| What Can I Do to Help the Homeless? |
Survival Kits
For those who are on the street, and carrying their belongings, putting together
small kits of essentials is helpful. This is something a group could put together.
Buying items in bulk is more cost-effective. These are some basic items:
Sturdy backpacks or some type of lightweight carryable luggage is helpful. I emphasize
sturdy, as thin nylon bags often fall apart quickly.
Basic hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, anti-perspirant
deodorant, washcloth, shavers and shaving cream, etc.
It's more practical to have items in smaller containers, like the travel size. Quart size
bottles of shampoo may be a bargain, but they're also heavy. Keep in mind that the
recipient may have to carry them around with them all day. An outreach program could
have large economy size bottles and refill the small ones.
Zip-lock bags, especially the durable gallon-size freezer bags, are very useful for
keeping hygiene items together and for protecting things like clothing items and books
from getting wet in the rain. It does no good to donate books if the individuals have no
way to protect them from the weather.
A small flashlight is often very helpful for those who have to camp out, and a small radio
can be a great comfort, especially when needing to know what to expect from the
weather. Don't forget the batteries.
For those who are on the street, and carrying their belongings, putting together
small kits of essentials is helpful. This is something a group could put together.
Buying items in bulk is more cost-effective. These are some basic items:
Sturdy backpacks or some type of lightweight carryable luggage is helpful. I emphasize
sturdy, as thin nylon bags often fall apart quickly.
Basic hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, anti-perspirant
deodorant, washcloth, shavers and shaving cream, etc.
It's more practical to have items in smaller containers, like the travel size. Quart size
bottles of shampoo may be a bargain, but they're also heavy. Keep in mind that the
recipient may have to carry them around with them all day. An outreach program could
have large economy size bottles and refill the small ones.
Zip-lock bags, especially the durable gallon-size freezer bags, are very useful for
keeping hygiene items together and for protecting things like clothing items and books
from getting wet in the rain. It does no good to donate books if the individuals have no
way to protect them from the weather.
A small flashlight is often very helpful for those who have to camp out, and a small radio
can be a great comfort, especially when needing to know what to expect from the
weather. Don't forget the batteries.
Helping a Local Outreach Program
There are many outreach programs, large and small, that provide much needed
help to the homeless, and could use assistance to maintain their office. They may
be run by churches or non-profit groups. Financial donations are always needed,
but there are many other ways to help too.
Used (but functional) computers
Aside from their own use, the program could set up computers for people to access email
and job search websites, post resumes, and respond to advertised jobs. These days
most jobs that pay a living wage can be found on the Internet, while they may not be
advertised in the newspaper.
They could also provide basic classes on how to use computers, a very good skill to
have. Many jobs require at least basic computer knowledge, and using the Internet is a
good way of finding work, assistance, and low cost rentals.
Office items
Perhaps the program could use office equipment and supplies. Computers, printers, and
copying machines are considered necessities today. A variety of basic office supplies,
like paper, are needed too.
Utilities
Help in paying for utility services like the electric and phone may be needed. Helping with
providing Internet service is a good idea, if they have computers.
Merchandise donations
Some programs can make use of various donations for resale to help support the
program. Ask them what they could use. Many organizations welcome donations of
vehicles, either for their own use or to sell to raise funds. If the organization is a
registered non-profit there should be a tax write-off too.
Volunteering your time
Outreach programs always have a need for volunteers. This may be for day or night
management, or maybe helping in maintainance. If you have plumbing experience, you
may be able to help installing a shower. If you have electrical knowledge they may need
your help. Perhaps you could help teach people how to use computers. Just ask them
what they need. Your help is needed.
There are many outreach programs, large and small, that provide much needed
help to the homeless, and could use assistance to maintain their office. They may
be run by churches or non-profit groups. Financial donations are always needed,
but there are many other ways to help too.
Used (but functional) computers
Aside from their own use, the program could set up computers for people to access email
and job search websites, post resumes, and respond to advertised jobs. These days
most jobs that pay a living wage can be found on the Internet, while they may not be
advertised in the newspaper.
They could also provide basic classes on how to use computers, a very good skill to
have. Many jobs require at least basic computer knowledge, and using the Internet is a
good way of finding work, assistance, and low cost rentals.
Office items
Perhaps the program could use office equipment and supplies. Computers, printers, and
copying machines are considered necessities today. A variety of basic office supplies,
like paper, are needed too.
Utilities
Help in paying for utility services like the electric and phone may be needed. Helping with
providing Internet service is a good idea, if they have computers.
Merchandise donations
Some programs can make use of various donations for resale to help support the
program. Ask them what they could use. Many organizations welcome donations of
vehicles, either for their own use or to sell to raise funds. If the organization is a
registered non-profit there should be a tax write-off too.
Volunteering your time
Outreach programs always have a need for volunteers. This may be for day or night
management, or maybe helping in maintainance. If you have plumbing experience, you
may be able to help installing a shower. If you have electrical knowledge they may need
your help. Perhaps you could help teach people how to use computers. Just ask them
what they need. Your help is needed.
Many people would like to help the homeless, but don't always know just how to
go about it. What can an individual, or group of concerned people, do that makes
a real difference?
You may wish to donate or volunteer at a local program that is helping the homeless,
work with a small church or school group, a hunger coalition, or give to individuals
directly. There are lots of non-profit groups that need help to keep in operation, and
many close due to lack of assistance.
Donating money to a local program helps to keep them going, but donating food, used
clothing and various necessities, and volunteering also helps a great deal. Often people
have clothing items that they no longer need stored away which would be very helpful to
someone who is trying to make a new start in life.
Volunteers are always needed, for programs that provide assistance during the day and
also shelters that need staff at night.
go about it. What can an individual, or group of concerned people, do that makes
a real difference?
You may wish to donate or volunteer at a local program that is helping the homeless,
work with a small church or school group, a hunger coalition, or give to individuals
directly. There are lots of non-profit groups that need help to keep in operation, and
many close due to lack of assistance.
Donating money to a local program helps to keep them going, but donating food, used
clothing and various necessities, and volunteering also helps a great deal. Often people
have clothing items that they no longer need stored away which would be very helpful to
someone who is trying to make a new start in life.
Volunteers are always needed, for programs that provide assistance during the day and
also shelters that need staff at night.
Giving Money Directly to the Homeless
While many refuse to give money to those panhandling, considering that it may be used
to support an addiction, it could also be for practical necessities. It's up to you to decide if
and what to give.
If you want to help, but not with cash, how about gift cards or vouchers? One time I saw
where a donor gave vouchers, usable at a large local store, that stated "boots and socks
only", to a program for them to be distributed. Of course, you could also ask the person
what they really need, and help them to buy it.
While many refuse to give money to those panhandling, considering that it may be used
to support an addiction, it could also be for practical necessities. It's up to you to decide if
and what to give.
If you want to help, but not with cash, how about gift cards or vouchers? One time I saw
where a donor gave vouchers, usable at a large local store, that stated "boots and socks
only", to a program for them to be distributed. Of course, you could also ask the person
what they really need, and help them to buy it.
Helping with Phone Calls
Assistance in making long-distance phone calls to family is great, especially on holidays.
It may make them feel better and perhaps the family may help out as well. Giving phone
cards is a good idea too. How about assisting them in getting free Community Voice Mail?
All it takes is some assistance in getting them signed up.
Assistance in making long-distance phone calls to family is great, especially on holidays.
It may make them feel better and perhaps the family may help out as well. Giving phone
cards is a good idea too. How about assisting them in getting free Community Voice Mail?
All it takes is some assistance in getting them signed up.
Making Bag Lunches
Some people make up bag lunches, such as a peanut butter sandwich, a piece of fruit,
and a soft drink (things that don't spoil quickly), to hand out at places like day-labor
offices. Keep in mind though that some communities have laws against hand-outs in
public. You could provide them to a program for them to distribute instead.
Some people make up bag lunches, such as a peanut butter sandwich, a piece of fruit,
and a soft drink (things that don't spoil quickly), to hand out at places like day-labor
offices. Keep in mind though that some communities have laws against hand-outs in
public. You could provide them to a program for them to distribute instead.
Helping the Homeless Directly
Some people will go out seeking homeless people to help out. Perhaps there are
particular individuals you are familiar with that could use some help. This is also
something a group could do together.
Some people will go out seeking homeless people to help out. Perhaps there are
particular individuals you are familiar with that could use some help. This is also
something a group could do together.
Food
For outreach programs non-perishable food items, like canned vegtables, soups, and
tuna are always welcome. Basic staples for cooking like rice, pasta, and beans are
inexpensive and very useful. Bread and pastries are always in need.
If the outreach can cook and serve food, a wide range of items could help. Things like
paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, plastic ware, and condiments are often needed.
Ground coffee and pastries are always wanted. Check with them about what they really
can use.
For food-pantry programs, non-perishable items are always needed and, if they have
proper facilities, frozen or refrigerated items, and fresh produce too.
Please keep in mind that if the food is intended specifically for donation to individuals
who are camping out, or on the street, items that require refrigeration or cooking won't
necessarily help. Canned goods are already cooked, but probably need a can opener.
For outreach programs non-perishable food items, like canned vegtables, soups, and
tuna are always welcome. Basic staples for cooking like rice, pasta, and beans are
inexpensive and very useful. Bread and pastries are always in need.
If the outreach can cook and serve food, a wide range of items could help. Things like
paper plates, paper towels, plastic cups, plastic ware, and condiments are often needed.
Ground coffee and pastries are always wanted. Check with them about what they really
can use.
For food-pantry programs, non-perishable items are always needed and, if they have
proper facilities, frozen or refrigerated items, and fresh produce too.
Please keep in mind that if the food is intended specifically for donation to individuals
who are camping out, or on the street, items that require refrigeration or cooking won't
necessarily help. Canned goods are already cooked, but probably need a can opener.
Transportation Assistance
Bus passes (day-passes or tokens) for the local bus system (if there is one) are helpful
for individuals to get to job interviews or medical appointments. Weekly passes are good
for those just starting a job, and need transportation until they begin to get paid.
Volunteering to drive people to appointments is helpful too.
Bus passes (day-passes or tokens) for the local bus system (if there is one) are helpful
for individuals to get to job interviews or medical appointments. Weekly passes are good
for those just starting a job, and need transportation until they begin to get paid.
Volunteering to drive people to appointments is helpful too.
Clothing
Donations of clean, practical, clothing are always needed. Keep in mind who will be
receiving the items and what makes sense. Consider that there are homeless people of
all ages, small children to older adults, male and female. Ask the program you're
donating to what they need.
For people applying for work it's important to make a good impression. Neat, clean, and
proper fitting appropriate clothes, but not necessarily formal, are needed.
For daily use, durable and comfortable clothing is good. Jeans and shoes can be very
difficult for the homeless to get. Socks and underclothing are always needed.
Labor workers need durable clothes, appropriate to the job. Some jobs demand
steel-toed boots.
Rain wear, such as lightweight raincoats or ponchos can be very helpful, depending on
where you live and time of year.
In areas of the country with freezing temperatures in the winter, appropriate warm
clothing isn't just for comfort; It's for survival. Warm coats, boots, heavy socks are
necessities. Warm knit caps (not the fashionable kind the wind blows through) are
needed. Even in Florida, which people think of as tropical, people sometimes die in the
winter from hypothermia.
Keep in mind that homeless people need a way to wash their clothes too.
Donations of clean, practical, clothing are always needed. Keep in mind who will be
receiving the items and what makes sense. Consider that there are homeless people of
all ages, small children to older adults, male and female. Ask the program you're
donating to what they need.
For people applying for work it's important to make a good impression. Neat, clean, and
proper fitting appropriate clothes, but not necessarily formal, are needed.
For daily use, durable and comfortable clothing is good. Jeans and shoes can be very
difficult for the homeless to get. Socks and underclothing are always needed.
Labor workers need durable clothes, appropriate to the job. Some jobs demand
steel-toed boots.
Rain wear, such as lightweight raincoats or ponchos can be very helpful, depending on
where you live and time of year.
In areas of the country with freezing temperatures in the winter, appropriate warm
clothing isn't just for comfort; It's for survival. Warm coats, boots, heavy socks are
necessities. Warm knit caps (not the fashionable kind the wind blows through) are
needed. Even in Florida, which people think of as tropical, people sometimes die in the
winter from hypothermia.
Keep in mind that homeless people need a way to wash their clothes too.
Bicycles
Bicycles are helpful for many homeless people, particularly in urban areas. Functional
bicycles are good for programs and for donation directly to individuals. Some programs
accept bicycles in any condition and fix them up for those in need.
Don't forget that having a lock and chain or cable is a necessity along with the bike.
Bicycles are helpful for many homeless people, particularly in urban areas. Functional
bicycles are good for programs and for donation directly to individuals. Some programs
accept bicycles in any condition and fix them up for those in need.
Don't forget that having a lock and chain or cable is a necessity along with the bike.
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Liquid general-purpose soap in
containers like this can be closed,
so they don't make a mess in a
backpack and can be easily
refilled too. I noticed one outreach
had lots of small plastic bottles
which they refilled from low-cost
gallon size bottles of soap and
shampoo. Many people also save
those hotel size shampoo bottles
when they travel and then donate
them.
containers like this can be closed,
so they don't make a mess in a
backpack and can be easily
refilled too. I noticed one outreach
had lots of small plastic bottles
which they refilled from low-cost
gallon size bottles of soap and
shampoo. Many people also save
those hotel size shampoo bottles
when they travel and then donate
them.
Shoes, boots, socks, and jeans are always needed.
They can be especially hard to get in the right sizes.
Many labor jobs demand steel-toe boots.
Don't have the proper clothes? No job.
They can be especially hard to get in the right sizes.
Many labor jobs demand steel-toe boots.
Don't have the proper clothes? No job.
Be Sure of Who You're Donating To
Before making any substantial donations you may wish to check on the organization to
see if they are really a non-profit, and if they are really doing what they promise. All
non-profits have to register with the state for tax status, and information may be found on
your state government website. Also, groups like Guidestar, guidestar.org,
charitynavigator.org, and Just Give, justgive.org have listings and information on
non-profits.
One charity in my part of the country is the Children's Charity Fund, Inc., based in
Sarasota FL. On their 2008 statement they reported about $1.3 million in revenues, out
of which 87.2% was paid directly to fundraising companies (telephone solicitors). Less
that one percent of money raised went to help those in need. This type of information is
available online so you know where your money really goes.
It's good to get directly involved with local organizations and see for yourself what they
are really accomplishing. Organizations that are legitimate will be glad to answer
questions and show what they are accomplishing.
Before making any substantial donations you may wish to check on the organization to
see if they are really a non-profit, and if they are really doing what they promise. All
non-profits have to register with the state for tax status, and information may be found on
your state government website. Also, groups like Guidestar, guidestar.org,
charitynavigator.org, and Just Give, justgive.org have listings and information on
non-profits.
One charity in my part of the country is the Children's Charity Fund, Inc., based in
Sarasota FL. On their 2008 statement they reported about $1.3 million in revenues, out
of which 87.2% was paid directly to fundraising companies (telephone solicitors). Less
that one percent of money raised went to help those in need. This type of information is
available online so you know where your money really goes.
It's good to get directly involved with local organizations and see for yourself what they
are really accomplishing. Organizations that are legitimate will be glad to answer
questions and show what they are accomplishing.
Being without even basic computer skills can seriously
limit job possibilities. Computers are usually available for
use at local libraries for free. Going online and searching
various job posting sites can reveal openings that may
never be in the local newspaper. Could you teach
someone how to make use of email and to search job
websites?
limit job possibilities. Computers are usually available for
use at local libraries for free. Going online and searching
various job posting sites can reveal openings that may
never be in the local newspaper. Could you teach
someone how to make use of email and to search job
websites?
A Little Respect
Even if you can't give anything, treating homeless people with the same respect and
courtesy as anyone else really means something. Just saying "Good morning" when
passing someone you know is homeless can mean a lot to them.
Even if you can't give anything, treating homeless people with the same respect and
courtesy as anyone else really means something. Just saying "Good morning" when
passing someone you know is homeless can mean a lot to them.
Comments or suggestions? Are you managing a program
and have some special needs not mentioned here? Is
there an organization that you think should be posted on
the links page?
Please email me at:
clyde @ homelessamerican.com
See the web links page for some non-profit websites.
and have some special needs not mentioned here? Is
there an organization that you think should be posted on
the links page?
Please email me at:
clyde @ homelessamerican.com
See the web links page for some non-profit websites.
Helping to Get Identification Cards
Often people who are homeless have lost their I.D. cards, or had them stolen. Without
adequate I.D. it's impossible to get regular work, as employers are required by law to
check social security and state I.D. cards. For someone with no identification at all, it's
first necessary to get a birth certificate copy, which usually requires first showing I.D., or
multiple forms of documentation, plus paying for it. Then a person can get a SS card and
state I.D. or replacement driver's license.
Often people who are homeless have lost their I.D. cards, or had them stolen. Without
adequate I.D. it's impossible to get regular work, as employers are required by law to
check social security and state I.D. cards. For someone with no identification at all, it's
first necessary to get a birth certificate copy, which usually requires first showing I.D., or
multiple forms of documentation, plus paying for it. Then a person can get a SS card and
state I.D. or replacement driver's license.
Many grocery stores just throw out their past-date bread,
produce, and other other foods when they could be
easily donated.
produce, and other other foods when they could be
easily donated.
| homelessamerican.com |
Simple and inexpensive bag
lunches are always welcome.
lunches are always welcome.
| homelessamerican.com |