Regular People & What You Can Do

There are various ways in which regular people can help the homeless in their communities.

One of the most direct ways is by volunteering with community organizations, whether they are religiously affiliated, government-funded, or non-profit organizations. These organizations often rely on volunteers to provide essential services to the homeless population. 

Another way to help is by making donations to these organizations. Monetary donations are often the most useful, as they allow specialized organizations to take advantage of special deals and acquire more products for less. However, donations of storage-safe food, warm clothing for the winter, and toiletries are also greatly appreciated. 

Advocacy within the community is another important way to help the homeless. By raising awareness through social media, local government channels, and other platforms, individuals can inspire others to provide assistance and increase the outreach of organizations. Encouraging newspapers and other media outlets to publish information about homelessness can also help raise awareness. 

Starting a blog, social media page, or website to publish information and personal opinions about homelessness can also make a difference. Organizing local events such as food drives and clothing drives is another way to provide direct assistance to the homeless population.

Additionally, voting for government representatives who support social support initiatives is crucial. This includes supporting officials who advocate for affordable housing, mental health support, subsidized healthcare, and better public education. 

For young homeless people, supporting better public education and increasing its availability is particularly important, as lack of education is a leading cause of poverty and homelessness. Supporting other organizations that may not be directly affiliated with homeless support, such as public libraries and community centers, can also indirectly benefit the homeless population. 

Lastly, it's important to try to learn about and see past internalized biases about homelessness and its connections to alcohol and drug abuse. Educating family members and friends on the reality of the lives of homeless people can help foster empathy and understanding within the community. With over 85,000 people on subsidized housing waitlists in Toronto alone, supporting government officials willing to take an active stance in changing and improving the system and its outreach is imperative.

Credits:

Writer: Katharine

Editor: Sumaya

Designer: Jessica