Tonight as you try to fall asleep, instead of thinking of the million and one things you have to do tomorrow, take a moment and give thanks for the simple fact that you have a roof over your head.
We all know (but sometimes forget) that there are millions of people in the US alone without that luxury. Perhaps there are individuals living without a home right outside your doorstep. Homelessness is a serious issue that’s sometimes ignored and marginalized because of its grand, institutionalized nature. But there are ways to tackle it.
Take a peek at a quick and dirty refresher of the state of homeless in our country:
1. How Many?: While it’s hard to get a precise number, every night there are between 2.3 and 3.5 million people who are homeless, as reported by National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.
2. The Kids. While we often think of homeless people as adult male veterans, they’re just a portion of the overall group. The National Center on Family Homelessness estimates that 1.5 million children, that’s one out of every 50 children, are homeless.
3. Which States?: The states with the highest rate of homelessness are Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State and Washington DC, according to a 2007 study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
4. Veterans Too. It’s true, vets are more likely to be homeless. According to research conducted by the National Coalition for Homeless, an estimated 40 percent of homeless men are veterans.
5. What Are the Causes?: The U.S. Conference of Mayors released a study in 2008 stating the top three reasons for homelessness in families: unaffordable housing, poverty and unemployment.
While the statistics might be grim, there are plenty things you can do to help besides just opening up your wallet. Here are six ways you can help the homeless in your community, starting today:
1. Brown Bag Lunches: Soup kitchens aren’t always open, nor can they serve every single homeless person in the neighborhood. Get together with friends and make some simple lunches of sandwiches and fruit. Hand deliver them to homeless people in your nearest urban area or drop them off at a shelter.
2. Empty Out those Hotel Samples: Food stamps can’t be used to purchase anything other than food. Shelters are always in need of toiletries. Sample sizes are especially helpful.
3. Help on a Crisis Hotline: Numerous nonprofit organizations, such as the YWCA and St. Vincent de Paul, have nightly hotlines for people in emergency situations. You could be the kind voice on the other end.
4. Got Jobs?: One of the biggest problems facing homeless individuals is a lack of employment. Many places won’t hire an individual without a permanent address and phone number; it’s a damaging cycle. If you or someone you know has a business that’s hiring, keep an eye out for homeless people you could employ.
5. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What it Means to Them: Instead of turning your head or ignoring a plea for help, next time you’re on the street, smile and say hi. A lot of the hopelessness homeless individuals face is simply from being treated like they are sub-human and don’t exist. If there’s someone who regularly sleeps around where you live, introduce yourself. Perhaps all they need is someone to talk to. After all, don’t we all?
6. Get someone’s life off the ground — literally: It’s simple. Make a donation. This week’s Tonic campaign is aiming to raise $5,000 to purchase 10 mobile pop-up tents for the homeless in Los Angeles.
Photo by jamesfischer via Flickr.