How Can You Help the Homeless?

Homelessness is a very real and tragic situation that affects up to 3.5 million people every year (roughly 1% of the entire U.S. population).  Homelessness affects people for many different reasons – some people are out on the streets due to mental or psychological issues, some people are there due to drugs and alcohol and many are there after running and hiding from spousal abuse.  Sadly, more and more families are finding themselves homeless after losing their incomes and homes after foreclosures due to the poor economy.  Whatever the reason a person or family ended up on the street, the situation is truly sad.  Those of us lucky enough to have a roof over our heads every night and food to eat at every meal need to help our fellow human beings.  Because of the stigma attached to the homeless, many people are reluctant to reach out.  But there are ways to help the homeless, while remaining safe, even if you don’t have much money yourself.

One of the easiest ways you can help is to donate your used items.  Rather than throwing your old things away, set aside used clothes, shoes, coats, blankets, toys and household items.  You can then donate these items to homeless shelters who will distribute the items to those in need.  Some shelters will even take donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items.

If you’d like to be more hands-on in your approach to helping the homeless, you can donate your time and volunteer at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, battered women’s shelter or for an organization that assists the homeless.  Shelters always need people to help out with day to day activities, whether it’s serving lunch, helping to clean the rooms or working in the office.

Another way to help the homeless is to use your specific talent.  For example, if you’re a lawyer, you can offer free legal services.  If you have a knack for teaching, you can help teach someone to read, or help prepare someone to take their GED test.  Doctors, nurses, dentists and those in the medical profession can offer medical assistance or help set up clinics.  Everyone has something to offer.

Sadly, families make up a large portion of the homeless population.  Many homeless parents struggle to find safe and appropriate childcare for their children while either looking for work or going to work.  You can offer babysitting services to homeless families so parents can go to work and know their children are being cared for properly.  In turn, the parents are able to make a living and provide a better life for their children.  While babysitting, you can offer to tutor the children, help with homework, feed the children dinner or even do laundry for the family.

With the popularity of social networking, it is easier than ever to educate others.  Many organizations rely on sites such as Facebook and Twitter to get their messages out to the public.  If you are computer savvy, you can offer your time as a social networking expert for organizations and charities that advocate and collect donations for the homeless.

Regardless of the reason that caused a person to become homeless, it is up to us to help out our fellow human beings.  Whether you are interested in taking a hands-on approach or prefer to work on the sidelines or behind the scenes, everything you do will help make a difference for those affected by homelessness. 

Author Bio

Yvone Kon is a freelance writer, blogger and mom.  She frequently writes about many different topics including weddings, fashion, childbirth, recycling, volunteering, animal advocacy and Social service software.  She is the author of the blog EventSpiration, providing inspiration and ideas for weddings, parties and holidays.