By Rebecca Simms, Marketing Intern, SUFK Seattle
We care about helping the homeless population in our community. How do we take the first step? Here are some simple actions we can take to work toward our common goal.
Get Educated
Did you know that 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness each year? The National Coalition for the Homeless is a valuable resource for statistics that reveal the harsh reality of homelessness in the United States. Their website, http://www.nationalhomeless.org/, also teaches visitors how to help the effort and where to look if they need help.
Locally, King County leaders and over 140 community organizations have designed the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The City of Seattle funds public assistance programs that help make this plan sustainable. Click here for more information.
Being aware and sharing your knowledge with others encourages others to be involved!
Donate Food and Money
You could provide a meal for a local youth living on the street. Donations of granola bars, protein bars, and juice pouches helps provide StandUp For Kids – Seattle with food packs to give directly to street kids.
Donations may also be made through our website or directly through our Network For Good page. Because our non-profit organization is 100% volunteer run, you can feel secure that your donation goes directly towards helping homeless youth.
Volunteer
Offer a listening ear as an outreach counselor for StandUp For Kids – Seattle. Our outreach counselors meet local street kids in Westlake Park three times a week. These kids often feel like no one is listening to them, so taking the time to talk with them is a valuable gift.
Our leadership team is always looking for people to help with administrative work and event planning. Email us today at [email protected] for more information on volunteer opportunities!
Keep an Open Mind
Respecting each homeless person as an individual and realizing that they each have a different reason for being on the street helps us gain perspective on this human issue.
Be positive that each action that you take helps the greater effort. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.”
