Homelessness

May 27 2020

How Homelessness Affects Society

Someone making an offering at the church, one of the four types of giving according to the bible.

Published May 27, 2020

When you see a homeless person on the street, you’d probably feel pity for a second and then go about your business. As long as you’ve got a stable job and a roof over your head, homelessness is something that doesn’t really concern you.

Or so you thought.

Truth is, homelessness affects us all – whether we experience it or not. It affects society in more ways than one. And it concerns you, whether you like it or not.

Here are some ways homelessness affects society:

1. It Costs the Government More Money

Yes, you read it right. Homelessness is costing the government millions of dollars of your tax money. According to a 2017 study in California, a homeless person receives an average of $38,146 worth of public services. This amount dropped by 60% after the said homeless person received housing.

This data is confirmed by former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan. He estimated that the government spends about $40,000 per homeless person per year. These expenses usually refer to shelters, emergency rooms, and jails.

Imagine if that amount of money is spent on providing permanent supportive housing for them. The government won’t only be able to save money. It would significantly alter the state of homelessness in the country.

2. It Poses a Threat to Public Health

It’s undeniable that homeless people are more vulnerable to communicable diseases. In 2018, an outbreak of Hepatitis A ravaged California. It particularly hit counties with high populations of unsheltered homeless individuals.

Though unfortunate, this doesn’t come as a shock. Sleeping rough on the streets, exposed to the elements, can compromise one’s immune system. Add to that the often unsanitary living conditions and they don’t stand much chance during outbreaks of diseases.

3. It Can Compromise Public Security

Many homeless people struggle with mental health issues of some sort. Most of the time, it’s brought about by their traumatic upbringing. They have been victims of abuse themselves and many of them find it hard to break the cycle. Whether they’re aware of it or not, they tend to inflict the same suffering on others. As a result, communities with high rates of homelessness also have high crime rates.

4. It Breaks Down Community Life

When a large number of the population are experiencing homelessness, it brings community life to its breaking point. It tests the very being of the community – their shared morals and that sense of belongingness. Homelessness brings it all into question.

Before you know it, the very essence of a community has broken down. We can no longer expect sympathy from the people we live in close quarters with. It fosters uncertainty and constant fear of the people we pass by on the streets. In short, it creates an unhealthy community where people generally distrust each other.

5. It Creates Social Barriers

Homelessness brings with it a social stigma. Those who experience it often live in shame and isolation. They’re trying to survive and they are desperate for help. But the fear of condemnation often prevents them from reaching out.

On the flip side of the coin, those who haven’t experienced homelessness will never be able to fully grasp what the homeless are going through. They tend to shrug them off as lazy bums who just can’t be bothered to work.

The lack of empathy from the one side and the fear of being judged from the other often leads to a breakdown of communication. This, in turn, drives a thick invisible wall between the two sides. It becomes an “us” versus “them” instead of “we” against poverty.

This social barrier only serves to bring to the fore those deeply rooted biases against the most vulnerable members of society.

Donate To The Poor Online

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

May 12 2020

How You Can Help End Homelessness

SEO Team Homelessness 0

Published May 12, 2020

Despite the many initiatives of both the government and the public sector, homelessness remains a big problem in the US. It’s not, after all, something that can be solved overnight.

While long-term strategies are needed to totally end homelessness, you can still help in your own way.

You may not have billions of dollars to build homes for every homeless person. But each individual effort, no matter how small, can go a long way.

Here are small ways you can help homeless people and contribute to ending homelessness.

Stop Stereotyping

Homeless people are some of the most stereotyped and discriminated people in our society. Admit it or not, most of us think that they are either too lazy to work or drug addicts.

But many homeless people are just victims of circumstances beyond their control. A lot of them have jobs but are not earning enough to live a decent life. Many of them are also suffering from mental illnesses stemming from childhood traumas.

So before you stereotype homeless people, remember most of them did not have your connections and opportunities. Before you shrug them off as bums and deadbeats, try to put yourself in their shoes. A little empathy can go a long way.

Start by smiling at them. You have no idea how a simple, sincere smile from a stranger can help a person going through a tough time. If you have the time, try to start a conversation with someone experiencing homelessness.

Stop ignoring them or treating them as a disgrace. Reaching out to them helps break the stigma. If more and more people will understand what they are going through, it will open up society’s mind about the reality of their plight. The less time we spend judging them, the more time we have to help them.

Donate to Homeless Charities

Countless charitable institutions all over the country are fighting to end homelessness in their own ways. These organizations help give people experiencing homelessness a second chance at a decent life. You can be a part of the fight too.

Most of these charities are funded by donations. Even if you’re no Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos, you can still donate to them. Any amount, heartily given, is a huge help to ease their suffering. Some of the homeless charities in the US you can donate to are:

Give Out Care Packages

Care packages are one way of helping people experiencing homelessness get through the day. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Just grab some ready-to-eat foods and personal hygiene items you have at home and put them in a paper bag. Carry these care packages around and give it to a homeless person you meet on the street.

Winter is especially difficult for people with no place to lay their heads in. Shelters are also packed during this time. As a result, many homeless have to sleep in the frozen pavements. Their threadbare clothing barely enough to keep them warm. If you have some blankets or socks to spare, that would make a world of difference to them.

Advocate

One of the most foolproof ways of ending homelessness is educating the people. Educate your friends and family that homelessness does not stem from laziness or addiction.

Instead, people experiencing homelessness are also just victims. They need our understanding and sympathy as much as anyone else. Use your voice to campaign for legislation and programs to help people escape homelessness.

With enough people advocating to end homelessness, sooner or later the right people will hear you.

Volunteer

If you can’t donate money, you can always donate your time. Many homeless charities and programs are in need of volunteers. There are a lot of tasks where you can use your expertise in.

You can help cook foods in a soup kitchen or build a home in low-cost housing programs. Many volunteers also do administrative jobs like social media management or accounting. There’s a wide variety of jobs a volunteer can do.

Raise Funds

Most charitable organizations organize fundraising campaigns from time to time. It’s a way of rallying the community together to support a common cause.

If you can’t donate or volunteer, you can always help them raise funds. Or organize a fundraising campaign yourself.

Help Them Get a Job

Though many homeless people have jobs, social stigma prevents them from finding a decent job with a livable wage. And this is very important to someone experiencing homelessness. If they’ll earn enough to afford a room of their own, it’s one step closer to getting out of homelessness.

So if you are hiring or you know someone who does, consider giving these people an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Sometimes, all they need is a chance and someone to believe in them.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A Growing Crisis of How Homelessness Affects Children in the US.

March 18 2020

A Growing Crisis: How Homelessness Affects Children in the US

Content Team Homelessness 0

Published March 19, 2020

When we hear the word “homeless”, the first image that comes to mind is people sleeping on parks and pavements. But unknown to many, there is one group that is most affected by the country’s homelessness crisis: children.

According to a federal report, the number of homeless students from kindergarten to 12th grade has grown by 70% over the past decade. This doesn’t include runaways and out-of-school youths. In 2014, one report revealed that 1 in 30 children in the country is experiencing homelessness each year.

Most of these children are from single-parent families which comprise a majority of the country’s homeless population. According to a 2018 report, over 90% of these children are staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs. (Related: Homeless Mothers Who Turned Their Lives Around)

For the past several years, steps have been done to address this growing crisis. But the recent explosion in real estate prices in major cities seem to undermine these efforts. Each year, more and more children are losing their homes which affects their education, health and leaves lasting trauma.

Education

With no permanent place to stay, most homeless children struggle to go to school. They lag behind on lessons, homework, and other school activities.

Federal law mandates school districts to provide transportation for homeless children. But oftentimes, this isn’t enough to keep a child in school.

When the family moves to a different shelter across the state, it means a new school for the children. Some homeless children even reported having changed schools at least twice a year.

As the new kid in school, homeless children are often subjected to bullying. Not only that but every time a child transfers school, they lose around four to six months of academic learning. Add to this the stress of adjusting to yet another unfamiliar environment. It’s no wonder why many of them choose to skip school.

With these difficulties, only very few homeless youths actually make it through high school. No diploma means lesser employment opportunities. Thus, they tend to become homeless even as adults.

A homeless child who is also a victim of domestic abuse.

Health

Because they often have to skip meals, many homeless children suffer from malnutrition. As a result, they are more prone to diseases.

Data gathered by private institutions suggest that asthma is one of the most common illnesses of homeless kids. Displacement often interrupts their asthma maintenance. Staying in homeless shelters also increases their exposure to various kinds of allergens which trigger attacks.

Lack of access to sufficient and nutritious meals also takes a toll on their bodies. Very young children housed in shelters are found to have a high rate of iron-deficiency anemia.

Experiencing homelessness at an early age also increases their risk of developmental delays. This affects them even until adulthood which puts them at a great disadvantage among other children their age.

Psychology

Homelessness often leaves severe trauma on an innocent child. And it’s a known fact that childhood traumas often manifest in an adult’s behavior.

Being a constant victim of bullying and no safe place to call their own can mess up a child’s emotional response. Bullied children turned out to be either violent or closed off to the world. Either way, they have difficulty trusting others and building relationships. Not to mention that the constant moving about keeps them from getting to know other people long enough to form even a semblance of friendship.

Most homeless children have also been victims of domestic violence. Studies suggest that these children often display signs of various behavioral problems. This can include aggression, self-disturbance, anxiety, and depression.

Help Us Help The Homeless

We at Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen have been helping the homeless in South Florida since 1989. Our mission is to provide them with a safe haven where they can get meals free from condemnation and discrimination. Aside from hot lunches, our guests also get a take-out bag, clothes and hygiene kits.

You can help us help the homeless too. We accept donations in cash or in kind. You can donate through our online facility or drop off food or clothing donations at our office in Pompano Beach. Any amount will be a huge help in getting them through this trying time.

Donate To The Poor Online

Did you like this post about homelessness in children in the US? Check more helpful articles on our blog.

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A homeless single mother hugging her children.

February 5 2020

Homeless Mothers Who Turned Their Lives Around

Content Team Homelessness, Positive News 0

Published February 5th, 2020

Being homeless is hard but it’s even more so for single mothers. They not only have to look out for themselves but for their little ones too. With no husband or relatives to turn to, homeless single mothers often have to brave insurmountable odds alone.

According to studies, 60% of homeless families in the US are headed by single mothers. Though unfortunate, this data isn’t surprising. Single-parent families are among the poorest households in the country with more than a third living below the poverty line.

This statistic is also due to the fact that most women who find themselves in this situation are lacking higher education degrees and certifications. With dismal employment prospects, getting their own place in a very competitive real estate market can be difficult.

With these challenges, what are the chances of a single mother getting out of homelessness? As it turns out, it can be done. And these homeless single mothers’ inspiring tales are a testament to that.

Jennifer Deuel

In the space of four years, Jennifer Deuel went from being a homeless single mother to being a homeowner.

Trapped in an abusive relationship for eight years, Deuel decided she finally had enough. With her two-year-old special needs son in tow, she left her husband while pregnant with her second son. She had nothing except the clothes on her back, a stroller and a garbage bag full of her children’s clothes.

Deuel ended up at the House of Mercy, a local shelter for women run by the YWCA. Most women in her predicament would have lost hope but Deuel was determined.

She began taking classes to further her education – she hopes to become a nurse one day. She also works full time as a certified nursing assistant. Aside from her work and studies, Deuel also sees to it that she spends enough time with her kids.

According to Deuel, her kids saved her from going into a spiral descent. If not for them, she would have become a drug addict or worse.

With the help of NGOs and the local government, Deuel was able to get a low-cost apartment. But it did not stop there. When she saved up enough for the down payment, Deuel brought her own house. She said that, for the first time in her life, she finally has something she can call hers.

Despite praises for her determination and courage to turn her life around, Deuel believes she did nothing special. She says she was just trying to take care of her kids and do something with her life.

“Even if life beats you down, you can’t afford to give up. If you want it to happen bad enough, you will make it happen.”, she added.

A homeless single mother clasping hands with her son.

Creionna

She lost her mother at an early age and a few years later, her father was sent to prison. In 10th grade, Hurricane Katrina flooded her hometown and washed away the hopes of a better future. At 16, she was living in a house full of drug-addicted relatives. To make matters worse, she became pregnant and the father of her child abandoned her.

It seems like happiness is always out of grasp for Creionna, a teenage single mother from New Orleans. Not only was she abandoned, her father and relatives also forced her to abort her child. Defying everyone around her, she chose to keep the child.

After giving birth alone in an emergency C-section, Creionna decided never to set foot in that house again. Bundling up her six-week-old son and carrying nothing but a well-stocked diaper bag, she waited for a bus outside a Walmart parking lot.

Out of the blue, an elderly couple approached and asked her what’s wrong. Mustering up her courage, she asked them to take her to a local shelter she heard about while at school.

Creionna admitted that she never imagined herself living in a homeless shelter. But her circumstances left her with no choice. Raising her son in a shelter is much better than raising him in a house full of drug addicts. (Related: How Important Are Moral Values in Children?)

At the shelter, Creionna worked hard to improve her situation. She found a job and started attending money management and parenting classes. She also went back to high school and finished the two classes she needed to graduate.

It wasn’t an easy journey. Her days typically start at 5:45 in the morning and end between 7:00 to 8:00 at night. She has to take seven bus or streetcar rides, pick up her son at the daycare center, cook dinner and do her homework.

After two years, her hard work paid off. She got promoted in her job which allowed her to take university courses for free. It also afforded her a small apartment where they now live. The future is finally starting to look bright.

Jennie Galindo

Second chance – these two words sum up Jennie Galindo’s life. Sexually abused at a young age, she turned to drugs and partying to cope. As a result, she struggled with meth addiction for 20 years.

Her drug addiction also took a toll on her personal life. She went through a string of abusive relationships from which she bore four sons.

With no stable relationships, Jennie and her sons moved around the country for years. They even lived in Mexico for a time. She worked in low-wage jobs and committed minor crimes such as forgery and petty theft. She was also very familiar with homelessness as most of the time, they either slept in their car or in a shelter.

It all changed on a cold winter night in December 2015. Jennie said she became tired of living that kind of lifestyle. More importantly, she didn’t want to put her kids through it anymore. She wanted out.

Leaving behind an abusive partner, Jennie and her sons traveled to California from Las Vegas. There they sought shelter at a local CareCenter. She was also able to get a job in telemarketing.

The NGO also helped her find a cheap two-bedroom apartment and even assisted with moving-in costs. She also started going to church and attended group therapy sessions.

In addition to her part-time jobs, Jennie also serves as an overnight logistics coordinator at the local CareCenter that helped them. She does not consider it as a job though but a labor of love. It’s her way of expressing her gratitude for all the help she and her family had received when they most needed it. (Related: 14 Great Quotes About Giving Back and Helping Others)

If there’s one thing these stories of struggles and triumph tells us, it’s that everyone has their own battles to fight. These people did not choose to be homeless. They’re just victims of poor choices and circumstances beyond their control. Instead of condemnation, let us practice compassion. Rather than turning them away, let us help them get back on their feet. Together, we can make this world a better place to live.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

A homeless charity volunteer is enjoying serving food to the homeless people.

October 23 2019

What is a Soup Kitchen? The Complete Answer

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Homelessness, Soup Kitchen 0

A homeless person getting free food at a soup kitchen.

Published October 23rd, 2019

By definition, a soup kitchen is a place where free food is served to the homeless and destitute to millions around the world. In reality, however, soup kitchens are so much more than that.

What Does a Soup Kitchen Do?

A familiar feeling among homeless people is hopelessness. And we cannot blame them. When you have lost everything (your house, friends, and family), it’s inevitable to feel such desperation. Every single day, they have to keep fighting to survive. And every single day, they sink deeper into the quagmire of self-pity and desolation.

Soup kitchens have become a place of refuge for those less fortunate souls. It gives them hope that all is not lost and there are still people who care for them. In these havens, they are not judged, discriminated, or made to feel like they’re worthless. They are cared for and treated as equals.

Aside from free food, most soup kitchens also provide other necessities such as clothing and hygiene kits. Though some soup kitchens only serve soup and bread, others serve a freshly-cooked full course meal. They also provide a take out bag with a sandwich and other goodies.

The most important thing a soup kitchen does, however, is providing the homeless with a sense of belonging. For someone who doesn’t have a place of their own, this is a big deal, particularly during special occasions.

How Do Soup Kitchens Help the Community?

Throughout history and in most cultures, the sharing of food to the less fortunate is a common practice. Society has always felt a moral obligation to help its most vulnerable members.

This is how soup kitchens help the community. They provide a venue for those with resources to share their blessings to people who are in dire need of it.

Not only does it encourage charity, but it also brings the community together. It helps break societal boundaries as rich and poor, young and old gather together to share a meal. More importantly, it teaches young children the importance of empathy.

Someone giving an apple to a homeless child.

Where Do Soup Kitchens Get Their Food?

Soup kitchens run on the generosity of people in the community. They rely mostly on donations from individuals and institutions who believe in their cause.

At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, for example, donors have the option to donate cash or food items. Non-perishable items like bottled water, cereals, bread, coffee, milk, and canned goods are especially needed. But you can also donate used clothes and hygiene items as these are very much useful for the homeless too.

The Difference Between Soup Kitchens and Food Pantries

Though both give out food to the homeless, soup kitchens and food pantries differ in their methods.

Food pantries give out pre-packaged food items that the recipient can eat and cook at home. This is convenient for people who live far away from these institutions. They can receive up to a week’s worth of food without having to visit the food pantries frequently.

Soup kitchens, on the other hand, give out freshly-cooked meals which can be eaten in their premises. Unlike food pantries, soup kitchens serve food to anyone who turns up with no questions asked. That is why it’s an ideal setting for the homeless and those with long-term dependence on food assistance. They are able to enjoy a hot meal in an environment free of discrimination and prejudice.

One free hot meal each day may not matter much to you but it could be a lifeline for others. Join us in helping the homeless. Donate or volunteer at soup kitchens near you. Together, we can change the world with one small act of kindness at a time.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

October 10 2019

Praying for the Homeless

Peter Heise Helping the Poor, Homelessness 1

Published October 10th, 2019

If there’s one thing that homeless people need aside from food and shelter, it’s our prayers.

Every day, they face the prospect of starvation. In winter, they also have the added burden of staying warm so as not to catch hypothermia. And there’s no one to care for them when they get sick or injured.

Living on the streets can be very dangerous too. With no safe place to lay their heads at night, they become easy targets for criminals. The Guardian recently reported that homeless people are 15 times more likely to get assaulted.

These are just some of the reasons why we need to pray for the homeless. We all know how powerful prayer can be when it comes from a sincere heart. It can create miracles.

We are undoubtedly blessed to have food on our table and a roof over our heads. It is just right to share that blessing. The least we can do is offer them a prayer.

Showing Mercy to the Homeless

Why should we show mercy to the homeless? The bible says:

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given” – Proverbs 19:17

Showing compassion to the poor, hungry, and homeless is us doing a favor for God. Helping them is our way of serving Him and thanking Him for all that He has given us.

How to Pray for the Homeless

There is no one right way of praying as long as it comes from your heart. But if you don’t know how to pray for the homeless, here’s a quick guide.

Pray for Resistance Against Temptation. Because of their desperate situation, homeless people are more prone to temptation. They get tempted to commit crimes or take addictive substances. Help them pray for the strength to resist such temptations.
Pray for Spiritual Rehabilitation. Pray that in spite of what they are going through, they remain steadfast in the Lord.
Pray for Friendship and Courage. Most of the time, homeless people have only themselves. Pray that they will have the courage to get them through this trying time. Pray also that they will meet a friend who will understand, support, and help them get back on their feet.
Pray for the Children. If homelessness is difficult for adults, then it is much more so for the children. Pray that God may always protect them and give them a much better future than the life they are living now.

Sample Prayers for the Homeless

A sample prayer for the homeless, poor and hungry.

A sample prayer for benevolence to the homeless.

Help Us Help The Homeless

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has been serving the homeless for over 30 years. We provide them a hot meal in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.

You can join our cause too! You can donate cash online or drop off food items at our place in Pompano Beach, Florida. We are especially in need of bottled water, food, coffee, milk, and men’s clothing. Visit our homepage to know more about our soup kitchen or contact us if you’d like to give a hand. We welcome volunteers too.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

September 25 2019

14 Great Quotes About Giving Back and Helping Others

Peter Heise Homelessness 0

Published September 25th, 2019

Nowadays, the rate of homelessness in the US is undoubtedly high. That’s why there are lots of soup kitchens and volunteers out there to help the homeless and the needy.

These volunteers are motivated by reading quotes about helping others.

Here are the compiled great quotes about giving back and helping others. These can keep you motivated in helping those people in need.

“I believe that we all have a responsibility to give back. No one becomes successful without lots of hard work, support from others, and a little luck. Giving back creates a virtuous cycle that makes everyone more successful.”—Ron Conway

“Go out into the world and do good until there is too much good in the world.”—Larry H. Miller

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”—Mother Teresa

Someone giving flowers to another who is of a different religion, a depiction of universal love.

“I believe giving back is one of the greatest life lessons we can teach our children: that the world isn’t all about them and that, through our actions, people will really discover what kind of person we truly are.”—Gretchen Carlson

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.”—Mother Teresa

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” – Steve Maraboli

“If you’re not reaching back to help anyone, then you’re not building a legacy.” ― Germany Kent

“Be the sun in someone’s dark sky.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”—Sherry Anderson

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.

“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan

“You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.”—Seth Parker

“If you become a helper of hearts, springs of wisdom will flow from your heart.”—Rumi

I hope these quotes about giving and helping others can help you be more passionate about helping the needy.

Help the Homeless

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has been helping homeless people in South Florida for more than 30 years. Aside from serving hot lunches, we also do our best to meet their clothing and basic hygiene needs. Running a soup kitchen is not an easy task thus we greatly appreciate any help we can get. You can donate to our cause online or drop food packages and clothing donations at Our Father’s House in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a firm believer in the power of giving and she wants to share that with the world. As a volunteer author she loves to write about topics related to giving and personal fulfillment.

Someone writing a message on a brown bag for the homeless care package.

September 13 2019

Ideas for Making Care Packages for the Homeless

Peter Heise Homelessness 0

Published September 13th, 2019

Nowadays, you may notice that lots of homeless people wander in the streets. There are times that you were able to come across some of them when you’re outside, or you’re on your way to your home.

Because of this, it may already have crossed your mind on how you could help them.

Aside from offering help in soup kitchens, there are other ways you can help the homeless. You can donate to charity or give them care packages.

A homeless care package is a bag full of necessities that you prepare ahead of time to give to those in need that you may come across.

This way, you can give it or pass it to the homeless directly.

For instance, you come across a homeless man on your way to work. You can give them the care package that’s already in your bag or in your car that you prepared beforehand.

Having a homeless care package on hand, you can feed someone without giving any money. It’s much better to give food and toiletries to the homeless. In this case, you can make sure that they cannot buy any substance to sustain their addiction if there are any.

So what should you include in your homeless care package? Here are some ideas for making care packages for the homeless.

Reusable Bag

Before you think of anything, it’s important to prepare a bag that is heavy duty and durable.

Homeless people usually wanders a lot. They transfer from places to places to find a comfortable place to stay for the night. Basically, they would need a bag that can carry everything they need inside.

A plastic bag with Ziplocs will be a great help to them. In this way, the food can be separated from the toiletries.

Non-Perishable Food & Water

You need to consider the situation when you think of giving food and beverages to the homeless. They usually don’t have access to refrigerators so you need to include food that can last for a while.

You can include in your package some food that has protein and energy so that it can sustain them for the next few days.

Here’s a list of some food that you can include in your package:

Applesauce
Pudding cups
Trail mix
Beef jerky
Granola bar
Fruit snacks
Applesauce
Crackers with peanut butter or cheese

You can also include 1-3 bottles of water in your care package. Avoid giving soda for it will just make them more thirsty afterward.

Toiletries

Soap, shampoo, tissue, toothpaste, and a toothbrush can be included in your care package. This is to help the homeless take care of themselves and not to have fear of how they smell.

If you include these toiletries on your care package, be sure to put it in a Ziploc. In case the soap or shampoo spills, it won’t ruin the taste of the food.

Bible, Tracts, and Devotionals

We may not be sure of the religion of the homeless we may come across. But as Christians, it’s our duty to share the gospel to everyone – especially the homeless. They need it the most during these tough times. They need something to be inspired and help them not to lose hope.

These are one of the many things you can include in your homeless care package. Remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s the thought that matters most.

Giving away a care package may not end homelessness. But it’s the least we can do in spreading kindness to everyone we meet along the way.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

As a nurse, Franchette Agatha Jardin wants to spread the news about the benefits of giving and compassion. As a volunteer author her writing reflects her Christian upbringing and compassion for giving.

September 12 2019

What Are The Root Causes of Homelessness?

Peter Heise Homelessness 1

Published September 12th, 2019

At least 2.5 to 3.5 million Americans are homeless as estimated by The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. Others may define homelessness as people who lack regular, and adequate nighttime shelter. But the truth is, homelessness is not only defined by lack of housing.

Homelessness is actually unique for everyone who’s experiencing it.

It’s important to know the causes of homelessness.

While it’s great to help by providing support, it’s best to provide long term solutions. To achieve this, we first need to identify the root cause of the problem.

Poverty

Poverty is a huge factor in becoming homeless. The lack of adequate income often affects access to housing, food, and health support. The poor face difficult choices, especially when their resources are only limited.

Discrimination

Discrimination is another reason why many people live on the streets. For instance, aged 50 years old and above might find it hard to find a job compared to younger ones. In some cases, race and sexuality are also at high risk of experiencing discrimination. (e.g. establishments who don’t hire homosexuals or people of color.)

Failures of the System

This occurs when systems of care and support fail. When this happens, most people often turn to homelessness services.

An example of this is a lack of support for immigrants and refugees and difficult transitions from child welfare.

Personal and Relational Problems

Personal and relational problems are also the root causes of homelessness. Personal problems often include traumatic events, personal crisis, mental illness, and addiction.

Traumatic events such as job loss, accident, or house fire have a huge impact on why a person ends up living in the streets. These unexpected crises often lead to homelessness.

Personal crises like family break-ups or abuse from a family member also drive people to leave home.

Mental illness is another significant contributor to homelessness. People with serious mental illnesses often have difficulties in carrying out daily activities.

Mental illnesses may also prevent people maintain a stable relationship. They are often irrational which results in conflicts with other people.

Addiction also made many people homeless. It can be both a cause or a consequence. Homeless addicts are at risk of using injectable drugs. This might lead to acquiring diseases and making it very difficult to get a job.

Domestic Violence

There is without a doubt, a connection between domestic violence and homelessness. Abuse and violence often force a person to leave home especially without proper support in place.

Victims of sexual and physical abuse are often left with no choice but to become homeless. This is not an unusual issue for youth and women, even those with children.

By addressing the right method and strategy on each factor causing homelessness, we can achieve and end these causes of homelessness. If we dig deeper, we can come up with a definite and long-term solution to homelessness and provide necessary supports.

How Soup Kitchens Help Address Homelessness

While the country’s homelessness problem is hard to eradicate, there are people taking little steps towards that goal. Non-profit organizations like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen in Florida gives homeless people a chance to get back on their feet.

We all know that aside from housing, food is a major problem for homeless people. Most of them don’t get to eat three times a day. Others would even resort to scavenging food from the dumpsters which pose a huge risk to their health.

The freshly-cooked meal these soup kitchens provide not only fills up their belly but lifts up their spirits too. It gives them hope that someone still cares and that they’re not alone. It serves as a motivation to turn their life around and get out of their homeless status.

You can do your share too. Soup kitchens always need an extra pair of hands from volunteers and donations from generous people like you. You can donate cash, food items, used clothing, hygiene kits, and other necessities.

Donate To The Poor Online

About The Author

A homeless man in an orange sleeping bag in the streets of Florida.

September 12 2019

The State of Homelessness in South Florida

Peter Heise Homelessness 0

Published September 12th, 2019

We all know that homelessness is not uncommon in the US. In fact, The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty estimates that at least 2.5 to 3.5 million Americans are homeless.

An estimated 31,030 people experience homelessness in South Florida as of January 2018. Of those people, 5,302 of it experiences chronic homelessness. While 2,757 were family households, 2,543 were veterans, and 1,892 of it were unaccompanied young adults.

What’s even heartbreaking is the record of public school students who’ve experienced homelessness in South Florida. At least 72,042 public school students have been or are currently homeless in the South Florida. And this was only for the school year of 2016-2017.

Out of 72,042 students, an estimated 2,001 lacked shelter. While 8,346 slept in shelters and 8,113 were staying in hotels/motels. The rest were doubling up.

What Leads People to Homelessness?

There are a lot of reasons why people become homeless. Some of them are victims of sexual and physical abuse, while others are victims of an unjust system.

Poverty, discrimination, system failures – you name it. But, even if we already knew the root cause of homelessness, it seems that the government is still struggling to end it.

So as a normal human being, what can we do about it? How can we help those who are homeless and in need?

Helping the Homeless

Imagine seeing those people living in the streets, thinking of what they should do to survive for the day. And then waking up the next day, thinking of the same problem they had from yesterday.

Fortunately, there are non-profit organizations in Florida like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen. They help the homeless by providing free meals, clothes, and other necessities. This soup kitchen has been feeding the homeless in South Florida for more than 30 years thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Yes, shelters and soup kitchens may not be the way to end homelessness. But it allows them to get back on their feet. Don’t you think it’s nice to help the homeless even in small ways?

Aren’t we lucky enough to have a house that we can also call home? Isn’t it nice knowing that when bad weather comes, we can find ourselves curled up under our blanket sipping a cup of hot tea?

It will be a great help for the homeless if we share our blessings. There are lots of organizations around you if you wish to help. You can volunteer your time or donate to their cause. They usually accept donations both in cash and in-kind.

Sharing your blessings to the homeless can be fulfilling. It may not make you rich, but you can have something in return: happiness.