Then, call a few places, ask what help they need, and arrange for a visit. Remember that service providers need help at all times of year—not just holidays—and will appreciate regular volunteers who can be counted on to show up. Here are some ways you might help:.
You can help end homelessness by simply CAREing. Needed items and services might include: Clothing. On job interviews, a poorly dressed person has little chance for success. Give your clean clothes to those who could use them. Before you give your own clothes or start a clothing drive, talk to your local shelter and find out what items they really need.
Some serve only a certain group of people. Please clean the clothes before you donate them. In-kind services and materials. Service providers may be able to use copying, printing, food, transportation, marketing assistance, computer equipment and assistance, electrical work, building materials, plumbing, etc.
Household goods or other items. Service providers may need items such as kitchen utensils, furniture, books, toys, games, stuffed animals, dolls, diapers, etc.
People experiencing homelessness may have limited access to a library and find that there is little for them to do when spending a night at a shelter. Find out if your local shelter would appreciate donations of books. Consider organizing a book drive to create a small library at the shelter if there is not already one there. Many non-profit organizations have a difficult time purchasing expensive but essential equipment such as computers. If you have a machine you no longer need, a local shelter or service provider might greatly appreciate the donation.
Shelter guests might also appreciate the donation of machines for their use, although you should check if a shelter would have space to set up public computers. Try coordinating this through a group that gives out meals from a van, for example. During cold weather, organize drives for blankets, coats, hats, scarves, mittens, socks, and the like. Phone calls. Help people experiencing homelessness contact loved ones by offering the opportunity to make free long distance calls on holidays.
Donate to or organize a cell phone drive for the homeless. Job opportunities. Encourage your company, school, or place of worship to hire people experiencing homelessness if they are not already working. Learn about the different paths that lead to homelessness. Every person living on the streets has his or her own story. You can even start by reposting information from bowerymission.
We are so thankful for you and all our volunteers who make it possible for us to care for our most vulnerable neighbors. In a time when so many stay at home, we remember those who do not have a home. And in the midst of this crisis, The Bowery Mission is seeing an ever-increasing need.
As The Bowery Mission cares for our most vulnerable neighbors in the face of COVID, we are supported by volunteers in activities adjusted for social distancing and safety. Volunteers must be healthy to serve. You should not volunteer if you or someone in your household:. What to Know About On-site Volunteering. We are taking every measure to limit the spread of COVID and protect the health and safety of our staff, guests, and volunteers.
However, due to the asymptomatic nature of many COVID cases, and the community spread in NYC, please be aware that exposure to the virus is possible on-site. If you are comfortable volunteering on-site with us, we thank you! We have put in place important safety measures to limit meaningful exposure between individuals while on site.
We ask that you help us maintain the following measures:. We thank our volunteers for their flexibility in this time! We also have a camp and retreat center in the Poconos Region of Pennsylvania. For campus addresses, please visit bowery.
For the most up to date public transportation options, please visit mta. Volunteers must arrive dressed appropriately for the work they will be performing. Our dress code exists to protect volunteer safety, follow safety standards, and show respect to our clients. Volunteers arriving dressed inappropriately may not take part in activities unless suitable accommodations can be made. Meal Service: Kitchen dress code is critical to ensure the safety of our volunteers as well as to preserve the quality of the food.
Volunteers must wear:. With some important restrictions, volunteers are encouraged to take and share group or individual photos of themselves and their service! In addition, photography is not allowed at any of our Women's Centers without express permission from staff. Please do not share pictures or names of individual residents or community members on social media. We LOVE sharing your experiences on social! Please share your pictures with us by tagging bowerymission on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or by sending to [email protected].
All Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. Volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver, provided by The Bowery Mission prior to serving.
They must be accompanied at all times by a chaperone over the age of 25, with a ratio of one chaperone for every four minors. Chaperones are responsible for the safety of minors while on-site. But it can be difficult to know how to make the greatest impact. There are many more ways to help people experiencing homelessness beyond giving money on the street, steps that you can take to empower the organizations working to help people living on the streets long-term.
Here are some of the most practical ones. Educate Yourself About the Causes of Homelessness Firstly, remember that we are talking about fellow human beings who have the same needs and feelings as you. Addiction and Mental Health. A life-long support system is necessary to overcome the obstacles of addiction or mental illness. Cost of Housing. Affordable housing is limited and someone on a waitlist must bide their time in a shelter or on the street.
Connect With a Local Nonprofit Your local charity kitchen, shelter, or homeless services organization will have many organized ways for you to volunteer, help, or donate. Donate Clothing or Money to Help the Homeless Many people experiencing homelessness are in need of clothes, shoes, and sleeping supplies. The most needed adult-sized items are: Waterproof jackets Jeans and sweatpants Warm thermal long-sleeve shirts New socks Gloves Hats and beanies Boots for outdoor wear Blankets Tarps Tents New underwear More details on how to hold a clothing drive or donate clothing.
Thank you for caring. How to Help Someone Experiencing Homelessness.
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