Helping the Homeless Advice
80
I was reading a story written by another Hubber and I was compelled to write this. I have lived camping on a friends property before, by choice. We moved to a new area and until we could find jobs and a home, we chose to live this way. We had a tent and our van, a river flowed by and we were invited up to use their washroom, separate from the house, any time. We were not quite like these homeless people, as we did it by choice and had money coming in at the time. Most of these people do not. We had a place to camp, permission from the owner's to build a fire, and camping equipment. We were well off.
We all feel the urge to help people when we see they need help. It shows that we all care about others. The homeless are increasing in volume and this bothers many of us that have a place to call home and some stability. We want to help them in a constructive way, but many do not have any ideas on how to help. I know of several ways to help and would like to share them with you.
I would also like to point out that all homeless are not helpless or benign. A good way to help a benign one or just any of them is to ask a police officer. They will steer you clear of the ones you should stay away from and some of the officers will deliver a bag or two for you. This keeps you safe and alive. Some of them will rob you and some will just flat kill you.
Some cities and counties do not put up with homeless people. They will run them off or arrest them for vagrancy. The police can not be counted on to help you in these areas. There are always people who work among the homeless though and locating one of them is sometimes quite hard. It is worth it though when you do because they are a fount of wisdom in finding out what the people really need and how best to help them. Your route could be as easy as donating to a shelter or as complex as volunteering in one.
Food
Food is one of the big issues. If they have no home, they do not have a refrigerator. They do not have a stove and might not have a place they can start a fire to heat their food.
This makes buying food for them difficult. Many fast food chains have gift cards for varying amounts. Buying a $5 gift card is a good way to get food for them. They can use it when they are hungry and get a hot meal or something off of the dollar menus. They will be able to sit inside for a while out of the weather while they eat. This can be very good during a thunder storm, snowstorm, extreme cold, or extreme heat. They can get water with ice in it to cool off. They can get a cup of coffee to warm up. It gives them many things which are normal for us but a moment of luxury for them.
Going to the grocery store and picking up some non-perishable things for them to eat and drink is also a good solution. Remember, no refrigerators. Canned foods are the best. Try to find things which can be heated but can be eaten without heating. Pop-tops are good as they may not have a can opener either. Tuna, vienna sausages, crackers, fruit, any type hiking food, and canned chicken are all options. Cheese crackers, peanut butter, and more crackers. The drink mixes that go in a bottle of water to be shaken up are welcome. Do you like to drink just water all the time? Containers of nuts, dried fruit, raisins, cereals which are high in flavor, low in weight, and have a good vitamin count are also good. They can be eaten right out of the bag. Vegetable juices in small cans are welcome. We also want to try to give the basic food groups, this helps keep them healthy. When they get sick, they are more vulnerable.
Clothing
Clothing which is seasonally appropriate is also appreciated. How would you like to have only a flannel shirt or thermal shirt to wear during the summer. Or a light cotton shirt in the winter. There are enough thrift shops in most towns to find something inexpensively. We also go through our clothing each year to find things which don't fit or we are just too bored with. I have a teenaged daughter who is still growing, we lose weight or gain weight. Give these clothes to people in need. Don't give too many to each person, a couple of shirts each. Spread them around, there are plenty in need and they don't have anyplace to store these things. Something to wear while they rinse something else out and let it dry is good though.
Blankets are welcome. Padding to sleep on in summer and warmth to curl up in during the winter. I have bought some nice blankets at yard sales for $1. If the people know what you are doing with them, they will usually give them to you.
As seen above, shoes and socks are a big deal. It is not easy to figure sizes. Too small does not work. Too large is not easy to make work. The only way I know is to ask them. That is why I work with one person.
Hygiene
Keeping clean is hard when you don't even have a bathroom. The needs for where these people are staying is variable. I know that if you are camping out in the woods next to a creek, you will be able to keep cleaner than if you are wandering the city streets and alleys.
Bars of soap are best for washing up. Liquid soap is really nice but it doesn't last as long. They can wash anything with it, from their faces to their clothes. It is also smaller, and lighter. Sample size bottles of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and whatever else you would use camping. Small hairbrushes, combs, and disposable razors. If they are clean, they do not get run out of fast food places, Wal-mart or grocery stores as fast. These are the places where they go to get out of the weather. I buy toothbrushes at dollar stores for very little. They come in big packs of 6 or 8.
Financing
The amount that you spend is up to you. Do not get carried away or you will be in trouble. Decide on an amount that you can afford and stick to it. Many people are helping these people and it won't help anyone if you help yourself out of your home. I personally have a $10 a month limit. I just do what I can. It is appreciated by the man I help. I help the same one all the time. You may choose to help different ones. I even helped him get a job. I heard of something that he could do and tracked him down. He is now working 20 hours a week. Not as much as we could wish but it is helping. He can get to the laundromat and wash his clothes, buy some food of his own and is moving up. He is camping now, in a tent he was given, on the property of his new boss.
Summary
Helping those in need is necessary in order to preserve our humanity. Help where you can but be careful and try not to get hurt. Do not sacrifice your own health, home or life to help. Seasonal help is the best help. Helping them stay clean, fed and healthy is the most important. These may be their way out. Don't give them money unless you know the person well enough to know they are not going to buy alcohol or drugs. Many will and that is why they are on the streets.
I have lately had a couple of friends point out to me that alcohol and drugs are something that people who are homeless, look forward to. Also, the street is no place to detox. I leave it up to you to decide this for yourself. The decision to give them cash, alcohol or cigarettes is a personal decision. Give it thought and see if it bothers you.
Please remember to vote. I really appreciate the comments that I get on my hubs. They help me see if I am writing useful, interesting, informative hubs. If you would like to use information on these, please ask and please attribute. This is copyrighted work.
More good reading on the homeless issue.
http://jasonmarovich.hubpages.com/_3mcrjp1v01jkh/hub/The-Homeless-Man-and-His-House
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (28)
- Funny
- Awesome (15)
- Beautiful (8)
- Interesting (17)
CommentsLoading...
Yes I think this is important even more so starting next month when many families will be cut public assistance with money, and food, as well as federal grants are being taken away from non-profits that hand out food, supplies and clothing. Fortunately there is no help with rent, mortgage, and the shelters are being cut grants as well. There is not affordable housing, and not enough shelters if there are any. Fortunately not enough jobs for everyone at the moment, and even if they would like a job, they are just not there. The government knows this, and cutting the money that helps these people too. Fortunately there will be no help if there is not jobs or non-profits, or assistance to help them.
My heart just aches when I see a homeless person. A safe shelter is a necessity, not a want and should be enjoyed by everyone. That photo of those poor feet makes me cry. And here in America, people trash items that could save a homeless person or bring them comfort. There are so many ways to help, even if they seem small to us. Your Hub is so on target and I hope many read it and act in compassion and love.
Vinaya, Homelessness is not a respecter of countries. It is rampant in every country. You say you have not done anything substantial and yet you have given food and clothing. To me, that is substantial. You are at least doing something. Now, if we can get our governments to care and do something. Thank you for coming by and for caring.
HattieMattieMae, This is a contagion of epic proportions. Our government is wasting money on studying butterflies and paying outrageous amounts to our legislators and yet they are taking money away from the programs that are keeping people in a shelter and fed. My son is working, his wife is working and they are living in a motel with their 4 children. They do not make enough to rent a house and the low income places are all full. They were barely making it and now their food stamps have been cut $200 because they are working. They could probably get by but they are existing on microwave food, which costs more. They do not have a stove, just a microwave and tiny refrigerator. I worry about how they are going to get by but I can't help them much.
Hyphen, Please don't cry! I am trying to help by writing this, I thought the feet were pathetic also. I read a hub yesterday and thought about it all night. They were upset but didn't know how to help. I am giving ideas to people so they will know where to start. I so totally agree that people throw things away without even knowing that they could help someone.
I saw someone throw a tent away because they lost the poles. I grabbed it and gave it to someone who fixed some poles up. They gave it to someone else who is living in it. At least, it is a dry place to sleep without worrying about getting bit by a snake.
such a nice hub....
I hope you don't mind, but I linked your hub to mine...
here: http://rutheddavid.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-the-me
I really think what you have written captures the reality behind the plight of the homeless ones.
Keep writing! :)
This country throws away enough so that if it were to be given to a real charity that gives back and not to the Corporate established so called "non-profits," there would be enough to go around. Walmart throws out enough food just from their bakery and deli to feed an entire city of homeless people. Sure they need to sell but there has to be a way for the food to go into a soup kitchen etc. why does the government give people food stamps then whine that stamp recipients are breaking the country. Half the people that receive food stamps would get off food stamps or not need as much, if they could receive bread and other items that are perfectly edible and instead go straight to a dumpster, only because they didn't get sold after 2 or 3 hours. That is just wrong.
ruththedavid, Link away. This is a public service announcement. I am trying to give people who don't have ideas on how to help some hints. Some just don't have the time, some don't have the money, I have tried to help both groups.
silver lining 5, We do throw away an awful lot. I have seen people go dumpster diving behind the local grocery stores for food. I will help them when I can. I have also snagged clothes out of the dumpster in my apartment complex and given them to homeless people.
Great hub well written and thought out with good advise. I follow most of your guidelines but I'll give money for drugs or booze as I see the street no place to detox.
Peace dust
Dusty, I am happy you came by and commented. I was surprised when I read a hub the other day and they wanted to help someone but did not know how. I figured this would help people with that. I never thought about the detox but I would rather give them food and clothing. They will always find a way for the drugs and booze but will leave out the food.
Becky, I too wish food and clothes was all they need, sadly it isn't and those in need of a fix or fall out shaking in seizure on the hard ground I cannot pass helping that not happen, an addict has a hard life, dust.
Becky it's good that you've written this Hub about the homeless. I get sick when i hear people say that a homeless person is lazy and doesn't want to work. I give hoping they will use the money for food, but sometimes i know they head straight to the liquor store, but i can't pass up a needy person. When you give to organizations, they take their share first. I know the Salvation Army helps the homeless, their beds are full every night here.I used to take my clothing to consignment shops for resale, i don't do that anymore. We have a place here in my town called ' The helping hand ' That's where i take my things. Thank you for sharing your tips/story.........
Thanks for this excellent hub. You provide some excellent advice that is very down-to-earth and do-able. Another difficult thing for me is when I see the homeless with animals (usually dogs). The pets most often look in better shape than the person. I find it easier to give to someone who obviously cares about others, even animals.
Ruby, Thank you for stopping by. Homeless people are not all lazy. My son would have been homeless except he had enough family that helped. He was out of work for 2 years with 4 children. He was out every day looking for work and something to make money. He did so much scrapping that this is one of the cleanest towns around. He would look for work in the mornings and scrap or work on cars all afternoon and evening. He has a job now but is still working on things when he is off. No one can say he is lazy.
And yes, they do often head for the liquor store. That is why I give food or cards instead of money. Dusty is concerned with them in detox and it is something to be concerned about but they do get money which they will not spend on food.
Maralexa, Thank you for coming by and commenting. The dogs usually do look good. I wish they would take as good care of themselves.
Becky as soon as I opened this hub those feet kicked me right in the heart.
This is a very useful and worthwhile hub, it is not always easy to know how to help these people or to know which will will benefit from help and not go straight to the booze shop.
I too have linked your hub and that of rutheddavid to mine. Between us we should be able to get the message across that it doesn't take an awful lot to give a little help to the homeless, we can all of us do our bit.
Thank you Rosemary. I feel strongly about this subject and would link you too but I haven't figured out how yet. I did manage to post a video though. Happy you came by.
Your article about this ever present issue of our times is well presented and 'reaching out', it is very useful, thank you:)
Wonderful reminder Becky and great tips and thoughts to help ones in need. You did a wonderful hub here.
Thank you,
Sunnie
Beata, Thank you for coming by and commenting. This issue is unfortunately very old and continuous. I am happy that you found it useful.
Sunnie, So glad you came by. I am happy your father is doing well and home now. I'm sure you are too. I am happy you found something useful here. Love ya
This is a great hub! In these difficult financial times it's getter harder and harder for some people to afford shelter, food and clothing. Thanks for sharing your good ideas for helping homeless people.
AliciaC, Thank you for your nice comments. I really appreciate them. Thank you for coming by.
Wah-hoo, this hub has been nominated as a HubNugget candidate. I am so excited. Please vote in the next 6 days at
http://hubpages.com/topics/politics-and-social-iss Thank you in advance.
Go Becky, Go Becky....doing the Macarena here.....then off to vote.
You are awesome Becky..we love you so much..I hope you win..I voted already! Best of luck!
Hyphen and Sunnie, Happy you commented and thanks for the vote. I am so excited I just can't stand it. I even emailed my kids to vote.
This is fantastic Becky! Please tell me where do I go to vote?
Maralexa, Thanks for coming by. This is the link. http://hubpages.com/topics/politics-and-social-iss
You already have my vote Becky. This was a great, very worthwhile hub. Hope you win
Thanks Rosemary, I knew I could count on my friends here at Hubpages.
Congratulations Becky on your nomination on the Hubnuggets! Reading your hub made me grateful for everything that I have and in turn share in anyway I can to those who need it. These tips are truly helpful and useful.
To read this week's Hubnuggets and vote, please visit here: http://redelf.hubpages.com/_hubnuggets6/hub/How-To Best of luck from ripplemaker and the Hubnuggets Team.
Ripplemaker, Thank you for coming by. I appreciate the visit and the link. I am happy that you find my tips helpful.
I'm really loving how practical and down to earth this is while remaining compassionate and helpful. With the state of the economy the numbers of homeless can only rise. Thanks for a great read.
poetvix, I tend to be rather down-to-earth. Life has not been easy so I have learned some of these things the hard way. I have not been totally homeless because we did have a camp trailer. We have been so close that it was scary. I know where these people are coming from and I truly feel for them.
Thank you for coming by and leaving your wonderful comment.
Becky, I voted for sure and believe this is overall the best piece I've seen (on HubPages or elsewhere) for helping the homeless.
That said, I'm with Dusty on the booze-or-no-booze issue. Thankfully, I've not qualified in this lifetime as an addict but do know a lot of people who do. (Or "did", some of them being deceased now.)
Pam has told me that when she was homeless, despite nearly dying of thirst in rural south Texas at one point and having her weight below 90 pounds (from starvation, not anorexia, though she does struggle with that, too), neither food nor drink was her #1 concern. Rather, from the moment she rose in the predawn hours till she fell asleep at night (if she DID fall asleep), the foremost thought in her mind was,
"Where is my next cigarette going to come from?"
You're 100% correct that food and clothing are more essential to staying alive PHYSICALLY than drugs (including alcohol and nicotine) are, at least in most cases. But a lot of homeless folks don't care about that; better to die than not to get a touch of relief when it can be had.
I've known (and still know) people on fixed incomes (some homeless, some not) who will burn up their monthly checks fast, drunk till the money runs out, then grit their teeth till the next go-round. What they tell me is, "Knowing I'll be able to get that relief for a few days after my payday is what gives me the strength to face the misery of three weeks of Hell."
So Pam and I will give cash, when we have it and when we're not dealing with the "pro panhandlers".
Bottom line, though, this is a mighty fine piece of writing.
Voted Up (here and in the HubNuggets contest) and across except, of course, for funny.
Ghost, Thank you for reading. I believe you and Dusty have pointed out some things which are very relevant. I will leave that one open to peoples consciences. I drank a lot at one point in my life and I think that has colored my perceptions to "stay away from". I still smoke and am constantly trying to quit. Another stay away from. I hope that people do not start these things and will do whatever I can to keep them off.
I appreciate your kudos to the job I did on this piece. They are very appreciated as well as the votes. Thank you.
Voyed up x4 Becky. I know how you felt. It is a feeling of being "alone" or "not wanted". Me and my wife were homeless back in 08 with no where to go. Friends turned their back, as well as my family that I had sheltered before. I had no money or car so I walked house to house asking for work. I met an elderly lady, she was 76. She hired me per say and within a week, she let us stay with her. She took us to find a job, we did, and she took me and my wife to work until we were able to rent the place I now live in. One week away from being strangers, she opened her home to us. We all hit rough times. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here today no doubt. To the comments, you can't judge a book by the cover. Some people are just too high on their horse to help someone. These are the people that has had it gave to them their entire life. Gets me angry. Becky, I feel for you and the hell you went through. As me, I am sure you are stronger for it. Plus, you learn who your true friends and family are. A stranger became family over 3 years ago and for that, I am blessed. Great hub.
thelyricwriter, we lived in our camper by choice. We chose that rather than where we were. We hated it where we were and wanted out any way we could. It was then hard to get out of the camper. We had vehicles and I had a job. My husband is totally disabled through the VA but we had a 17 year fight to get it. Thank heavens it has been made a little easier now. Once the laws changed in 2000, it only took another 4 years. We now have enough to live on without running out constantly.
I do understand about not having a place to go but I could have always gone to my mom and dads. There were just no jobs there which made it difficult. We would have been stuck then. They couldn't afford to support us and we did not want them to.
You are right that it makes you stronger. We are tough as heck and our faith is stronger because we never went hungry or cold. Our church family took care of that.
I appreciate you coming by and commenting and hope you keep safe. Blessings for you.
This subject of homelessness always leaves me a little sad, but it's a subject which must be discussed and I am glad you did such a complete hub on the subject. Every human being deserves the basics of regular food, shelter and water. Thanks for doing this. A big up on this hub and also of course, useful.
Becky,
I love this article, a subject that hits me very close to home... having worked with the homeless population in community nursing and helping to place in apartments.
I am so glad you stressed the safety factor. All of our altruism goes out the window when we feel at risk/ place ourselves in situations that are less than savory. Even in a professional capacity, we would travel in pairs or call the police if we felt danger in any way.
"Please" consider checking (everyone who reads this...) where you may have a local agency that helps the homeless. For example, when Mom died, my sister and I packed up so much in the way of dishes, appliances, groceries of all kinds (even stuff in the freezer, I drove to work in ice coolers), blankets, gosh, everything we need and you identified, Becky... and we were able to sort out/ ask folks what they wanted. I shed many a private tear when "G" appreciated Mom's tater tots and "A" her apple butter (hadn't had in years...) Please consider doing things like this as you can. It does make a difference and I thank you Becky for raising our awareness... Voted UP & UABI, mar.
felicity, Thank you for coming by. Many would like to help in some way but have no idea what to do. Hopefully, this will give them ideas without putting anyone at risk.
Marcoujor. I really appreciate your comments as you do indeed work with them on a daily basis. This makes me feel like I did a complete job. Many are in this situation through simply being laid off. It could happen to any of us.
Morning Becky..just stopping by to say Hello...Hope you have a wonderful Sunday..will be moving furniture today..got a beautiful bedroom suit free if I may add and it is heavy and big..but will see you later..still keeping my fingers crossed for the award..
Love,
Sunnie
I need a bedroom suite for my daughter. I will take it. Just deliver it here whenever you get the chance. LOL!! I am so happy you stopped by. It seems like we never get together lately. Have to go leave messages like this. Love ya girl.
Love you too..once I get this story done ..I plan on taking a break and just working on it slowly. I so want to readmore and spend time with all of you for a while..lol..I wish i could bring you the one that is sitting on my front porch that we are giving to the neighbors..lol Have a great day Beck..
I've seen homeless people in many parts of the world. As a seafarer, my heart is always filled with pity seeing them begging for food. Even progressive countries of USA, Canada and UK have all kinds of homeless people begging for money and food from us (transient seafarers) whenever we go ashore.
Humanitarian projects are everywhere, but still, we can see mendicants, street urchins and homeless roaming aimlessly out there.
travel man, Thank you for coming by and reading. Unfortunately, homelessness is a worldwide problem. People without jobs in this terrible economy run out of options. Those of us who are blessed with a job and a conscience need to do something to help out. Hopefully, this will help someone who wants to help but has no idea where to start. I truly appreciate your comment.
Very honest and moving with a lot of good ways each of us can help. I like your writing style.
PegCole, Thank you, I appreciate that. I keep wondering if I have a style. Now if I can learn how to write what I really like. Fiction. Thank you for coming by.
I am so so proud of you and happy for you!..Great job and one well deserved...WHOOOHOOO!
Thank you Sunnie, I am in shock still. I never thought I would win this.
You are an awesome writer..you just needed a little nudging..you are a natural and could not have happened to a more wonderful person..
Love,
Sunnie
Hay Beccky just popping in to congratulate you. A job well done. You deserved to win.
Sunnie, Thank you for the nice comments. I still never thought I would win this.
Rosemary, Thank you. My friends inspire me to write all the time. Y'all are the ones who are the winners.
Congratulations Becky on your win, well deserved it's an excellent article.
Congratulations Becky. WhooHoo to you!!!!!
Thank you so much for this article and I can not help but wonder if I was the Hubber you speak of in this Hub? I will link to this one and congratulations on your success!
Very well-thought-out hub with lots of useful tips on helping out people who are homeless.
Voting for a better economy, or more services for those down on their luck is also important! For now, I voted your hub Up, Useful, and Awesome.
Living in Boston and Cambridge over a twenty year period, I have seen the sad plight of the homeless. Thank you for writing this important article!
Movie Master, Thank you, I couldn't have done it without all of you voting and reading,
Hyphen, Whoohooo to you too. Thanks for your vote.
Highvoltagewriter, Thank you and no, you were not the one. I have not yet read your hub but will be over today to rectify that. I always leave a comment. Thank you for coming by.
Seafarer Mama, Thank you for your votes and I am happy you found my tips helpful. I bet you do see a lot of it there. I live in a small town so don't see it much. We tend to have enough temporary housing most of the time. Being stretched badly now but not to point of people being out too often. They also either prefer the bigger cities or the woods. The south also seems to pull them into their homes a little more. If you are homeless here, you almost want to be.
Great, great hub! :)
I live in the Los Angeles, CA area, which is widely considered the homeless capital of America, so I have MUCH experience here...
IMO the best way to help them is to give to those organizations and shelters that are designed to assist them.
In L.A. there are dolphin statues at the 3rd Street Promenade (at least, last time I checked) - a well known mall and a tourist area where celebrities are often spotted - in Santa Monica, a beach town where many of L.A's homeless live.
People put their $$$$ into those statues rather than give them to the homeless outright, b/c they know for sure that that $$$$ is guaranteed to help them rather than feed their negative habits. Folks have also bought food for them rather than give them $$$, which is also a good idea.
Hope you keep writing :)
Dhart, The lovely weather there is partially to blame for that. If it was cold there all the time, people would head to warmer climes in the winter. If it really got hot there, they would head for cooler climes in the summer.
I have had it pointed out to me, and they may be right, that the street is no place to be detoxing. DT's on the street could be fatal. This is putting me in a very ambivalent situation. I am not sure whether I approve of giving them money or not. I am going to leave it to the conscience of the giver.
The statues are a good idea, but in Nashville, closest city to me, we just give to the closest food bank. Drive up, honk, and they will come out to get whatever you have. Food, money, clothes, all welcome.
You have done very well - lots of info, nicely written compact piece of work! Voted up! All the best in everything you do!
Liv
parduc, Thank you for coming by. I am so used to writing college term papers that I am still using the techniques. Thorough research, don't put anything extra except perhaps a small, relevant story. Organize, spell and grammar check. They have me brain-washed. LOL
Hi: just a fellow hubber here and may I say that there are other things to help the homeless. First I am on the side of not changing welfare as former Pres. Clinton did when he was president. The reason is reality. If you check with HR people today and see how many people apply for a job, you'd welcome welfare as former Pres. Roosevelt had it. It isn't only work you see people need that was on welfare. Did you know that some are military veterans who just didn't come back whole from war and was getting better with living on welfare and visiting Veterans Admin. in their area? Did you know that some people did not fare well in the cycle of life having money and couldn't go to college or university to get ahead in life and they couldn't get a job? Did you know that some people were on welfare because they got old and did not have enough to live on in the first place so they ended up on welfare? Did you know that some women got raped and religion forced them to have their children and they couldn't get jobs and ended up on welfare? These are only a few reasons why some ended up on welfare in America. What to do with the people who try to make it and didn't succeed? Where do they go? What about victims of crime-I saw a commercial about a woman who lost her money and home and now is homeless because of info and id thieves? Where do all these people go? What do they do for food and living expenses? Being on welfare is for destitute people who have nothing and no one. These people rather be homeless than commit crimes and doesn't that say something about honor and nobleness? Not everyone can have a silver spoon life. You have got to ask them how they got homeless and you can begin to solve the problem of homelessness. It isn't easy to do. For compassion's sake and for humanity isn't it best to house these pitiful unfortunates in life that life hadn't been so kind to? Or do you think that they are homeless because they are lazy and don't want to work? For as you can see the reason for homelessness isn't just one reason at all. The solution was at hand and former Pres. Roosevelt had done a life saving and country saving solution that was abolished by we who voted. Therefore the solution is simple go back to what former Pres. Roosevelt had done for the many destitute and you won't have homeless people. Thanks. I'm glad you wrote this hub. Many voices are needed to solve the problem of homelessness. One thing that helps is knowing about hungersite.com and freerice.com both by the United Nations. We all have problems in this world and it's good to know people care. It is sad for even in Hawaii there is homelessness and I've seen people go to the trash bins for food and it sickens me a lot. I see homeless people old and in wheelchairs too everyday I ride the bus and it sickens me to see them. People had hope and not homelessness when Pres. Roosevelt made welfare for Americans. I hope we return to it for the sake of many who did not ever have enough money anyway, so how can you even build a retirement portfolio? Take care and it's a very good hub.
hawaiihibou, I appreciate you coming by and giving us your opinion of what would solve the problem of homelessness. I know what would help, and that is jobs. We would have a lot of people off the streets before too long. Unfortunately, too many of our jobs have been shipped to China and India. I know, not all homelessness is because of no jobs but it would be a start.
I am more concerned in this hub in helping people who would like to help by giving them options and ideas. This will hopefully help the problem somewhat but not completely. This is no quick fix situation and our government should not be feeding the world. There are not enough taxpayers left to feed everyone.
This is a world wide problem and not just in the US. My husband is a disabled Veteran and there are programs in place right now to help homeless Veterans. If you know of one, have them go to their local VA social services offices. They can help them. There are shelters and programs to get them into housing.Thank you for commenting.
Great Hub and very useful...just watching in my part of the world how they try to relocate all the homeless from ' the centre of our Sunshine Capital City' before the World Leaders's Conference in 28th of October and I realise we do what we always do: 'Out of sight, out of mind policy'...but for how long can we do it?
Beata, I understand your frustration. They aren't helping at all. They need to acknowledge that there is a problem and work to fix it, not just move it around. I appreciate you coming by and leaving your meaningful comment.
Thank you Becky for writing this important piece on today's plight...I believe that the most important work any writer can do is to make readers think, feel, reflect on...and maybe..slowly...gradually change the way they look at the world around them and try to make a difference...you have done just that, thank you:)
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading the translation of the ancient Eastern European legend, it is very dear to me...it is my heritage, it is part of who I am...thank you for that...I outstretched my hand and you reached out:)
Beata, I am so happy you came back by. I read some of your work and it is fascinating. Translations are so hard to do. I speak some french, not a lot and have an idea of the difference between a direct translation and a poetic translation. It is very difficult to find the words which will evoke the same meaning and emotions.
Thank you, dear Becky, your words mean a lot to me:)...will come back again for sure to check more of your fabulous hubs...love from beata
Thank you Becky.
chrisnstar, so happy you came by.
How ya'll doing? Don't get chomped by a gator! Tell me about it. Have you ever heard of real estate backed securities or derivatives?
WD Curry, OK, I wasn't planning on getting chomped by anything. They haven't seen any gators in this part of TN. As far as the real estate backed securities or derivatives, I know enough to stay away from them.
Thank you for coming by.
I live in North Florida were there are gators and I keep hearing people shout "go gators" but I do not know were they expect them to go! :)
Probably talking about the football team.
Your Hub is outstanding! The advice you give is needful and right on target. Well done! Welcome to the HubPages Community!
ps My uncle, who passed away a few years ago, lived in Dickson. His name was Ray Watkins. A long-time Nashville session musician. I have been to Dickson several times. Nice town.
James A Watkins, Thank you for coming by and for the nice comment. I wrote this for those who have no idea how to help. I am glad that you approve.
A lot of Nashville's musicians use this as a quiet home base. Johnny Cash had an estate right down the road also. Unusual to find someone who has been here but if your uncle lived here, you would have been.
A lovely, constructive Hub. So glad i found you.
In Africa there's a belief that if a homeless person comes across your path, it is God in disguize and by helping that person, you are receiving God's Blessing.
I make it a point to look into a beggers eyes when I give them something. I silently pray "God Bless you." When a beggar says "May God Bless You", to me, I sincerely thank him or her, appreciating the gift of their kind blessing... which is all they have left to give.
Beggars often get to see the best of what humanity has to offer. The best part is when another person witnesses a heart-expanding kindness, they too are benifitted.
KuxmiH, Many countries have the tale about Jesus or other gods going around in disguise to see how your heart is. I have read many.
Beggars do see the best in people but unfortunately, lately they have been seeing the worst also. I have seen many reports lately about the homeless being preyed upon by the violent members of society. I believe that the political climate is working against them also.
Thank you for coming by.
Absolutely SUPERB article, Becks...heartfelt and informative. You obviously have a heart of gold, and choose to address a situation largely ignored, while ever-increasing. I recall the most shocking example of homelesssness I've witnessed. I was visiting a friend in Washington D.C. for the weekend. He had to work half day on Saturday, so I did some sightseeing around the mall of the Washington monument, etc. Wandering throught streets nearby, I came into a section where panhandling was rampant, and people lived on the streets. One gentleman had a camp set up in a closed store's recessed entrance. Lean to, sterno can for heating, backpack and blanket. That was about it. Four blocks from the Capital building. And we send assistance to other countries. Shameful. But that's another conversation. Well done, ma'am!!
Thomas, Thank you so much for the SUPERB. Having lived it a few times, on my own terms, I know what is needed and I read a story on here with someone saying that they had seen a homeless man and wanted to help but didn't know how. I had to write this in response. I was simply responding to a need for people to know how to help.
I agree with you about the stupidity of our government to send so much elsewhere when there is such a need here.
These people could very be any one of us.Do what you can do, please. A great eye opener.
megni, I really appreciate you coming by. We all have to do what we can. Pick a way and next time you see a homeless person, do your deed and run. They will understand and thank you for the food or clothes. You will feel great for it also.
Becky this wonderful Hub rips at my heart .. I do have that soft spot for the homeless.. thank you for sharing this hub.. and the pictures hurt.. they really do :( Frank
I am so glad that the pictures hurt. That was the intent of my choice on them. I wanted to make sure people paid attention to this hub. It has worked. It also got me a hubnugget award. I did not even know about them when I wrote it.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the homeless also and do what I can to make sure that they eat and can stay warm. I am not rich but I feel the need to help where I can. I give coats that are not used every year and give food whenever I have some extra that my family doesn't need. I rarely have cans sitting on my pantry shelf for more than a month.
These are compassionate ideas and I especially like your section on Hygiene. Voting this Up and Useful.
I have been very close to this. It was a very near thing for me and I do know people in this situation. I am glad you like these ideas and am very happy that you came by to visit.
Not many of the people who are homeless today ever had the chance to learn to survive as I did as a child. Even then we had permission to be where we were.
When I was living on the west coast I saw homeless people daily. Those who I could afford to help I did. Meals, cigarettes, clothing and money were my limits.
My step sister ended up in a motel with her four children because her husband couldn't find enough work. I moved them and put him to work for me as soon as I found out.
Two of my half brothers spent a lot of time homeless. Because they weren't trained like me it was hard on them. I spent some time teaching the youngest of the two where to go to hunt also how and where to cook what he caught.
At one time he told me when it got too cold he would purposely break the law so they would put him in jail where he would have a warm bed and three meals a day. He hated it because it meant he would not have drugs to give him the high he lived for. His life ended on the streets as a young man.
I was told any money he begged, borrowed, and took by force was always used for drugs. He would eat if people gave him food.
For almost two years now I have been taking in people who would be homeless if not for my generosity. I became a partner with the first and somehow we manage to feed and house everyone we have taken in. Even though I am in business I will never "even be comfortable" because there are so many people who are in need. SHARING with my social network so more can find out how to help.
wheelinallover, I knew you would be one to be helping. I have had it rough a few times and have educated myself a bit to make it easier. I also can see what is needed and look to see what I can do personally. Many do not have the ability to see these things. I can see you do. The practical approach to this problem is the only way to really make a difference.
I prefer to give food and clothing are my preferred methods of helping. I am limited in how much I can give. I prefer to make mine help keep them alive for a better time. I know others give them money and they buy cigarettes, alcohol and drugs with that. I will also give blankets and tents when I get them. I have found tents in dumpsters that the poles were broken. I gave them to a friend who contrives some type of pole for them. Aluminum, wood, and fiberglass poles combined works. Then we will give them to someone who can at least stay drier and out of the wind. We have also gotten little wood stoves that we made. Just enough to keep the chill down. We are in TN so it doesn't get below zero very often but the jails do fill on up then quickly.
Good luck with helping yours and getting them back on their feet. Thank you for sharing.
Donated food, clothing, and hygiene items are all essential items to the homeless person. Yes, some are out to buy inessential items with the money they can get from kind-hearted people. But, many homeless have no other source of food or blankets. They won't go into shelters, or there is nowhere to go. If people didn't give blankets and food in Detroit, for example, people would starve, or turn to crime to get food.
Yes Jason, they have a very hard life. They are also very proud of trying to make it on their own. They do not like to go to shelters for many reasons. It is very satisfying to give to someone that needs help.
I have bought blankets at yard sales and given them to homeless people and they are so thankful for them. I have gone to buy blankets and had the people give them to me when they found out what I was doing with them. I have also bought tents and camping supplies if the price was right. I am not rich. This gives them a dry place to sleep and a camp stove to cook on or a flashlight.
I have even gotten a couple of them part-time work. Not enough to get in an apartment but enough to get some clothes washed and rent a spot for their tent with bathroom facilities. It helps if they are clean when they are looking for a job. I really appreciate you coming by to visit.
Wow! I never thought I would get to the bottom of the comments of this well-read hub. Congratulations!
I love your heart. Not only do you manage a fabulous mission to help a homeless person, you go one step further to help many writing this article.
Personal safety is important. I have seen it go terribly awry while attempting to help.
It is so worthwhile to find homeless people whom are trying to do the right things and help them even with $1. I became amazed at what a homeless person was able to buy with just $1 once. I asked him to follow me into the grocery store and asked him what he needed the most and he said, "Food." He started calculating the things he could get with $1 and came up with 2 packs mac and cheese which he said he could heat over a fire in small amounts and 3 cans of potted meat. He told me that would be meals for 5 days if he did it right. I told him I planned to give him $10 in groceries and he basically bought 8 times that amount and a box of saltine crackers and a roll of scotts toilet tissue 1000 squares.
I was amazed! He told me I just fed him for over a month. He was later seen digging taco sauce out of the Taco Bell dumpster and I asked him what he was doing. It had only been a couple days and he stated potted meat is great with hot sauce and it keeps him warm too!
Yes, they definitely can make it go a long way. I usually buy some vienna sausages and ramen noodles, cans of chicken for a dollar and they think they are eating like kings. Did you know that you can cook ramen in the package? I didn't either until I saw it. They just put some hot water in the package with some viennas and roll the top down. They let it sit for a little and dig in. I save packets of condiments that I get and give those to them. They help flavor the food. This whole hub came about because I saw a hub by a woman who felt sorry for someone and did not know how to help. Pathetic thing is she never read it. So many more did though. I won a hubnugget with this one. I do appreciate you coming by to visit and thank you for your wonderful comment.
Wow, lots of information here. Great hub on an important topic! Voted up!
weestro, I am so glad that you find this useful. I wrote it because so many would like to help and have no idea how to help. This is more and more important, with more people losing their homes and ending on the streets. I hope that you can help and never end there. Thank you for coming by to visit.
Wow, your followers. People do care and that is gratfying. I tweeted your hub.
Hi megni, I have gained many followers because of this hub. People do care and it is so important sometimes to know that. It gives us hope for the future. I thank you for passing the word and for coming by to visit.
Becky, great article with some good tips on how to help. Homelessness is an issue that we can't keep ignoring. We need to address it effectively and compassionately. Thanks.
e Eco Friendly, so nice to have you come by. Ignoring homelessness is not going to make it go away. We need to help these people get back on their feet. That will do more for our souls than theirs but I believe we all need help there too. Helping intelligently is the only way to get it done effectively. Knowing where to help will start us off well. I appreciate your comments. So nice to have you visit.
Vinaya Ghimire Level 8 Commenter 7 months ago
Homeless people is a social problem in developing world. Every morning when I walk on the streets of Kathmandu, I see lots of people mostly children and teenagers sleeping on footpath. Though I have not done something substantial for them, I have often donated them clothes and food.