Watch Your Language- There are a lot of terms out there that people use everyday without thinking that are actually quite hurtful to some people.  Words like bum or bag lady are hurtful and degrading.  Even words like transient and street person belittle a person’s humanity.  Remember, no matter what their present circumstances- they are fellow people first and foremost. 

Volunteer
There is no end to the amount of help that each individual can provide to those who find themselves in poverty or without a home.  There are many different ways to get actively involved throughout the year.

Here are just some ideas:

• Support work (filing, answering phones, cleaning, etc.) at shelters, soup kitchens, service agencies and other organizations.
• Help build or fix up houses and shelters with organizations like public housing authorities, Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together. 
• Job training programs where people learn professional skills to help them land a job and get back on their feet are always looking for people with specific skills and experience. 
• Many homeless shelters offer programs for the children who are living there.  Volunteers are often needed for field trips, workshops, tutoring, or simply to play with the kids. 
• Soup kitchens are one of the mainstays of aid for the homeless.  There is nothing as valuable as a healthy, warm meal when you have nowhere else to turn and soup kitchens are almost always in need of people to help serve, clean and organize these meals.

If you do decide to volunteer, make sure that you find a place or organization in which you feel confident and comfortable.  Remember also that these places are usually under-staffed and spread quite thin which sometimes means they will take extra time getting back to you or finding a way to fit you in- just remain patient.

Advocate
Not everyone has the means to donate large amounts of money or even time out of their lives; advocacy is a good way to make a difference in another way. 

Donate

• Clothing
• Services
• Household goods
• Books
• Furniture
• Computers
• Homeless "survival kits" (soap, towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, etc)
• Job opportunities
• Personal support/a shoulder to lean on

Hosting Events
Organizing an event to aid homelessness (or any cause for that matter) can make a great family, neighborhood or community tradition.  Events bring people together and allow everyone to take part in something useful regardless of their income or abilities.

Event Ideas:

• Canned goods/clothing drives
• Benefit walk/run
• Silent auction
• Neighborhood garage sales
• Benefit concert/talent show 

Goals of the Events:

• Raise money to support a specific homeless person or family
• Raise funds for a local program
• Raise awareness about the problem

Advance/Preventative Actions
If you know that there is a chance that you might become homeless in the next weeks or even days there are still some places you can turn for help.

• Contact a prevention or emergency assistance organization which can help pay rent, utilities, or a security deposit/first month’s rent on a new place.  These organizations may be run by the federal, state or local governments.  Churches and non-profits also run them. It’s best to check under “Crisis services” in the yellow pages of the phone book.
• If you have a Transitional Housing program in your area get your name on their list. 
• Contact a local shelter.  Shelters fill up very fast.  If you know that you will be without a home in the future it’s important to contact them immediately and make a plan.
• Apply for Public or Section 8 Housing.  The waiting lists for these housing options can be very long.  If you have other options by the time your name comes up you don’t have to accept the housing, but it’s better to have that to fall back on.
• Contact a Health Care for the Homeless program for assistance with medical needs or to get referrals for other services. 
• Make sure your IDs are current.  Many shelters have strict regulations for identification. 
• Open a P.O. Box so that you are still able to receive mail.
• Prepare emergency packs of essential needs (soap, toilet paper, emergency money, etc.) for you and your family.  If you can store other items with a friend or relative do so- it may be easier to get into shelters with less baggage. 

Other services to look into:

• Education for Homeless Children and Youth.  Many communities have these programs, some run by the Federal Government, some run by other organizations.  The purpose of these programs is to make sure those children and teens who are homeless continue to get a meaningful education.  They may provide tutors, school supplies, or after school activities.
• Job Skills/Professional Training.  Many shelters and other service organizations provide people in need with help on resumes, interview techniques and other skills that are needed to land a job.  It’s important to take advantage of services like these when they are available to give yourself a leg up on the competition.
• Healthy Food Assistance Alternatives:
• Soup Kitchens.  Eating at soup kitchens will ensure that you and your family at least get something healthy and wholesome to eat.
• Food Pantries. Rather than prepared meals, these programs can help your family keep food in your own cabinets.  
• Vouchers or Food Stamps. Food stamps were created in order to help families in need maintain a healthier, well-rounded diet.