HOMELESSNESS

Easy options

  • Donate to Habitat for Humanity to fund their housing campaigns: Global Village Project   to donate to the “Global Village” project
  • Volunteer locally with Habitat for Humanity:  Habitat Volunteer  
  • Donate a tent to a homeless shelter (to give to homeless people when the facility is full)
  • Donate food, clothing, blankets, cleaning supplies, linens, or hygiene products to homeless shelters
  • Buy a meal or a coffee for a homeless person (always be respectful to homeless people just as you would be to anybody else)
  • Donate to the National Coalition for homeless veterans: Veterans
  • Donate to the Salvation Army, many local chapters operate shelters:  Salvation Army
  • Donate to Catholic Charities:  Catholic Charities

Homelessness

A warm, safe, and sturdy home is one of the many things we take for granted.  Yet many go without this basic necessity of human life.  Every year, about 3.5 million people in the United States (including about 1.35 million children) experience homelessness according to the National Law Center on Homelessness and poverty.   That is almost equal to the populations of Chicago, St. Louis, and St. Paul combined.  Globally, 100 million people, almost one-third of the population of the United States, are homeless.  In addition, a billion people have inadequate housing, and half the world has housing that is not fully adequate.  As affluent members of society, it is our responsibility to help house the homeless.  There are many ways for us to do so. Organizations and more information:
  • Habitat for Humanity:  Habitat
  • For more information:  FACTS
  • A list of organizations dealing with homeless veterans can be found at:  VETS
  • For additional links to facts, organizations, and resources:  USgov

Long-term options

  • Build a house in Asia, Latin America, or other areas in the world with Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village volunteer trips (must be at least 15 years old):  Global Village Volunteer
  • Volunteer to serve meals, tutor, or help out at your local homeless shelter
  • Start a homelessness fundraising and awareness-raising campaign in your school or community, and host events like concerts, bake sales, dances, movie nights, ice cream socials, or any other such activity.