In the season of giving, what can you do to help those experiencing homelessness in Sacramento? Below are 5 simple ways that you can make a difference in the life of a homeless man, woman, or child.
1. Stop and say hello
o Have a conversation. Show someone that you care. Ask how the person is doing; learn a little bit about him/her. It may seem simple, but to show that you care can make a world of difference.
2. Carry a Care Kit in your car
o Items in kit may include: granola bars, bottled water, a McDonald’s gift card, a pair of socks, travel-sized toiletries…
3. Volunteer at a local nonprofit
o Local organizations serving the homeless in our community include: Next Move, Wind Youth Services, Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, St. John’s Program for Real Change, Volunteers of America, Salvation Army. Information about volunteering is available on each organization’s website.
4. Host a donation drive
o Organize a donation drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship. To learn about what service providers need, call or check the provider’s website.
5. Donate
o Service providers are always accepting monetary donations to help support their programs. See contact information below for details:
–Loaves & Fishes: www.sacloaves.org/donate, or 637-2461
–Next Move: www.nextmovesacramento.org, or 454-2120
–Wind Youth Services: www.windyouth.org, or 561-4900
–Volunteers of America: https://www.voa-ncnn.org/sacramento, or 265-3400
–Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/housing-and-homeless-services, or 448-0890
–St. John’s Program for Real Change: www.saintjohnsprogram.org, or 453-1482
…and many more!
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!