Do you want to make sure your friend is still eating?Helping to add something to humanity in lean times is commendable.Here's how to start making a difference.
Step 1: You should keep a food kit in your car.
The homeless community is not accessible to most people.It might be the same person we drive by or pass on the street, but other than that, it's completely random.You can help by keeping a food kit in your car.A gallon-sized bag with non-perishable items is a great way to always be ready.Think the basics for non-perishable items.Granola bars, canned fruit or vegetables, peanut butter, maybe a candy bar are pretty much anything you can open and eat.Don't forget your pet food.Around 10% of homeless people have pets.That's 1 out of 10.If their pets aren't fed, that's another thing they have to worry about.
Step 2: Don't forget to have gift cards on hand.
The checkout line nowadays has row upon row of gift cards readily available to inspire that impulse buy.Spend the money on a good cause.It's easy to carry a gift card around.Where should we go now?Starbucks, McDonald's, Walmart, or Target should be kept simple.$5 is an amazing gesture.You don't have to worry about carrying gift cards around wherever you go.
Step 3: Keep your trash out of the bin.
Donate your state's refunds to a non-profit that helps the homeless.The containers are equivalent to cash.Don't give them to the homeless.
Step 4: Donate to a food drive.
You can find out about what's happening in your community if you don't have a school or work.Some organizations have food drives all year long.Take a look at your newspaper, local schools, and other news sources.There are many other ways to donate food if you can't find a food drive in your area.Ask your local shelters, churches, and coalitions what they need.This is useful during the holidays.
Step 5: It's not a good idea to give cash.
When you give money, who knows what it will be used for?Some organizations say that giving cash keeps them on the street, so they don't go searching for assistance at shelters and coalitions.Donate cash to nonprofits that help the homeless.Your dollar can reach maximum efficiency if you help the helpers.They know what to do with it.
Step 6: Work with local church programs.
The local Catholic Charities (CC) is the clearing-house for this and other programs in your town.They don't care if you're a Catholic or not.They will be grateful for any help you can give.Whether your help is in the form of volunteering your time, money, food, or clothing, you will be making a positive difference.People who go to churches for help aren't necessarily religious, they just know they'll reach people that are willing to help.
Step 7: You can get a list of shelters.
The internet and yellow pages will be helpful here.You can make phone calls once you have a list, asking how you can help each one.Some need volunteers, some need food, and others need personal items.Inform yourself when you are talking to a homeless person.Giving them a can of food is good, but telling them about a shelter is even better.
Step 8: Call your local soup kitchen.
Why don't you help prepare the food?Homeless people don't just need food, they need a smiling face to go along with it.You can help restore their faith in humanity by giving them a helping hand.
Step 9: Fundraise.
Do you want to take your efforts to the next level?You can raise money at your school or workplace.There's power in numbers even if you only have a few friends.You can help more people if you get more involved.It's a good idea for a day or a month.Get the word out for bigger events.If you want to reach the most people, make flyers, send emails, and do a couple Facebook shout outs.It would be something if everyone donated a dollar.
Step 10: You can get involved with a coalition.
The main purpose of coalitions in your area is to help the homeless.The goal of these organizations is to reduce the number of people on the streets.Do you want to get involved with yours?If you find someone in need, you can call the crisis hotline.Someone from the coalition may be alert by the emergency dispatch.
Step 11: A food drive is needed.
You could organize a food drive.We notice canned goods less in our pocketbooks when people give them away.You can start one at school or work.Get to the goal by making a goal.How long will it last?Is it better to go big or go home?You can get coverage from your local newspaper or news station.Get the word out!Who would say no to a good cause?You'll need back up if you don't get the word out on social media.
Step 12: Get the government involved.
When it comes to our representatives, the homeless don't get a lot of attention.Let your friends know that you want to take action.Legislation is being pushed for the "Bring America Home Act".The National Coalition for the Homeless has more information.Write letters as well as pre-existing efforts.The more letters your rep gets, the more he or she will have to pay attention to.
Step 13: You can get involved in local politics.
Are your representatives not doing anything?Get involved!Being on the school board is a step in the right direction.You have to speak up yourself when people don't speak for you.Start attending committee meetings.You need to get to know them.It will be hard to get started all by yourself.You just need to team up with other people.
Step 14: Donate to Habitat for Humanity.
Feeding the homeless is one thing.They have more money to spend on food once they have a roof over their heads.Don't forget to volunteer your time elsewhere as well.The habitat workers can be fed.Ask your local division if you can sponsor lunch or set up a lemonade stand.Every bit helps.
Step 15: You should start a local program.
This is going to take a lot of work, including community approval, start-up costs, and possible licensing.The programs you know got started with one person.Do you know if there are any gaps in your community?