Ways You Can Help

This man could be your father, son or brother. It breaks my heart that he has to beg and live in places not meant to inhabit. He struggles every day to find a meal and keep warm.

What can you do to help ? There are several simple things we can do to assist this man.

1) You can donate gift bags or baskets with the most basic supplies like socks, sweat pants or shirts, pads or tampons, snacks and blankets.

2) Find a locate organization that assist the homeless and give a monetary donation.

3) Organize a homelessness community meal. You could potentially feed a large percentage of the homeless population.

4) Educate others on the importance of assisting the homeless and the causes of homelessness.

5) Donate food to local shelters or soup kitchens.

6) Volunteer your time at a local shelter or soup kitchen.

Youth Homelessness Facts

Youth Homeless Facts

34% of the total homeless population is under 24.

In 2014, however, 45,205 were unaccompanied.

About 80% of homeless youth (aged 12-21) use drugs or alcohol as a means to self-medicate to deal with the traumatic experiences and abuse they face.

Youths  under the age of 18 will run away at least once.

Approximately 40% of homeless teens identify as LGBT.

Over 50% of young people in shelters and on the streets report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were leaving and didn't care.

 21-40% of homeless youth had been sexually abused compared to 1-3% of the general youth population.

Of youth who run away, 41% have been abandoned by their parents for at least 24 hours and 43% have been beaten by a caretaker.

HIV rates for homeless people are 3 to 9 times higher.


https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-homeless-teens

Homeless for the Holidays

The holidays are approaching. Many individuals and families will suffer from homelessness during this time. Children will suffer the most. They lack their own bed , a place for a family feast or a Christmas tree with presents under neath.

Plenty of organizations offer assistance. The Rescue Mission will offer a large meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve and clean.  Donations are gladly accepted. More information can be found on their website.

The Salvation Army offers Christmas presents to families in need. Of course toy and gift donations are needed to make this possible.

We should all help give the people suffering from homelessness a pleasant holiday season. Any help is better than no help.