Helping the Homeless, Practicality Please

With the Olympics coming to town, one cannot help but be aware of the concern over the homeless population.  It has been a topic front and center since we first learned that Vancouver would be holding the 2010 games.  In 2006, CTV was already reporting that the homeless population in the city may have tripled, producing numbers of up to 3000 people in need .  With all these numbers representing a person, what does this really mean for those concerned with the plight of the homeless?  Help for these people comes in the form of practicality, not in lofty ideas and plans that never come to fruition.

Over the years, I, as well as many of my friends have worked with the homeless in our community, as well as outreaches to other parts of the world.  I myself have come to learn some very effective practical methods and actions in which to help those in need.  The following states some easy, and very attainable ways to help those who need it the most.

• Keep extras in your car.  Things like socks, jackets, blankets, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap are highly valued.
• Carry gift cards with you for food and grocery stores.
• Offer to buy the individual a meal of their choice from food venues around you.
• Donate food to shelters.  Basics such as rice and meat are always in high demand, as well as items such as baby food and formula.
• Donate new, or gently worn clothing to shelters.
• Volunteer your time at an organization or shelter.
  • Options range from preparing or serving food, cleaning, or helping to organize outreaches.
  • Things such as helping in the office and doing administrative work for a shelter can be of large benefit.
  • If you have a professional skill such as medical, dental, legal, etc, commit to coming in for a day to help out by providing your expertise.

• Have a list on hand of organizations that provide services to that you can assist in directing people you come into contact with.
• Arrange a fundraiser on your own time to profit local shelters.  A craft or bake sale can yield a good profit for the cause.
• Join a program that participates in building homes.
• Be an advocate – talk about the issue at town forums, providing positive ways to bring light to the subject.

But the number one thing I have heard said, from those giving time as well as those that are receiving it on the streets, is to simply take notice and be willing to talk.

How easy it becomes to not stop and pay attention to these people, these people who are made of everything you and I are.  Be respectful.  Be engaged.  Talk to those you come into contact with.  Offer to listen, to discuss, to care.  Be it on the streets you walk every day, or going to visit a shelter, love these people as you would want to be loved. Taking the time to show you care means the world to many.

The homeless, like everyone else, want to connect.  They want to talk about their day, they want to share their ideas and their triumphs.  They have the same desires, cravings, and need for intimacy.  The questions that tug at your soul daily tug at theirs too. Author Erwin McManus talks a lot about the need for intimacy I his book, Soul Cravings.  He says that “there is nothing the world needs more than people who have been changed by love.”  (You can watch a short video here. )  Take a step outside of your normal daily routine and start a conversation.  Not only will you learn something, but you will help to better someone’s life … and that can never be a bad thing.

Do you want to connect with others? Do you have questions about intimacy, destiny, or meaning?  If you have questions, we’d love to hear from you. Email us and you’ll be matched with mentors who are trained volunteers with real life experience who can answer questions, point you to other resources, or just listen.

Upcoming online chats: Join us for daily online chats! One of our features this week will be “Purpose: Decision or discovery?” on February 22 at 12:15 pm EST.

Tags: CTV, Culture, erwin mcmanus, help, homeless, hope, nicole wiebe, shelter, soul cravings, volunteer, World

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