Help The Homeless, They’re People Too

A person giving coffee to a homeless person.

 Whether you find yourself living in the city, or a rural area there are sure to be those living in the same area as you that do not have a home. You may be thinking no, there's no way, I live in a nice area. The shocking news is that even in “nice” areas there will always be people experiencing homelessness. If you find yourself more fortunate than others, and living life without worries of coming by your next meal, or worries about where you will sleep for the night, then you should help the homeless in your area because they really need your support.

Is homelessness even that big of a problem?

Estimates of people experiencing homelessness in 2020.

    Many people in the United States experience homelessness, according to the federal government’s annual census of unhoused people “On a Single Night in January 2019 567,715 people – about 17 of every 10,000 people in the United States – were experiencing homelessness across the United States.” Unfortunately, homeless people are usually seen as less than the average person.

    They may be seen as dirty, sad, gross, less fortunate, or grimey, depending on who you ask. Although they may be seen in many different aspects at the end of the day it comes down to them just being people. People that are less different than you and me than you may think, but they are people who are in need of help.

    It is often assumed that those who suffer from homelessness ended up in that position due to things such as drug addiction. Although not wrong and there are homeless people who are addicts there are also many veterans and teenagers that are homeless as well.

    It comes down to the idea that you can't judge a book by its cover, you never truly know a person's story so you can not assume what they have been through. Let me put it this way, if you were homeless you would want help, right? So why not help the homeless in your area because I am sure they need it.

    You may be thinking you do not have the time or money to help, but trust me, you do. There are many different ways of helping the homeless in your area ranging from bigger to small tasks, and you have to remember everything helps.

    It is easy to think that a problem so big would require a lot of money or a lot of effort to help; however, it is actually quite the opposite. Since homelessness is such a large problem in the U.S. the more people who make small efforts in order to help the homeless the bigger difference we will see.

If by now you are interested in helping, here are some ways you can get involved!

End homelessness!

    A way that most people are comfortable with is bringing the homeless food. According to JustGive.org “It’s as simple as taking a few extra sandwiches when you go out. When you pass someone who asks for change, offer him or her something to eat. If you take a lunch, pack a little extra. When you eat at a restaurant, order something to take with you when you leave.”

    It is okay to be uncomfortable with giving the homeless money as it is a fair point that you are unaware of what they may be using the money for. So giving food is an easy way to still be benefitting the homeless but in a way that you feel good about; because more often than not the homeless are asking for money in order to buy food for themself.

    JustGive.org also suggests donating to the homeless. Donating, just like giving food, will also always be an easy way to help the homeless in your area. Donating things such as old clothes, old toys, blankets, sleeping bags, and toiletries is extremely helpful because these are necessities and things that the homeless will always benefit from no matter the time of year.

    So if you find that some of your clothes no longer fit, don't throw them out, instead, donate them to the homeless. If you stay at a hotel, take the toiletry samples and donate them to the homeless. Donating does not have to cost you any money if you do not want it to, but you are still helping the homeless.

    Lastly, JustGive.org mentions that “One of the most direct ways to aid the homeless is to give money. Donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the homeless go a long way.” So if you are in a position where you can donate some money whether that be a few dollars or a few hundred dollars, anything will be greatly appreciated.

    When giving money to nonprofit organizations you are able to know exactly what the money will be used for. This allows you to pick what organization you donate to, as well as gives you peace of mind that your money is going to a good cause.

Seeking human kindness.

    Unfortunately, there will most likely always be those in your area who are homeless and in need of your help. Hopefully, the task of helping the homeless no longer appears daunting, but instead easy and something you plan on doing. Homelessness will not fix itself and there are so many things you can do to help the cause. So if you can get out there and help, the homeless will appreciate each bit of help.