Do you want to be sure other humans eat every day? Helping mankind in times of crisis, when many people are selfish, is a commendable gesture. Here's how you can make a difference!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making an Effort Every Day
Step 1. Keep food supplies in the car
Most people can't go to homeless communities often, so you might be helping the homeless people you see on the street every day, or others you meet randomly. So get ready to feed the homeless using the supplies you have in the car. Use a large container and fill it with non-perishable food so you are always ready.
- When it comes to non-perishable food, think about simple things. Cereal bars, canned fruit or vegetables, jam or even sweets - anything you can open and eat (and that won't break easily, like potato chips).
- Don't forget the pet food! Statistics say that about 10% of homeless people have pets to keep them company. So one in 10 homeless people have a four-legged friend! Pet food can be very helpful - not being able to feed their pets is another problem for homeless people.
Step 2. Prepare gift certificates
Almost all stores today have gift certificates or gift cards to promote impulse shopping! Instead of wasting money, use it for a good cause! Carrying a gift voucher or two is very simple. Now just decide which ones to get!
Choose something simple, like supermarket, restaurant, or fast food coupons. Even a € 5 voucher is a perfect gift. Gift certificates are very easy to carry around
Step 3. Store the recyclable waste
As you've probably noticed, homeless people are often looking for bottles and cans to recycle. We all have recyclable waste that we can give to the homeless to help them earn some money, so save it! And that way you don't even have to go to the recyclable garbage can or landfill!
Step 4. Donate food to charity collections
Do a little research to see where the charity collections take place. Some organizations make these collections very often. Check the newspaper, schools, or other news sources.
If you can't find a charity collection in your area, there are many other ways to donate food! Get in touch with local shelters, churches and associations and ask what they need. This can be especially useful around the holidays
Step 5. Generally, don't give out cash
You've heard it before and we repeat it: when you give money, who knows what it will be used for? Some organizations say giving out cash keeps homeless people on the streets, so they don't have to seek assistance in shelters or communities.
However, you can make cash donations to non-profit organizations that help the homeless. If you help these organizations your money will surely be used in the right way
Part 2 of 3: Be Part of Your Community
Step 1. Work with your church
Each parish has programs to help the homeless and the disadvantaged. You can also help churches other than yours or religious communities of different faiths: it doesn't matter if you are a believer or which religious affiliation you belong to, what matters is the help you are willing to give!
Volunteering can consist of time, money, food, clothes, etc., but in any case it is a precious gesture. Those who go to church to volunteer are not necessarily a religious person, they are simply people who love to do good
Step 2. Get a list of homeless shelters
Search the internet or the yellow pages. Once you have a list available you can:
- Call them and ask how you can be of help. Some need volunteers, others need food or personal items, etc.
- When you talk to a homeless person, tell them about these shelters. Giving him a can of soup will feed him today, but telling him about the shelter will feed him for a long time.
Step 3. Contact a soup kitchen
Why limit yourself to donating food when you can help prepare it? Homeless people not only need food, but also smiling faces. You can help them regain their faith in humanity by volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Step 4. Raise some funds
If you want to maximize your efforts, organize a fundraiser at school or at work! Even if you have few friends, that's okay. The more people you involve, the more people you can help. Whether it's for a day or a month, it's always a good idea.
For larger collections, spread the word! Prepare flyers and distribute them, send e-mails or sponsor the event on Facebook - anything to reach as many people as possible. Even if each person only donates one euro, it will still be something
Step 5. Join a local association
You may not know, but there may be associations in your area that help the homeless. These are non-profit organizations that support the homeless. Become a member!
If you find someone in desperate need, contact the local authorities, the hospital or Caritas
Part 3 of 3: Doing More
Step 1. Organize a food collection
Just like raising money, you can also collect food! Sometimes people prefer to donate food rather than money - it's not considered a cash out. Start at school or at work! Set yourself a goal and achieve it. And ask yourself how long it will last.
Do things right or don't do them at all, right? Contact a local newspaper or television station. Spread the news! If the cause is right, who will have the courage to back down? Also spread the word on social networks and tell all your friends - you will need a lot of help
Step 2. Get help from your government
Homeless people don't vote, so little attention is paid to them. Tell local politicians that they have a duty to take the initiative!
- There are laws in the United States that help the homeless: we can do the same in our country.
- Write letters. Write to local politicians so that they are aware of these initiatives.
Step 3. Get into politics
If local politicians don't do much to help the homeless, enter the world of politics! Being on the school board could be a good start! If people don't represent you, you have to be represented by yourself!
Go to your local committee meetings. Get to know the right people. It will be difficult to start, but everyone has been there
Step 4. Work with associations that provide housing for the homeless
Feeding the homeless is one thing, but why stop? Once they have a roof over their heads, they will have fewer worries - and more money to spend on food. Don't limit yourself to shelters, but volunteer with many other organizations!
You can even feed those who work in the shelters! Contact the refuge in your area and ask if you can sponsor a lunch or a buffet. Anything will help
Step 5. Start a local program in your area
Obviously it will be very demanding: you need the consent of the Municipality, there will be costs for starting activities, licenses, etc… But it is possible: the other existing programs were born from a person. Perhaps your community needs to fill in gaps or improve its program.
