Homeless men are in crisis all over America. It is heartbreaking to see young men sleeping on cold concrete or on the streets. How to help homeless men is a question asked by many who have witnessed the plight of these men. There is no easy answer to this question. But solutions exist.
The impact of your contribution to St. John’s Shelter is profound. What do you contribute to homeless people living in your neighborhood? What can you do to improve the lives of homeless people? How to help homeless men solve the obstacles to self-sufficiency and housing so they can leave behind the challenges they face on a daily basis?
St. John’s homeless men need your help to find a job. When men have a stable income, they can afford day care, a new car and furniture for their bedroom. Ask how you can support them in their search for employment. Donations of money, food and clothing to keep the families of St. John’s homeless people healthy.
One challenge that homeless men face is that they don’t have a stable source of income. To make a difference, ask if a volunteer can be assigned to help with job search activities. The shelter manager can assign someone to visit the shelters once a week or ask participants to do small jobs around the community so they can become more familiar with the demands and requirements of looking for a job. A safe and reliable work experience source is a valuable resource to homeless men.
Homeless men in your neighborhood are looking for help in their everyday lives. Don’t let them fall through the cracks. As part of the service team, help with case management. Build relationships with local office recruiters. Your role as an active volunteer leader will not only benefit the homeless men in your area but also provide a source of referrals for office recruiters looking for homeless men with work experience.
Providing employment is a key strategy to end the cycle of violence and abuse against homeless men. To do this, plan a program at your local homeless men’s day shelter that provides employment for selected participants, pay for their day care and transportation needs, and provide services to connect the man with his new job. If a participant receives housing after being given work experience, he will be more likely to feel comfortable walking away from his abuser knowing he has a steady income.
Building connections and reaching out to other agencies and groups are a tremendous tool to end the cycle of violence and abuse against the homeless. As part of the outreach team, ask about funding for the homeless man who has found a way out of the streets. Often, organizations that have an interest in helping the homeless find permanent housing give generously to such programs. Look for a transitional housing grant to assist with the transition of the homeless man from streets to a permanent shelter. As well, look to religious and community groups for support as they assist the homeless man and family in finding permanent housing.
There are many agencies and organizations willing to help with the problem of homelessness. With a little creativity and commitment, these agencies and groups can work in collaboration with you and the homeless man experiencing homelessness. Remember that, while the solution is for the homeless man, the solutions are for all the individual men, women, and children who are homeless and living on the streets. As a friend, neighbor, and leader, take an active role in the search for permanent housing and a sense of hope.