Small Efforts Lead to Big Accomplishments

Hi friends! I am so happy that you are here and I hope you get to join our online community. This week I wanted to share the small steps you can take to help those around you that are not all financial contributions. There is much needed to better the lives of those in homelessness and end it. Feel free to check out all of our other blog posts and our podcast!

Homelessness has many parts to it. We need a lot of hands on, motivated and caring individuals who are willing to help work through this major issue. With that being said, there is a lot of work already in progress that could use any and all support. I have found different ways to support this cause, but be sure to also check out the other links below!

Volunteering

Shelters, soup kitchens, collection centers and similar places are all trying to support those in homelessness. Shelter is the biggest need for those fighting homelessness and are always in need of volunteers. Soup kitchens, collection centers and other facilities that are geared towards helping others all need help too. Every organization that is strong and successful (I will have to go into that definition later!) has a great team of support behind it. I have been volunteering since I was in middle school and I love it - I just love helping people and I hope to help others have that passion. There are numerous organizations that need volunteers to move along on their mission. Time is a valuable thing and I can only hope that you are willing and able to give some of your time!

Donating financially

Time is quite a valuable gift and could help organizations in many ways. There are other ways to donate and a common one that many think of immediately is financially. Monetary donations allow organizations to invest in supplies and resources they may need. As much as volunteers are beneficial, it takes a lot of people - or as some may say “it takes a village” - to reach a common goal. Whether it is paying a salary, purchasing supplies or helping out a person in need, the money donated it used to benefit the same mission. Thus monetary donations are always appreciated no matter how big or small.

Educating yourself

Understanding a topic can truthfully go a long way in your support. Making yourself aware of the issues going on within a larger issue is important. Sharing what you learned and now know with others can raise a lot of awareness. Knowing what others are going through and trying to understand the best way you can help is really valuable. Many don’t know enough and give up in the donation department because they do not know what they are supporting. Education is quite irreplaceable - no one can ever take your knowledge from you! Be sure to check the links below for deeper descriptions of what is happening in the world around us.

Advocating/Raising Awareness

As massive an issue as homelessness is, awareness is key! The people who are making legislative decisions and funding grant programs need constant reminders of the issues that matter to the people they represent. It is important to raise awareness and advocate for those who do not have a voice. Below there are some links for petitions for funding towards ending homelessness.

All efforts no matter how big or small can benefit these organizations and/or nonprofit groups. Homelessness is quite a major issue and is going to take a great undertaking in order to end it. There are already so many groups established that work to support those struggling. What small steps can you take to help make big accomplishments?

LINKS!

I strongly recommend checking out https://endhomelessness.org/ - they are doing some great work and have so many resources for everyone

https://joinpdx.org/programs/ - has great programs available

https://endhomelessness.org/ending-homelessness/solutions/ - solutions and other avenues to support those in homelessness

https://endhomelessness.org/resources/?fwp_content_filter=videos - info on homelessness in general

https://www.usich.gov/solutions/ - homelessness solutions