Being Understanding In Difficult Situations

Ways Your Organization Can Assist Your Local Homeless Shelter

Many major cities have a 24/7 homeless shelter. Some cities house several of these shelters. You may find these shelters operated through church organizations, charities, and non-profit organizations. If your organization has a group dealing with homeless people and offering humanitarian aid to them, you may be considering helping the shelters in your area. If you are looking for ways to help that are unique and will offer long-term assistance, here are some ideas to consider. 

Trade School Services

You may not think of trade schools when you think of helping local homeless shelters. The truth is, students who are enrolled in trade schools often need as much practice as they can get. If you are the leader of a trade school group or if someone in your organization teaches at a trade school, you may be able to assist the shelter. Your trade school students can do onsite services such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, and construction. This type of assistance can ensure that the shelter meets local building codes and that the people using the shelter have safe and suitable places to sleep, electricity, and places for their own hygiene. 

Beds and Blankets

Many larger homeless shelters offer a sleeping area that contains multiple beds. They may also offer locking dorm-style rooms for homeless families in need. This means the shelter may be in need of suitable beds, bedding, and blankets. They will also need the items to help maintain these beds and blankets, such as laundry soap and disinfectant. Your organization can host a charity drive to raise money for these items and donate them directly to the shelter. This is one of the top priorities at many shelters and helps to maintain larger numbers of homeless throughout the year. 

Job Fairs

You likely do not think of a job fair when you think of the homeless. The truth is, many homeless can find a shelter that will allow them to stay for a longer period of time. What they have trouble finding is someone to hire them when the only address they have is the shelter. They may also have a hard time finding clothing for interviews or for work. Your organization can offer to host a job fair with employers willing to work with the people living in the shelters. You can also provide a clothing closet to the homeless that helps them find attire for interviews, work, and daily living. This one option can outfit someone with the tools they need to get back on their feet and find suitable housing and employment. 

When you are ready to reach out to your local 24/7 homeless shelters, contact them directly. Tell them what it is you would like to do to help. They will work with you for delivery times, charity events, or to help with installation and setup if that is required for the items you are donating. 

For more information, contact a local organization, like The Gathering Place.