Things you can do to help
homeless people

The following opportunities are available for individuals or groups who do not wish to commit to the full term of the HOPE covenant:

Collect household goods to set up the client's new home. For example, throw a "housewarming" shower, or gather furniture (maybe working in conjunction with Barnabas Network.) Clients will need EVERYTHING -- from linens, to kitchen goods, to personal supplies, to furniture -- everything that makes a building a "home."

Help with a truck to move folks and pick up items from Barnabas Network (trucks are a precious commodity.)

Become a "Buddy" - regularly meet a client for coffee, go for walks in the park, or whatever activity you and the client agree on. Check in with each other on the phone. Become part of the client's "network." There are lots of free activities -- concerts in the park, concerts at Friendly Center in the summer, etc. -- that can make this affordable. Be creative!

Give a client a haircut (or pay for one). If clients are going to connect with neighbors, they need to look presentable. A former supervisor once wished we had a "beauty shop" on site -- she thought that sometimes the nicest "therapy" we could offer anyone, especially to make them feel better about themselves, it to give them an opportunity to look better.

Donate clothing. Related to the above --usually there are lots of clothes available, but not always the right size, or practical, or appropriate for places like church.

Collect items for street outreach - like personal care supplies, or gift certificates for food (i.e. at fast food places). When we are connecting to people on the streets, they are often hesitant to receive help -- because it has often felt that no one has helped them.  A tangible item, like being able to choose a sandwich, or a tube of toothpaste, or a bus ticket, will make them want to meet with us again and have a further discussion about working with us. (Most grants do not pay for items like this -- even though it is such a practical support.)

Volunteer for the "Point-in-Time Count". - In January, we go out to the camps, streets, shelters, and feeding places to help count the people who are on the streets. This is necessary to help assure the funding that comes into the community to help pay for homeless services. The more volunteers we have for this event, the more thorough a job we can do finding out neighbors who have no home -- and help assure that we are able to obtain sufficient services for them. Contact chairperson of Point-In-Time Count Committee.

Prepare meals that people can freeze and then microwave. some of the clients will be learning to cook (and some will have limited cooking skills) and nutrition is key to managing medication.

Subsidize a client's rent. If someone receives just SSI (supplemental security income) - presently $623 a month -- it is impossible to rent an apartment without Section 8 or some other program. HUD (Housing and Urban Development) has the tenant pay 1/3 of their income towards housing - including utilities - and they pick up the balance. When there are no HUD funds, a church (or other group) may take on a commitment to "sponsor" a client in their home until HUD funds are available.

Assist with co-pays for Health Serve. People with zero income still have to make $6 co-pays. (They do not refuse service if folks do not have it -- but I have had clients decline going because they feel bad about not having the $6.)

Help stock the pantry with food supplies for clients setting up housekeeping. Even with food stamps, the initial supplies are expensive. there are lots of things that we all do not buy every month -- but when you are setting up a home you need it all.