How Can I Help Those Suffering From Homelessness?

You see them in every city across America. They are standing on street corners with signs trying to raise money for their next meal. They are sitting in the shadows on the front steps of abandoned buildings. They are gathered in groups around a fire in dark alleys. They are in lines that stretch many blocks waiting for their next meal at soup kitchens.

help for homeless

They are also your former neighbors who have recently gotten evicted and have no place to sleep. They are your coworkers that lost their jobs due to the recession and can no longer make rent payments. They are your friends that have been recently rendered disabled due to unforeseen accidents and are too proud to ask for help.

 

They all are America's homeless. They all need your help.

 

You, like most people, are hesitant to give to the homeless on the street because you question if the money will actually go to the next meal they say they are fighting for. You are nervous to approach the homeless individual because their image presents a questionable mental state and reputation.

 

You may also be shy to give to charities because with so many out there asking for donations it can be hard to be sure that your money is making it into the right hands and actually making a difference. It may seem "wrong" to say that some charities are better than others when it comes to homelessness but in fact, some are just plain more effective. Do research to find the most reliable charities and look for organizations that can demonstrate they are making a difference.

 

Here are is how you can help those suffering from homelessness:

 

1. Do your homework.

 

Understand the difference between the three different types of homelessness and which group you would like to impact:

 

The chronic homeless- a single person living with an immobilizing condition that has been continuously homeless for an entire year or more or has been homeless four times in the last three years

 

The episodically homeless person- a person that uses the homeless assistance system and other health and social services intermittently and for short periods of time

 

The temporary or transitional homeless- those who only experience a short period of time in the homeless assistance program due to circumstances beyond their control like job loss, natural disasters and other catastrophes, illness and medical problems, domestic violence, etc. and usually never return

 

2. Donate money to national organizations that have local chapters.

 

If you would like to make an immediate impact in your local area, choose to donate to large national organizations that have smaller local chapters. These funds will be allocated accordingly in your area and can make a bigger impact. The funds are not spread out across America but are used to help those right in your neighborhood.

 

3. Donate more than cash.

 

Charities always appreciate the donation of funds because they know where the money would be most effective. They know each community and their immediate needs. But, if you are short on cash, find ways to give your time or surplus supplies that you might otherwise throw out. Organizations that build emergency shelters and transitional housing for the temporary homeless often need crews of people to help with builds and building supplies. There are great ways to help.

 

4. Realize that it is more than putting a roof over the homeless' heads.

 

Look for organizations that not only provide emergency shelters and transitional housing for those suffering from homelessness but also work to help those people get back on their feet and back into society. Organizations that are committed to helping residents move toward self-sufficiency through efforts such as education and job skills training, and physical and emotional support are more effective in permanently keeping people off the street.

 

Educate yourself before donating and become passionate about the organization that you decide to back. Stand behind organizations that are the most effective in getting America's homeless off the streets and into becoming productive members of society. Visit https://mybrotherskeeper.org.uk/

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