Consider leaving a donation to an organization that supports the homeless in your will. [1] X Research source You can also donate to local churches, temples, mosques, and other religious institutions that offer help to the homeless.
Winter weather clothing (such as hats, mittens, coats, and boots) New underwear and socks Travel-sized hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, etc. ) Professional clothing (a hurdle to overcoming homelessness is looking presentable at job interviews) First aid items (such as Neosporin, Band-Aids, antibacterial cream, and hand sanitizer) Secondary medical items (such as sunscreen, heavy duty lotions like Bag Balm, allergy medication, and tissues) Bus passes (great for helping them get to job interviews) Linens (i. e. twin sheets, towels, pillows and pillow cases)
Before making your donation, contact the homeless organization and find out which items they need most. Alternately, you could buy (or make) lunch for a homeless person you encounter on the street.
Donating toys is an especially good idea around the holidays, when homeless kids often have few gifts to look forward to.
Pack boxes with foods for distribution to homeless people Serve hot food at a soup kitchen Help homeless people transition to working a job and paying bills Train homeless people in a skill like gardening or playing an instrument Use your skill set to assist the homeless in other ways (for instance, by giving homeless people free haircuts or tutoring homeless kids)
If you have children, start by educating them. If you volunteer for an organization that supports the homeless, ask if you can take your child along so that they can see firsthand the hardships of homelessness.
Incorporate video and photos on your blog as well as text.
Advertise the food or clothing drive by putting up flyers around town and by asking your local newspaper to place a notice about the drive in upcoming editions. Restaurants are good places to host food or clothing drive bins, since they generate a lot of foot traffic. People will remember to bring along some canned or boxed food next time they visit. If you’re organizing the drive on behalf of or in conjunction with a particular nonprofit that supports the homeless population, ask them ahead of time what sort of foods or clothing items you should encourage people to donate. Include this information on the sign you attach to your bins or boxes.
Be sure, however, that you don’t take advantage of them. Pay homeless people a reasonable and fair amount of money.
Many homeless organizations have printable maps or resource lists that you could print and give to the homeless person in question. Showing that you care in this way is a great way to help homeless people feel that they matter.
Be sure to relay information about the person’s exact location, their manner of dress, and their appearance.
Mentally ill and struggling on the street Having a psychotic episode A danger to themselves or others Intoxicated In danger because of weather conditions Engaging in unlawful drug activity. Request police intervention for crime in progress. [17] X Research source
Continually evaluate your own ideas about homelessness and keep an open mind.
