How can you make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate? Learn how to help year-round with some best practices in mind on a local and national level.
With the cold weather approaching, our thoughts should shift to those who are less fortunate. People experiencing homelessness endure many challenges every day, from braving harsh elements to looking for their next meal.
Fortunately, there are thoughtful ways to help during the holiday season and year-round. Read on to learn how you can make a difference in your community.
Be Kind
It’s important to practice kindness. Many go about their days acting as if people experiencing homelessness are invisible. You can make a difference by acknowledging them with a smile and asking how to help.
A key way of being thoughtful is treating others how you’d like to be treated. Try approaching the less fortunate with a sense of empathy. Imagine how challenging life would be if you had to constantly fight for your survival.
Make Blessing Bags
Donating to the less fortunate is a wonderful way to make a difference, but you can maximize your impact when you put together kits with essentials they need. These kits are known as blessing bags, though some call them care kits or necessity bags.
If you want to know how to make a blessing bag, then you’re in the right place! While it’s important to check in with the specific shelter you’re donating to, these kits often contain the following:
- Toiletries
- Granola bars
- Socks
- Lip balm
- First-aid supplies
Place all these necessities in a ziplock bag for convenience. If you have children, this is a great way to teach them about helping the less fortunate, as you can put these together at home.
You can have blessing bags on hand even if you’re not donating to a specific shelter. By keeping them in your car, you’re poised to help if you see someone experiencing homelessness on the street.
Volunteer
If you’re interested in helping in a hands-on way, consider volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens. You can see the faces of those who are experiencing hard times, and you can try to be a bright spot in their days by assisting them with whatever they need most.
You can search online to check out local shelters in your area. If you’re available, you can make a huge impact by volunteering on the holidays, as there are often fewer volunteers then.
Donate to Nonprofits
Another fundamental way of helping is donating to nonprofits who support the less fortunate. Whether you donate necessary supplies or money, you’re making a difference. You can help a national nonprofit, like the National Alliance to End Homelessness or the Coalition for the Homeless, though pursing local organizations helps, too.
Consider using social media to your advantage. You can raise awareness of nonprofits with this method, by posting helpful donation links, so your friends and family can help, too.
Find ways to maximize your donation efforts, such as contributing monthly gifts to your favorite nonprofits or doing your online shopping in a way that supports them, such as utilizing AmazonSmile. This gives them valuable resources throughout the entire year.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to advocate for people experiencing homelessness. You have the power to make a real difference by:
- Practicing kindness each day
- Creating blessing bags
- Volunteering your time
- Donating to nonprofit organizations
With these four helpful tactics in mind, you’re bound to help the less fortunate during all times of the year, including the holiday season.