Urban Development report, an estimated 633,782 people are homeless in the U.S. In Washington DC there are a reported 550,000 homeless. This winter, shelters are struggling to provide the needed help, so what can you do to make a difference?
1. If you attend Marymount University get involved with Grate Patrol.
Sundays this Spring Semester running 5:45-10am leaving from The Lodge. Join Campus Ministry for a morning of service to the homeless. We will gather at 5:45 am to travel to DC. We will pick up 500 meals which we then personally distribute throughout the city for the next few hours from the van. We return to campus around 10am Questions? Contact amallon@marymount.edu.
2. Bring Comfort to Homeless Kids.
To offer homeless children the comforts every young kid deserves at bedtime, Project Night Night fills up totes with a cozy blanket, a children's book and a stuffed animal. The 25,000 care packages the nonprofit doles out each year aim to ease the psychological trauma homeless children suffer, while also promoting reading and family bonding.
3.Feed Homeless Pets.
An estimated 5 to 10 percent of homeless people keep cats or dogs whom many rely on for companionship and protection. To help those who are struggling to find shelter and sustenance for themselves and their furry best friends, consider getting involved with Pets of the Homeless. This nonprofit brings pet food and veterinary care to those in need.
4.Give Homeless People a Voice.
Help to advance the cause of the homeless in this country by getting involved video blog Invisible People, which documents the day-to-day struggles that come from living without shelter. Founder Mark Horvath, who once lived on the streets of California, aims to use his storytelling platform to make homeless people visible and inspire advocates to take action.
5. Get the Government Involved.
The National Coalition for the Homeless provides advocacy programs and pushes public policy initiatives with the goal of ending homelessness and protecting homeless people’s rights. The organization's main policy focus is its Bring America Home Act, which would serve as the federal government’s first comprehensive response to the causes and consequences of homelessness.
In this case, it’s the small things that count. Next time you are at the grocery store, and pick something up for the homeless person you see at the stoplight. Pack a lunch for them. Volunteer a few hours of your time in a soup kitchen. When it comes to helping the homeless, any small thing you can do will undoubtedly make a big difference.
