As Christians, we all should feel the need to help the less fortunate among us. Unfortunately, as individuals, we often feel helpless to confront a societal ill as great and vast as homelessness and poverty.
While it's true that larger reforms and movements are necessary to make change on a national level, we're far from powerless in our own community. You can help those in your city in direct and simple ways that make a meaningful difference.
Here are five simple ways you can help the homeless in your community.
Treat them like Jesus would
One of the great examples Jesus demonstrates again and again in the Bible is not just that he helped the unfortunate and downtrodden, but he did it with kindness and dignity. He always took the time to not just minister to their needs, but to talk with the poor, the shunned, and the outcast on a human level. We should strive to be like that when we interact with the homeless.
Extreme poverty is corrosive, it burns away at a person's sense of self-worth. Imagine having people walk over you all day, barely acknowledging you as anything but a bump in the sidewalk. Imagine the shame of having to shelter your family in the back of a failing station wagon, unsure of where you can park where you won't be hassled in the middle of the night. It is a hostile and isolating way to live.
When that is your reality, a gentle smile or a kind greeting can mean the world. When you want to give your neighbour a "cold cup of water” to soothe them, start by soothing their spirit.
Donate socks
Obviously donating clothing is always helpful for the homeless. Rounding up some old clothes and dropping them off at a shelter is never a bad thing. But, you might be surprised at what article of clothing is most in demand – socks.
Socks are the most needed but least donated piece of clothing in most homeless shelter. It makes sense. While we tend to out or under size things like shirts and slacks with as we diet (or not), or fall out of love with some fashions, most of us wear our socks into the ground. By the time we're done with them, socks are ready to be tossed out, not donated.
And that's exactly why shelters need them in particular. Frostbite of the extremities is a real danger for many homeless, resulting in painful blisters, discoloration, and even the loss of toes in extreme situations. Imagine, to lose a part of your body for such a little thing, a simple piece of cloth to put over your feet. For the needy, a good pair of socks could make all the difference in the cold months. While giving an old sweater or jacket to a shelter is always a good thing, consider tossing in some gently used socks, or even going to a big box department store and picking up a bulk pack. It might be the most effective $15 of giving you make all year.
Making care packs out of totes and gift bags
Do you attend conferences or events as part of your job or as part of membership to an association or group? Then chances are, you have plenty of small knapsacks or tote bags kicking around. Over the past few years, it's become de rigueur to hand out logo-emblazoned, complimentary bags at many events. These bags tend to get tossed into closets and drawers as soon as you get home and stay there, dusty and forgotten. It's a nice gesture, but it often results in meaningless waste.
Why not put those bags to better use? Next time you receive a knapsack or tote you have no real intention of using, fill it with a few supplies and pass it on to someone in need. Even a bag with just basic supplies such as toothpaste, deodorant, socks, gloves, and some non-perishable snacks (think granola bars and nuts) can have a big impact for someone lacking these items. Adding in a note with contact info for local services and charities can also be a good idea.
It doesn't cost much to fill a bag with some helpful necessities and it is a much better use of one than taking up space in a closet somewhere.
Help isn't limited to one season
While the homeless and vulnerable among us obviously need extra care during the cold winter months, don't forget about them during the more temperate seasons either. Hunger doesn't care whether it's hot or cold outside and the need for dignity and compassion never fades.
In the sweltering heat, a change of a clean t-shirt can be a welcome relief. Extra water during these hot months can make a big difference as well. A cheap umbrella or rain poncho during the rainy season can help a person stay dry, comfortable, and clean. And there are always small items the homeless need that they lack access to no matter the season. Small things like chap stick and hand lotion can measurably improve the life and comfort of the needy living under rough conditions.
Don't forget about your brothers and sisters just because the sun is up.
Listen to their stories and share them
One of the biggest reasons homelessness is allowed to fester in our communities is because we've been trained to ignore and marginalize the victims of homelessness. While you should always be careful and not place yourself at risk, there is an undue amount of fear and score directed at the unfortunate. Their are many ways a person can become homeless. It can be as simple as losing a job, or in the case of the working poor, keeping a job that isn't paying enough. It could be the result of a home fire or expensive medical care. Some struggle with addiction or mental illness. Regardless of the reason, they are still children of Christ who deserve your compassion.
Find out how people are reduced to their circumstances. Ask them. Share their stories with others to help reduce the misconceptions and stigmatization around homelessness. Be a voice for the voiceless.
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