Top Reasons Why We Should Help the Homeless
Homelessness
Published October 13, 2023
When you see homeless people on the street, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Are you one of those people who think they deserve it for making bad decisions in life? Or do you stop and ask yourself how you can help them?
Admit it or not, most of us do the former. We blame the homeless for their plight instead of trying to help them get back on their feet. As a society, we’re wired to distrust people we feel are not contributing well to the community . In the news and even in some movies, homeless people are often portrayed as criminals and spreaders of diseases.
Yet, few people realize that most of us are just one paycheck away from living on the streets . It only takes one failed relationship or the death of a loved one to turn someone’s life upside down.
Even the most level-headed person can lose everything with no one to turn to. So it’s not really about the decisions they make. It’s mainly about the circumstances that they found themselves in, to which there is no easy way out.
Thus, instead of blaming them for things beyond their control, we need to help them. If you’re still not convinced, read along.
Reasons Why We Should Help the Homeless
1. they are humans, just like us.
No matter their skin color, religion, or gender identity, we all belong to the same race: humankind. We share the same experience. We all get hungry, feel cold, and need someone to understand us . This is basic for all humans. The only difference is you don’t have to worry about where to get your next meal. Or where to lay your head for the night .
2. They Need Our Help
We need to help the homeless because they need our help . It’s as simple as that. It doesn’t matter whether they can return the favor or not. You shouldn’t need any reason to help someone other than they need help.
3. When We Do Good, We Feel Good
Have you ever noticed that when you help others, you feel different happiness? It’s like this warm feeling spreading all over you that’s difficult to put a name to. That, my friend, is a rare kind of satisfaction that no amount of material wealth can buy.
4. We Are In A Position To Help
That homeless man you see on the street probably didn’t have the same opportunities that you had. That single mother living in the shelter didn’t have the same support system you had. We need to help them because we are blessed to not be in the same situation that they are in. We have the resources that they don’t. In short, we are in a position to help, and so we should.
5. It’s Our Chance to Make a Difference
Nelson Mandela once said:
We can change the world and make it a better place. It’s in your hands to make a difference.
Homelessness is a global human tragedy. But if we work together, we can make the world better for everyone. No matter how small the effort is, it can make a difference. You don’t have to be a billionaire to inspire change. We can all help end homelessness in our own little ways.
6. It’s Our Moral Obligation
As human beings, it’s our moral responsibility to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Even if your moral compass isn’t that strong, common decency dictates that it’s the right thing to do .
7. What Goes Around, Comes Back Around
You may have a stable job and a roof over your head right now. But there is no guarantee that you’ll still have them tomorrow. Most homeless people had jobs and didn’t imagine finding themselves sleeping on the streets. But then, in the blink of an eye, everything can change. Such is life, and that doesn’t exempt you.
This is why we need to help the homeless because what goes around, comes back around. When the time comes that we’ll be in their shoes, we can hope that someone will be willing to help us, too.
8. You Can Help Them Have a Brighter Future
In a commencement address, Steve Jobs revealed that he was once homeless. Steve Harvey, Jim Carrey, Halle Berry, James Cameron, and many other famous people were once homeless.
But they rose above their circumstances and became the successful people they are now.
You see, most of the time, homelessness is just temporary. Sometimes, they need someone to help them get back on their feet. Contrary to popular belief, some of them are trying.
Thus, we need to help them become productive members of society again. That homeless kid living from shelter to shelter could be the next U.S. president or the next most notorious criminal in the country. It all depends on you.
Practical Ways You Can Help the Homeless
1. volunteer at homeless shelters or soup kitchens.
Offer your time and skills to local organizations that provide essential services to the homeless. You can volunteer to serve meals , organize donation drives, or provide support in any way you can.
2. Donate Essential Items
Many homeless individuals lack basic necessities. These can be warm clothing , blankets, toiletries, and food . Consider donating these items to shelters or outreach programs. Make sure they directly assist the homeless population.
3. Support Job Training and Education Programs
Help homeless individuals get the necessary skills and education to find stable employment. Support organizations that offer vocational training, job placement services, and educational opportunities.
4. Advocate for Affordable Housing
Advocate for policies and initiatives focusing on affordable housing options for the homeless. Support local and national organizations providing safe and affordable housing for those in need.
5. Raise Awareness
Use your voice and platforms. Raise awareness about homelessness and its underlying causes. Share stories , statistics, and personal experiences. This will help break down stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding.
6. Offer Supportive Services
Many homeless individuals have mental health issues or substance abuse problems. Support organizations that provide counseling and rehabilitation services. As well as access to healthcare for those in need.
7. Engage with Local Government
Contact your local representatives and express your concerns about homelessness in your community. Encourage them to divide resources towards homelessness prevention programs and supportive services.
8. Foster Community Connections
Loneliness and isolation are common challenges for the homeless population. Take the initiative to engage with homeless individuals in your community. Listen to their stories and treat them with dignity and respect.
Effects of Homelessness on the Economy and Society in General
The economic consequences of homelessness are significant. When you are homeless, it will be challenging for you to find employment. This results in decreased productivity and loss of potential contributions to the economy.
Homelessness also often leads to increased healthcare costs. This is because they struggle to access adequate medical care, which falls on the government and taxpayers.
The social consequences of homelessness are profound. The homeless face many challenges that can add to their vulnerability. Lack of shelter exposes them to harsh weather conditions. This leads to health issues, including hypothermia and heatstroke.
Homelessness can also increase the risk of substance abuse. As well as mental health disorders and criminal activity. These factors can also contribute to social instability and strained community relationships.
Homelessness places a significant strain on public resources. Governments must divide funds towards emergency shelters, outreach programs, and healthcare services for those experiencing homelessness . This diverts resources from other essential areas, such as education and infrastructure.
Homelessness can strain public safety systems. This includes petty theft, loitering, and public disturbances.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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Helping The Homeless Essay | 800+ Words Essay on Helping The Homeless Essay
October 21, 2024 by Prasanna
Helping The Homeless Essay: People are categorized as homeless if they are living on the streets or are moving between temporary shelters, including houses of friends and family. However, the legal definition of homelessness may vary between countries or jurisdictions in the same country. Regardless, being homeless is detrimental to one’s physical and mental health. It has been even linked to higher usage of illicit substances a greater risk of suicide attempts. Such individuals also have limited access to resources and are more susceptible to extreme weather events. Even the current pandemic has left many of the homeless either deceased or facing severe repercussions of the virus. Hence, these individuals need help to get back on the right track. Doing so will at least enable them to have a near-normal life. We shall take a look at the ways we can help the homeless and the needy.
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Moral Support: Homeless individuals often lack access to basic needs and necessities such as food, clothing and education. Moreover, they might be socially, economically and politically deprived. This can cause mental distress and resentment towards others. Giving such individuals moral support and empathy might alleviate their troubles to some extent. It makes them feel like someone actually cares about their condition and wishes to change some aspects of it. Doing so will also open up opportunities that may help them live better lives. Moreover, such people will need help in order to discover their strengths and capabilities. A little moral support can help turn them into self-sufficient individuals who will be able to stand on their own two feet.
Social Platforms: In today’s day and age, the internet has become a platform for connecting with people around the world. Hence, it can also be used to create awareness about certain things. Various social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter helps to spread awareness as well as to reach out when people are in need. Granted, a homeless person may not have access or have limited access to the internet or a smartphone. Hence, helping these individuals to create an online presence is the least one can do. Such social groups can lend a helping hand to the downtrodden and homeless. Moreover, the internet is a place of opportunities and if given proper training, these individuals might be able to make some money to keep themselves from starvation.
Financial Help: Granted, financial help might not be very feasible in the long run, but it might temporarily alleviate the basic problems of living. This can include buying clothing, food, temporary shelter or medications for such individuals. Moreover, taking care of one or two homeless individuals might be feasible, but one should consider associating themselves with charitable houses to donate money or supplies to a large number of homeless individuals. However, the main goal of financial help must be to transform these homeless individuals into self-reliant and useful members of society through skill training or other productive activities.
Raising Funds: Another way we can help the homeless is by raising funds. There are many charitable organizations whose sole purpose is to help homeless individuals relocate and provide assistance so that they can become self-sufficient. Such organisations also impart skill development and training which might enable these individuals to become financially independent.
Collection Drive: One might consider organising a collection drive for food, clothing, or other essentials which might benefit the homeless and the needy. Collection drives can be done at places of public gathering such as offices, schools and even colleges. It is also considered to be one of the most feasible ways to provide help for the poor and downtrodden. People can drop off donations at predetermined locations, and these will be redistributed among the homeless. Even books that might educate or entertain the homeless can be donated as it might improve their morale.
Volunteering: People with marketable skills can volunteer their time and effort to help the homeless. Such noble acts may not bring in monetary incentives but are sure to leave people with boosted morale, empowerment and a sense of gratitude. Many homeless children do not have access to basic education or even learning resources, hence, individuals who can volunteer to teach these children can make a meaningful difference in society. Similarly, homeless individuals lack access to basic healthcare, hence doctors or medical professionals can volunteer to treat these individuals and make their lives a little more tolerant. Granted, volunteering takes a lot of precious time and effort, but sparing just a few hours in a week can make a lot of difference to these homeless individuals. Regardless of the type of volunteering work, any kind of help is a welcome change for this group of people.
Empathy: Showing empathy and understanding is basic human nature. This is due to the fact that nobody chooses to become poor. It is their circumstances and course of action that led to them being homeless. Moreover, making mistakes is human nature, hence, one should see through stereotypes and understand a person before passing judgment. Granted, there are people who never change their behaviour, attitudes and opinions regardless of their situation. But for the people who are willing to change their ways after seeing the error in their ways, all they need is a helping hand to get back on their feet.
In conclusion, homeless individuals are a part of society and they are also the weakest links. Hence, in order to help improve our society, we need to help the homeless and needy. Doing so not only makes our lives better, but it will improve the lives of others and this makes a meaningful difference to society.
FAQ’s on Helping The Homeless Essay
Question 1. Why should we help the homeless?
Answer: Homeless individuals are still humans and they might not be able to live their lives without our help. They may not have access to resources or finance, without which they might perish. Moreover, helping these individuals is like helping society.
Question 2. What are some ideas to help the homeless?
Answer: One can help the homeless through any means. For instance, they can directly donate essentials or provide financial assistance to the homeless. We can also organise awareness drives and perform volunteering work to alleviate the condition of the homeless. Furthermore, we can also use social media to reach a wider audience or to raise funds for the homeless.
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Essay Samples on Homelessness
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Best topics on Homelessness
1. How to Help the Homeless in Your Community
2. Alexander Hamilton and The Rate for Homelessness
3. Be The Change You Wish To See In The World: A Story
4. The Issue Of Veteran Homelessness
5. Homelessness In California: Homeless Veterans
6. Different Ideas Of How The Government Can Help The Homeless
7. Reasons Why We Should Help The Homeless Within Interest Groups
8. Poverty Is A State Of Mind: Fighting For Rights Of Homeless Women
9. Reasons Why We Should We Help The Homeless On Campus
10. The Healing Power Of Music And Helping Those In Need In The Movie The Soloist
11. Impacts Of Affordable Housing Crisis In America And Means To Solve It
12. A Report about the Homeless and Beggars in Toronto
13. The Unfair Begging for Money Among Panhandlers
14. Critical Analysis of Annotated Bibliography on Gentrification
15. Ending Homelessness by Improving the Economy
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Argumentative Essay on The Homeless
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Published: Mar 14, 2024
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5 Essays About Homelessness
Around the world, people experience homelessness. According to a 2005 survey by the United Nations, 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. The causes vary depending on the place and person. Common reasons include a lack of affordable housing, poverty, a lack of mental health services, and more. Homelessness is rooted in systemic failures that fail to protect those who are most vulnerable. Here are five essays that shine a light on the issue of homelessness:
What Would ‘Housing as a Human Right’ Look Like in California? (2020) – Molly Solomon
For some time, activists and organizations have proclaimed that housing is a human right. This essay explores what that means and that it isn’t a new idea. Housing as a human right was part of federal policy following the Great Depression. In a 1944 speech introducing what he called the “Second Bill of Rights,” President Roosevelt attempted to address poverty and income equality. The right to have a “decent home” was included in his proposals. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration also recognizes housing as a human right. It describes the right to an “adequate standard of living.” Other countries such as France and Scotland include the right to housing in their constitutions. In the US, small local governments have adopted resolutions on housing. How would it work in California?
At KQED, Molly Solomon covers housing affordability. Her stories have aired on NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other places. She’s won three national Edward R. Murrow awards.
“What People Get Wrong When They Try To End Homelessness” – James Abro
In his essay, James Abro explains what led up to six weeks of homelessness and his experiences helping people through social services. Following the death of his mother and eviction, Abro found himself unhoused. He describes himself as “fortunate” and feeling motivated to teach people how social services worked. However, he learned that his experience was somewhat unique. The system is complicated and those involved don’t understand homelessness. Abro believes investing in affordable housing is critical to truly ending homelessness.
James Abro is the founder of Advocate for Economic Fairness and 32 Beach Productions. He works as an advocate for homeless rights locally and nationally. Besides TalkPoverty, he contributes to Rebelle Society and is an active member of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.
“No Shelter For Some: Street-Sleepers” (2019)
This piece (by an unknown author) introduces the reader to homelessness in urban China. In the past decades, a person wouldn’t see many homeless people. This was because of strict rules on internal migration and government-supplied housing. Now, the rules have changed. People from rural areas can travel more and most urban housing is privatized. People who are homeless – known as “street-sleepers” are more visible. This essay is a good summary of the system (which includes a shift from police management of homelessness to the Ministry of Civil Affairs) and how street-sleepers are treated.
“A Window Onto An American Nightmare” (2020) – Nathan Heller
This essay from the New Yorker focuses on San Francisco’s history with homelessness, the issue’s complexities, and various efforts to address it. It also touches on how the pandemic has affected homelessness. One of the most intriguing parts of this essay is Heller’s description of becoming homeless. He says people “slide” into it, as opposed to plunging. As an example, someone could be staying with friends while looking for a job, but then the friends decide to stop helping. Maybe someone is jumping in and out of Airbnbs, looking for an apartment. Heller’s point is that the line between only needing a place to stay for a night or two and true “homelessness” is very thin.
Nathan Heller joined the New Yorker’s writing staff in 2013. He writes about technology, higher education, the Bay Area, socioeconomics, and more. He’s also a contributing editor at Vogue, a former columnist for Slate, and contributor to other publications.
“Homelessness in Ireland is at crisis point, and the vitriol shown towards homeless people is just as shocking” (2020)#- Megan Nolan
In Ireland, the housing crisis has been a big issue for years. Recently, it’s come to a head in part due to a few high-profile incidents, such as the death of a young woman in emergency accommodation. The number of children experiencing homelessness (around 4,000) has also shone a light on the severity of the issue. In this essay, Megan Nolan explores homelessness in Ireland as well as the contempt that society has for those who are unhoused.
Megan Nolan writes a column for the New Statesman. She also writes essays, criticism, and fiction. She’s from Ireland but based in London.
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I’ve been homeless and served the homeless. Real help starts with listening.
This essay is a Cover Story selection, a weekly feature highlighting the top picks from the editors of America Media.
I’ve been in the “homelessness business” for 40 years. This includes nine months of what I call “hardcore time” on the street, but I have spent most of the rest of the time living or working in shelters. Other than being employed in security, working with the homeless is the only job I’ve ever known.
That surprises people sometimes. They like to think that there’s a nice, thick line separating “homeless” and “employed.” There isn’t. A basic misperception about homeless folks is that they are lazy, or that they are drug addicts. But in my 40 years being homeless and working with the unhoused, I have learned that there is no one major reason why people become homeless.
I have met homeless people who had college degrees and careers and all that. Often they had bad luck, or made a bad decision somewhere, or lost a family member and couldn’t cope. Or they simply couldn’t pay their rent and got tossed out of their living space. The challenge when you’re working with the homeless is how to peel back the layers of that particular onion, so to speak, without bruising it.
In my case, alcohol dependency and some personal trauma first led me to the homelessness arena. Feeling obligated to give back is what’s kept me working there. Also: I’ve got a big mouth. I don’t mind telling my story. That has gotten me placed in leadership positions surprisingly quickly. When I went into treatment for alcohol a few years ago, they made me the door monitor the second day I was there. That’s the kind of life I’ve had.
Over the past couple of years, though, it’s felt like I have turned a corner. I share my story with you in the hope that it will influence the way you approach the problem of homelessness.
In 2023, I moved to Louisville after a couple of decades in Atlanta. I wasn’t doing well. I’d lost my job, my health was poor, and I wanted to live near family. When I got there, I went to a place for the homeless and they sent me to Ozanam Inn Men’s Shelter, run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
It was the first shelter I’d ever stayed in that had no curfew. You could come and go within a 24-hour period, and you’d still have a bed if you returned within 24 hours, no questions asked—as long as you were in some sober and sensible condition.
You might think that policy is ill-advised. You might think that if you’re helping people (like myself) who struggle with substance abuse, it makes sense to impose a curfew. But let me tell you, being treated as a person who has the freedom to take responsibility for himself is a very powerful thing.
Giving people responsibility isn’t the same as indifference, either. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul actually listens to the people they serve better than any other organization I’ve been involved with. They try their best to get to know the individual person and understand their struggles—again, to peel back the layers of the onion. It makes a huge difference.
You say you want to help the homeless? Here’s a crazy thought: Why don’t you ask somebody who’s homeless what they want, and listen to what they have to say? What a concept, right? But paternalism seems to be the default approach in interactions with folks who are homeless. Plenty of times I’ve had people who don’t even know me tell me what I need or why I’m homeless. That, I think, is part of the problem.
Homeless people sometimes like to blame others for their mistakes, which is a temptation for anybody. But at some point you have to look in the mirror and say, “Well, maybe I’m the person who did that.” Some people figure that out. Others spend their entire life playing the blame game. But it takes a lot of motivation and hard work to get out of homelessness. You won’t make it by sitting back and having a pity party.
So, the no-curfew thing, combined with really being listened to—those were big for me. I was also able to take advantage of the case management and mental health services offered at the Ozanam Men’s Shelter. I got counseling for my post-traumatic stress disorder, which helped a whole lot.
Now, I wasn’t “resident of the year” at the shelter. I had my own problems like everybody else. But they worked with me within the framework of what I gave them. It wasn’t long before the Society of St. Vincent de Paul invited me onto their program committee and advisory board. I was at Ozanam Inn for nine months before moving into a place of my own, where I live today.
Scripture tells us that “when much is given, much is required.” And serving on the board of directors at St. Vincent de Paul Louisville is a great honor because I want so badly to be part of the solution—to help folks who are in the shoes I have worn myself. I view it as a calling. Some people exit homelessness and resolve never to darken the doors of a shelter again. Then there are people who are grateful and feel obligated to give back.
But working with the homeless population is difficult. You’re going to suffer from burnout if you’re not giving of yourself in a spirit of love. And people can tell when someone genuinely cares or when they don’t. When you encounter genuine love as a person who’s homeless, it makes you want to better yourself.
You’ve heard the saying “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” For homeless folks, the problem with that theory is there aren’t enough straps. You need help to make it—and most people who are homeless suffer acutely from what the homelessness advocate Kevin F. Adler calls “ relational poverty .” They don’t have family or friends. They’re starving for relationships. Housing is a good first step, but they’ll only stabilize by building stable relationships with people who care about them.
There’s no cookie-cutter solution to homelessness. There are basic reasons for the problem, of course (mental health problems, addiction and the like), but once you peel back that onion, you begin to see trauma and particular challenges that require a deep, relational understanding of the individual.
We do a terrible disservice to people in this country when we stigmatize and criminalize people who are homeless or have issues with mental health or addiction. When you meet me, I want you to see me as Bill Smith, from the board of directors of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville. Not with the stigma of “homeless man” or “alcoholic.” We have to normalize the conversation around homelessness, to destigmatize it before we can treat it. I want you to know my name and define me by my character, not by my situation.
Editors’ note: The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimated that 653,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2023, an increase of 12.1 percent from the previous year. Many states and cities conduct a census of the homeless in late January; in New York City, the 2025 census will take place on Jan. 28 .
Bill Smith is a former client at the Ozanam Inn Men’s Emergency Shelter, run by St. Vincent de Paul Louisville in Louisville, Ky. He now serves on its board of directors.
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Oct 13, 2023 · In short, we are in a position to help, and so we should. 5. It’s Our Chance to Make a Difference. Nelson Mandela once said: We can change the world and make it a better place. It’s in your hands to make a difference. Homelessness is a global human tragedy. But if we work together, we can make the world better for everyone.
Oct 21, 2024 · Even the current pandemic has left many of the homeless either deceased or facing severe repercussions of the virus. Hence, these individuals need help to get back on the right track. Doing so will at least enable them to have a near-normal life. We shall take a look at the ways we can help the homeless and the needy.
In the introduction to this theme issue, I offer 3 reasons why we, as members of society and clinicians, are ethically obligated to offer homeless health care in the United States and to work to end homelessness: (1) homelessness harms people’s health and well-being; (2) homelessness harms the health system and health professionals; and ...
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Mar 16, 2024 · Additionally, by helping the homeless, we are fostering a sense of compassion and empathy in our society, which can lead to a more cohesive and caring community. One of the most effective ways to help the homeless is by volunteering at local shelters and organizations that provide support services to this population. By donating your time and ...
Aug 4, 2024 · The homeless are a growing population in Los Angeles and we need to educate our communities on homeless prevention and awareness (Homelessness in Los Angeles County 2019). Hundreds of colleges, churches, community groups, and service agencies across the nation announced the beginning of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Mar 19, 2024 · We also gotta look at why people end up homeless in the first place. Many people who are homeless have faced tough stuff like losing their jobs, mental illness, substance abuse, or domestic violence. We need to tackle these issues with targeted help that gives people the support and resources they need to get back on their feet.
Mar 14, 2024 · One of the primary causes of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing options. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the rising cost of housing in many urban areas has outpaced wage growth, making it increasingly difficult for low-income individuals and families to secure stable housing.
People from rural areas can travel more and most urban housing is privatized. People who are homeless – known as “street-sleepers” are more visible. This essay is a good summary of the system (which includes a shift from police management of homelessness to the Ministry of Civil Affairs) and how street-sleepers are treated.
6 days ago · You need help to make it—and most people who are homeless suffer acutely from what the homelessness advocate Kevin F. Adler calls “relational poverty.” They don’t have family or friends ...