Jeannie Gardner’s Post

HYDRATION FOR OUR HOMELESS In the months of going downtown to support our homeless, I’ve noticed a great need for water. While water and hydration are important for everyone, access to clean water is vital for the homeless, helping prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and serious health issues. With limited access to safe drinking water, staying hydrated is crucial for survival, especially in extreme weather. Here’s three ways you can help: 1️⃣ Share. Fill a cooler with water and ice as you drive through town. Where it is safe and convenient, provide a bottle of water to someone in need. 2️⃣ Speak. Speak with your city leaders to discuss ways to support your homeless communities. There may be resources available to help through their knowledge, resources, and network. 3️⃣ Support. Please consider making a donation of water from our Walmart registry or donate $5 via our Givelify page. Please go to our website at pbandjdays.com to support. Let’s ensure everyone has the water they need to stay healthy and safe. #SupportTheHomeless #HydrationMatters #water #sanantonio #homeless #MakeADifference #volunteer

As winter approaches, Dismas House is committed to providing warm clothing and supplies to our unhoused neighbors. Did you know? - 1 in 10 people experiencing homelessness need additional clothing to keep warm during the cold months - In South Bend alone, over 500 individuals face homelessness, often without proper winter clothing - Lack of adequate clothing can lead to serious health risks, like hypothermia and frostbite. The CDC reports that exposure-related deaths disproportionately affect those without stable housing We’re making our final push for clothing donations before winter sets in. If you want to help, please donate warm clothing items at one of these locations: - Dismas House (currently collecting winter gear) - South Bend Community Center These items can make a big difference in someone's life as temperatures drop. We aren't accepting year-round donations, but with our ongoing clothes and supply drive for our unhoused neighbors, now is the perfect time to lend a hand. We all deserve a memorable holiday season. #endhomelessness

How can we help the homeless without making them uncomfortable? It's about empathy. Sometimes, we want to help, but we forget the importance of dignity. 🫂 Here are some ways to make a genuine impact: • Offer resources, like directing them to local shelters or services, instead of just giving money. • Create care packages with essentials—socks, hygiene products, snacks—that meet their real needs. • Listen if they’re willing to share. Sometimes a respectful conversation is worth more than any material item. • Support organizations fighting homelessness through donations or volunteering. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with respect. Let’s be the difference without overstepping boundaries. 💙✨ How do you contribute meaningfully? #homelessness #empathy #dignity #giveback #communitysupport #makeadifference #humanityfirst #helpinghands #socialimpact #carepackages #motivation #inspiration

It’s TPCS’ mission to support and uplift the homeless population of Essex County. Here are 7 ways that you can help the unhoused in your community this summer. Donate Supplies: Gather and donate essential items like bottled water, sunscreen, hats, light clothing, and hygiene products. These can make a big difference in helping the homeless stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Volunteer at Shelters: Many homeless shelters and outreach programs need extra hands during the summer to help serve meals, sort donations, or organize activities. Reach out to local organizations and see how you can volunteer your time. Advocate and Raise Awareness: Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that support the homeless. Attend city council meetings, write to local representatives, or participate in awareness-raising events to keep the issue of homelessness in the public eye. Provide Meals or Food Assistance: Organize a meal train, host a community cookout, or partner with food banks to ensure the homeless have access to nutritious summer meals and snacks. Support Employment and Job Training: Look for opportunities to support job training, resume building, and other initiatives that help the homeless gain stable employment and work towards financial independence. Offer Transportation Assistance: Many homeless individuals struggle to access cooling centers, medical appointments, or other services during the summer. Provide rides or help arrange public transportation when possible. Donate to Effective Charities such as Turning Point Community Services: Research and support local and national charities that are making a measurable difference in supporting the homeless population, especially during the summer months. If you choose TPCS, your support will directly impact the lives of the 70+ individuals staying with us at our Servant’s House, emergency shelter. The key is to think creatively about ways to address the unique challenges the homeless face during the hot summer season. Every bit of support, whether financial, material or through volunteering, can make a real difference in their lives! #endhomelessness #summer #volunteer

Sharing from Kayleigh Silver, LSW 's letter in this month's #YourWayHome newsletter: "...The truth is, no one chooses to be homeless. Often, it’s a result of circumstances beyond a person’s control, such as job loss, health crises, or the rising cost of living. While the challenges facing us are immense, so too is the power of community... If you are interested in getting more involved, or learning how to help, here are a few ways: ·   Support the Your Way Home Fund: grant support to the various organizations in the image above that provide housing and relief to people experiencing homelessness  ·   Become a Continuum of Care Member: Membership in the Your Way Home Continuum of Care (CoC) is free and open to any person or organization committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. By becoming a member, you will have the opportunity to share your ideas for improving the Your Way Home crisis response system at community meetings, receive funding and news announcements, vote for Governance Board Members, and more. ·   Donate or Volunteer at a Montgomery County Food Pantry: By leading coordinated action, the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network (MAHN) strengthens the food security safety net system in Montgomery County." https://lnkd.in/eFNkKXSc

Today marks World Homeless Day, first observed on October 10, 2010. This day unites activists and communities to raise awareness about homelessness and advocate for safe, clean housing for all. With around 150 million people affected globally—nearly 2% of the population—it's crucial to address the deeper issues of affordable housing, unemployment, and domestic violence. Let’s come together to understand and reduce homelessness, supporting those in need. Here’s how you can make a difference: Volunteer: Share your time with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or your local soup kitchen to help those in need. Host a Fundraiser: Organize an event to raise funds for the homeless in your community, or donate to a charity dedicated to this cause. Advocate: Write to your local politicians, gather signatures for petitions, and urge them to address homelessness in your area. Ask how they plan to tackle this urgent issue. To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/giFE384D #WorldHomelessDay #EndHomelessness #CommunityCare

 As winter sets in, it’s important to reflect on the hardships those experiencing homelessness face. Cold weather can amplify the challenges of not having a stable, warm place to call home. Here's how we can make a difference: Ways to Help: Support Local Shelters: Weaver House Donate clothing, blankets, and winter essentials like gloves, hats, and coats to shelters or outreach programs in your area. Volunteer Your Time: Weaver House Many organizations need extra hands to serve meals, distribute supplies, or provide care during the winter months. Provide Essential Kits: Create care packages with toiletries, hand warmers, non-perishable snacks, and other items that offer comfort and utility. Raise Awareness: Please share information about resources like shelters or warming centers on social media to make sure those in need can find help. Advocate for Change: Support policies and programs to provide affordable housing and comprehensive care for the homeless population. Small Acts Matter: Even something as simple as offering a warm drink, a meal, or kind words can make a world of difference to someone facing the cold alone. Together, we can help ensure no one is forgotten this winter. 

Today marks World Homeless Day, first observed on October 10, 2010. This day unites activists and communities to raise awareness about homelessness and advocate for safe, clean housing for all. With around 150 million people affected globally—nearly 2% of the population—it's crucial to address the deeper issues of affordable housing, unemployment, and domestic violence. Let’s come together to understand and reduce homelessness, supporting those in need. Here’s how you can make a difference: Volunteer: Share your time with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or your local soup kitchen to help those in need. Host a Fundraiser: Organize an event to raise funds for the homeless in your community, or donate to a charity dedicated to this cause. Advocate: Write to your local politicians, gather signatures for petitions, and urge them to address homelessness in your area. Ask how they plan to tackle this urgent issue. To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/giFE384D #WorldHomelessDay #EndHomelessness #CommunityCare

DONT DO NOTHING - JUST DO SOMETHING !!! Did anyone notice the drop in temperatures this weekend? It’s getting colder. Please do something worthwhile this winter !!! 👉THE FACTS Our experience informs us that people who are homeless are woefully and inadequately prepared for this weather. It’s usually a duvet without a sheet, or a small blanket, or even if they do have a sleeping bag its often too small or exceptionally thin. The homeless get what they need from drop ins and shelters. Many homeless people have families, and children. Someday they will want to reconcile with them. With your help, they may one day be able to. 👉WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? - Refer them. Organisations like ourselves are here to help. We want to make a difference to their lives and try and get them the support that they need for a brighter future. - Find your nearest homelessness charity and ask them if they take sleeping bags, suitcases, backpacks, tents etc. If you have then please donate them and then let your local guys on the street know where you’ve donated so they can go pick it up. - Do you have a spare backpack and if so could you fill it up with useful items like toiletries, hats, gloves, scarves and jumpers. - Go out and say hello. Buy them a warm drink and talk to them. Getting to know what they might need. Homeless people don’t want to be invisible. They want to be seen. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE JUST DO SOMETHING !!!! Need our help? ☎0121 824 1704 #homelessness #homeless #roughsleepers #tacklinghomelessness #makingadifference #supportedhousing #supportedliving

As we approach the winter months, the issue of homelessness becomes especially pressing. In the UK, it is estimated that over 320,000 people are homeless, a number that has risen significantly in recent years. This includes those living on the streets, in temporary accommodations, or in unstable housing situations. During the colder months, the challenges faced by the homeless population increase dramatically. Exposure to harsh weather can lead to severe health risks, including hypothermia and respiratory issues. Tragically, the number of homeless deaths typically rises during winter, highlighting the urgent need for support and services. Local charities and organisations often ramp up their efforts during this time, providing shelters, warm meals, and essential supplies. Initiatives like "The Big Sleep Out" and Christmas appeals encourage communities to come together, raising awareness and funds to help those in need. As we celebrate this festive season, let's remember the importance of compassion and support for the most vulnerable in our society. Every small action can make a difference—whether it's donating to a local charity or simply lending a helping hand. Together, we can work towards ensuring that no one has to face the cold alone. As we are within the season of goodwill we here at ODPR have dedicated 25 Hot meals for each week of December to the homeless because together were stronger #HomelessnessAwareness #EndHomelessness #SupportLocalCharities