ruveyn wrote:
Is there anyone here willing to share his house with a homeless person? Is there anyone here willing to buy a house for a homeless person? If not, then be still.
ruveyn
There are more effective ways to approach the issue. Most homeless people do not want to come into a stranger's home anyway.
You can help by donating time and resources and work to address issues within your own community which may be an obstacle to success for many homeless individuals.
Is there a place they can use as a permanent address in your city that is not a P.O. box? If not, you may want to pitch the idea to various help organizations.
Are there facilities for those who are completely destitute to clean their clothes? Some cities have centers where they can do laundry for free but those centers need volunteer staffers and people to maintain the appliances.
Are there public shower facilities? Most cities DO NOT have these and those who cannot access shower facilities at shelters for one reason or another often have to do their best to clean up in the restrooms of fast food establishments, who often deny them access.
Does your city have an ordinance against people sleeping in their cars? Many cities do. Find out why these ordinances were enacted and work to repeal them and tackle the problems they were enacted for other ways.
Does your city have an ordinance against panhandling? If so, see if there are alternative resources available. Most people are not professional panhandlers and only do it as a last resort to really get money for the bus or some food. A good alternative to panhandling bans is a permit program, in which the person obtains a temporary free permit to panhandle as long as they abide by certain rules, for example, staying out of the street, not harassing people, not standing outside of shops or places of business, etc.
You might also pitch the concept of subsidized bus passes which can be distributed to those in need via existing aid organizations.
Does your city have public locker facilities? Many homeless people find it difficult to travel because if they leave their belongings they will be stolen or thrown away. They need a safe place to keep their belongings during the day.
Work with your city to allow the establishment of temporary, supervised tent cities. These are usually a favorable alternative to shelters because they are cheaper to run, provide individuals with much needed private space, and create a sense of community which many people find helpful. Tent cities do not become shanty towns if they have the proper management.
Donate things to local charities, like clean socks and underwear, prepaid cell phones, attire appropriate for interviews, tents, high quality sleeping bags, feminine care items, deoderant, dental care items, luggage with wheels, backpacks, hand sanitizer, hair care items, hats and sunglasses, sunscreen and so on.
26 Sep 2010, 4:02 am
