Educate:

Learn about the root causes of homelessness and teach others. Many resources and organizations are available on the web that deal directly in helping to educate on homelessness, such as the National Coalition on Homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, The National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Poverty, Homes for the Homeless, and Institute for Children and Poverty. Follow your local news and read the local newspaper to keep abreast of what is happening to the homeless and low-income people in your area. Learn the policies in place in your area that affect the people in your community.

 

Participate:

Reach out by volunteering your time to work directly with people experiencing homelessness. This is one of the best ways to learn about homelessness and to meet the immediate needs of the homeless. There are always a lot of tasks to be done at shelters, such as filing, sorting clothes, etc. Volunteer at soup kitchens, food pantries, or Habitat for Humanity. Think of what you do best and in the kind of settings you work most comfortably, then share those skills. Involve your friends and coworkers. For volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.volunteermpc.org/

 

Donate:

Material assistance is a necessity in helping the homeless. The lack of clean and well fitting clothing and shoes exposes individuals to the weather, but also diminishes one’s self-esteem. It hurts their chances of getting ahead. A poorly dressed individual has little chance of getting a job. An unclean person wearing dirty clothing has less chance of being accepted into the community. Having enough food is necessary for staying healthy. Money is necessary to obtain food, medicine, wash clothing, and to meet all the necessities of life. You can donate clean clothing or a blanket that is taking up space in your closet. Talk to local shelters to learn what is really needed. You can donate food at shelters and food pantries or to an organization fighting homelessness. 

 

Advocate:

Advocacy means working with people to bring about positive changes, policies and programs at the local, state, and federal levels. This means working with city councils, county commissions, and state and federal elected officials. This means working directly with service providers and business entities within the community. Workable strategies need to be developed at all levels if homelessness is to end. Perceptions of homelessness among many in society will have to be changed. The Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, Colorado, says it best: “Homeless people are often dehumanized by traumas, addictions, circumstances and the fears of others. But they are people deserving of kindness and compassion. The simplest and impactful way to help a homeless person is to make them feel seen, loved and worthwhile. It can be as easy as smiling, making eye contact, shaking someone’s hand, or calling them by name. We are all unique humans with complex stories. We are all sometimes in need of grace and a helping hand.”

 

Vote:

Before going to the polls, every voter needs to know their candidates. Voter guides provide background information on the candidates. The guides list who you can vote for and offer details on each candidate's experience and goals. The guides also explain ballot measures, which are specific questions or issues that you can approve or reject. You can find online voter guides by providing a home address. You can find very similar information in local newspapers. You can also check how candidates voted in federal elections by going to congress.gov. The website VoterSmart also contains a lot of good information. In 2023, Congress passed a resolution to end homelessness by 2027. To achieve that goal, we need to elect candidates who believe every American should have a bed to sleep in. To this end, you must pick candidates with care. There are currently many organizations throughout the nation attempting to help homeless individuals exercise their right to vote.

To check Morgantown voter information: https://www.morgantownwv.gov/590/Voter-Information

To find state election information: https://www.usa.gov/state-election-office