How can I help poor people in my area?
JD asked:
I have been feeling more and more compassion for the poor and need. Partly, because two years ago, I was on the brink of being homeless myself. I’d really like to help out, but don’t know where to go in my area(New Jersey, USA). I am looking for ways that don’t involve a lot of money. Such as helping delivery goods/food, toys, or just being a companion to someone. Are their any good websites to find out how to help out locally? Thanks for any help or advice.
I have been feeling more and more compassion for the poor and need. Partly, because two years ago, I was on the brink of being homeless myself. I’d really like to help out, but don’t know where to go in my area(New Jersey, USA). I am looking for ways that don’t involve a lot of money. Such as helping delivery goods/food, toys, or just being a companion to someone. Are their any good websites to find out how to help out locally? Thanks for any help or advice.
auntynoall on February 11th, 2009
Best way to help the poor is to help them get some paid work. Independence is a wonderful thing.
sLiCk n1K on February 14th, 2009
You really don’t need to do a lot of research. You can look in your phone book for local agencies that service the homeless. You can volunteer to help organize food and/or slothing drives. You can help serve food. You can go to a dollar store and buy little things like socks and blankets and go out into the streets and hand them out. You can also go down to the local welfare office and help people fill out job applications. But, most importantly, you can just listen. A lot of times when people see that someone cares, that can inspire them to not give up. I’ve done all these things and am teaching my sons to do the same.
yiqqahah on February 14th, 2009
Salvation Army-Missions-they all have great programs for feeding the homeless. They ALWAYS need volunteers. Both have kitchens that feed them. I don’t know what missions are in your area. There are also community food pantries. If everyone just donated one can of something with every trip to the store, they would be amazed at how much would accumulate. Where I lived before, there was a rack that was specifically for the local food pantry at the grocery store. If there isn’t one in your town, and you have the desire and motivation, maybe you could start one up. Also starting community gardens in the poverty areas is great. The community cares for it and reaps the benefits. All they need is startup and motivation. And you sound pretty motivated.
Here is the Salvation Army’s website for New Jersey:
I don’t know what town you live in, but here is a Mission for New Jersey. You can put in your city’s name and then Missions in Google.
Starting a Food Pantry:
Starting a Community Garden:
Most of these organizations are religious, if you don’t have a problem with that. There are not as many secular programs that I know.
Welding Nurse on February 17th, 2009
Hey man, try a local homeless shelter or mission.
downwithheroes on February 18th, 2009
My church recently started seeking out elderly people in the community to take meals to. You would be suprised at how quickly we came up with many needy people you could find. And one thing is we really found they wanted our company more then they wanted our food. A really good way to find people you could just visit with is word of mouth.
You could always donate time to orphanages, soup kitchens, homeless shelters. If you don’t have money maybe volunteer time to help some sort of fundraising event for a charity or an organization.
God Bless!
Jennie
indianshamrocks76 on February 18th, 2009
Aw, such a sweetie!
If you are not yet in church, but you believe in God, try going to church, this way, you can hear upcoming events as to when they are taking clothing donations, and maybe around Christmas time, you buy a toy and it’s donated to a child in need, or there’s a food collection taken. Catholic churches tend to have a bin inside the church for people to donate, and do the above mentioned.
God Bless, and stay a sweetie! Also, it’s REALLY great that you are turning a negative situation in your life by turning it into a positive by using your near experience as homeless by thinking of others in your situation.
But I would advise against giving money to the homeless directly, unless it’s someone you know, as you never know the money might go to drugs and alcohol. I had a relationship with someone who was briefly homeless, so I know from experience. Just offer them food instead of money.
Listener on February 19th, 2009
Be very careful… Go to a church or an org. There are a lot of scams ,especially by people who are in need.. (not alll)
vircury on February 21st, 2009
go to them and listen/ talk to their worries in life,it doesn´t cost you much.