Please read this with an open mind and look at the links I have provided. This is a serious subject that many people ignore. The problem will not go away if we all ignore it. Homeless people need our help.

Homeless people come from all types of social backgrounds. It could happen to any of us at any time. We tend to assume and take for granted what we have in life. Not all homeless people sleep on the streets. Many are sleeping on friends' or families' floors, staying in a hotel temporarily, or in a shelter.  Becoming homeless can happen to any one of us. Many people who become homeless once thought they would never be a part of the homeless community. 

Being homeless knows no color or nationality. It is non prejudiced. Homeless people would not choose to live that way. They prefer to work and not have the difficulties they have being homeless. It is difficult to get them to accept help no matter how rough it gets for them. Judging them is not the way to solve the problem. If they have children, they feel like they are failures as parents!  They are still good parents, they just have no 'true' or 'real' home.

There are many reasons people end up homeless:

The breakup of a marriage or a relationship.

The loss of a job and/or income causing them to lose their home.

An addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling.

Mental illness without treatment.

Difficulty coping with civilian life causes some armed 
forces people to become homeless.

Running from an abusive relationship.

An unexpected death in the family.

Plus many other reasons, too numerous to list here.

If you know of someone who is homeless, please don't judge them. Offer to help in some way you are capable of helping. If a person is standing on the road with a sign, "WILL WORK FOR FOOD", don't make fun of or smart off about them. You may be in their shoes someday. There are many ways you can help and many ways to educate yourself about homeless people. I have provided links to sites that have ways to help those who are homeless and educate the public. Obviously if a person is homeless they may not have access to a computer. Many libraries offer internet services; however, some charge for this. Many homeless people have NO money or a VERY limited amount and can NOT afford to research for assistance online. If there is a way you can let them know of services available to them, you would be helping them out more than you realize.

Homeless Links

President Jimmy Carter said, "This book will inspire us to help eliminate homelessness." He was speaking of the book by Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff.  It is titled
54 Ways You Can Help The Homeless

When offering to give things to a homeless person, consider if they have children, or if they have a way to take a shower, or if there is somewhere for them to keep what you give to them, or if there is a way for them to prepare foods,  etc. Never give a homeless person money directly. If you wish to give money, donate to an organization that helps homeless or go directly to pay for something for the person yourself. If you know the person and they are not a complete stranger, then use your own judgment about giving them money.

Foods To Offer Homeless People
(Keep in mind, some have small children & babies)

granola bars
fruits
sandwiches
bottled water
canned juices
bread-peanut butter
crackers
snack crackers  i.e. peanut butter, cheese, etc.
fresh veggies cut up into finger food size
trail mixes
vienna sausages, potted meat, etc.
dried fruits
mixed nuts - peanuts
baby food, teething biscuits, toddler cookies

Basic Items to Give to Homeless People
(Using travel size containers is easier for them to carry around)

School supplies (if they have children)
Phone Cards (so they can call family)
Sanitary Napkins, etc.
Hypo-allergenic Laundry Soap
Small Pillows
Duffel Bags - Gym Bags - Backpacks
Small Sewing Kit
Band-Aids
Antibiotic Ointment
Peroxide
Rubbing Alcohol
Facial Tissues
Cotton Swabs - Cotton Balls
After Bite Bug Bite Stick
Teether Toys
Teething Gel 
Baby Bottles
Baby Lotion
Basic Tylenol
Folding Umbrella
Pen, Paper & Stamps
Diapers, Wet Wipes, Diaper Ointment
(Zinc Oxide works well for ointment & is cheaper)
Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste - Toothbrushes
Individual Hairbrushes & Combs
Blankets
Plastic Cups
Pots - Pans
Shoes - Socks
Clothing
Coats - Hat - Gloves - Scarves
Books To Read
Gift Cards for food stores,  places to eat or laundromats
Coloring Books - Crayons - Colored Pencils
Stuffed Toy
Journal Books
Digital Thermometer

Just remember what you would feel like without some basic things in life. 
Wouldn't you appreciate someone helping you out a little bit?

This page maintained by Belle

(c)1998-2007
 
 
 

Midi Playing is "Don't Laugh at Me" by Mark Wills