REACH OUT
Direct involvement with people experiencing homelessness is incredibly impactful. Ways to help include:
Volunteering at shelters
Assist with daily operations or share your professional skills.
Community events
Bring people experiencing homelessness into community activities and organize shelter events.
Educational outreach
Teach and learn from the guests at shelters about various topics and skills.
CONTRIBUTE
Material donations are crucial. Consider donating today. Items and services needed include:
Clothing
Clean, well-fitting clothes and shoes are essential not just for protection from the elements, but also for maintaining self-esteem and improving job prospects. Contact your local shelter to see what they need, as many have limited storage and specific requirements.
In-kind services and materials
Things like copying, printing, food, transportation, and building materials can be greatly beneficial.
Household items
Kitchen utensils, furniture, and children’s items like toys and books are often needed.
Books and Mobile Phones
Donations of books and devices can help provide life-changing information and entertainment.
Homeless survival kits
Assemble kits with essential items like soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes. Organize drives for warm clothing during cold weather.
Job opportunities and support
Help integrate people experiencing homelessness into the workforce and support them as they find their way out of the streets or shelters.
ADVOCATE
Advocacy is vital for systemic change to end homelessness. This includes:
Coalition involvement
Join or donate to housing and homelessness advocacy groups.
Political engagement
Respond to legislative alerts, attend meetings, and communicate with officials about homelessness issues.
Media involvement
Use the media to raise awareness and write editorials on key issues.
Voter registration
Help people experiencing homelessness to vote and advocate for their voting rights.
EDUCATE
Understanding and spreading knowledge about homelessness is critical:
Learning resources
Utilize websites and organizations dedicated to homelessness to stay informed and educate others. Notable sites include:
Community education
Share information with your community and involve local news outlets to keep the public informed.
Children’s education
Engage with teaching materials to discuss homelessness with children.