As the temperature drops and the seasons change, it becomes the survival of the fittest for some of society's most shunned: the homeless. Homelessness is often viewed/stereotyped as an effect of laziness, addiction, and lack of education; “why don’t they just go get a job” etc, when it is so much more. Debilitating illness (mental or physical), loss of employment, lack of opportunity, and family death are just some of the many reasons people are forced to live on the streets. Another reason is a lack of a support. Imagine surviving one of the aforementioned tragedies without a helping hand - without a support system? Well, right now you can be that helping hand - that support system. By giving of your time, money, services or skills, you can make the difference in the life of a homeless person.
Here's six ways how:
1.Care Kits
These homeless care packages can be prepared for your local homeless shelters or kept tucked away in the trunk of your car for those you may see on the street looking for your help.
Here’s a list of supplies for care packages.
Clothes
Toiletries & Health
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Wet Wipes
- Chapstick
- Pads, tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups (more cost efficient in the long run)*
Food
- Cereal Bars/Cliff Bars/Breakfast Bars
- Cheese and crackers/Peanut butter crackers
- Beef Jerky
- Pop top tuna & chicken salad cracker kits
- Water
- Dried fruit
- Applesauce/pudding cups
*For people with periods it is imperative that they receive menstruation supplies such as pads, tampons, and panty liners. Most who have periods are left to build makeshift sanitary items during their monthly visits, which not only compromises their health, but often leaves them choosing between food or period supplies. If you’re able, buy packets of Motrin and Aleeve as well; cramps are no joke.
**If you can provide money, do so. I understand the wariness that comes with handing a stranger money, but you're not going to know what everyone needs at all times. I'd suggest no more than $1-10. You don't want to break yourself by trying to help someone else.
***Try not to give out gift cards. They may seem like a good idea short term, but if someone's homeless, chances are they don't have the ability to get to wherever the gift card is for.
Pack in large ziplock baggies or - if possible - tote bags.
2. Provide a listening ear
A wise man once told me that there's the only difference between you and a homeless person is a heartbeat, meaning at ANY moment ANYONE could end up on the streets, including yourself. Everyone has a story on how they ended up where they are and everyone wants to be heard. Sitting down and listening to someone could mean the world. Too often the homeless are ostracized and dehumanized; treating them like a person; acknowledging that they exist could mean the world to them.
3. Volunteer at a shelter
This is one is pretty self explanatory, but it still stands. Get into a shelter, lend a helping hand, get to know the occupants, and see what you can do from there.
4. Donate
It's important to donate at the grassroots level FIRST before donating at big non-profits. Far too often huge nonprofits donations go to maintaining advertisements and national campaigns instead of directly to those in need. Grass root orgs help those in need immediately. Examples of grass root orgs are local food pantries, local shelters, etc.
5. Advocate
•Find out what your local shelters need supply wise and contact big business such as Meijer, Walmart, Burger King, etc., along with civic orgs and other grassroots non-profits an organize fundraisers and food drives.
•Follow local and state politics to see what your city and state are doing to address homelessness. Push them. Force them to get involved and to address the issues. Remember, there is power in numbers. Here's a website where you can find all the information on your states representatives.
6. When the temps drop, know where the warming centers are
Most cities and states offer warming centers for the days when being outside is surely a death sentence. Find out where yours are located and - if able - offer to provide transportation to the center (which could also include bus fare) or an uber.
Here are some warming centers in Detroit.
In a country such as the United States, even the idea of homelessness shouldn't exist. But the fact is, is that it does. While we can't save everyone, we can save some. Get out there and get involved.
