Ideas to help less fortunate in the colder months ahead

[rhydogg]

Every year around this time my heart sinks for the homeless and less fortunate people out on the streets or families that strugle w/ putting food on the table for their families... It's getting colder and Nov is near which happens to be the worst month for rain "x-mas also coming fast" so I'm looking for some ideas to maybe help make a difference for these people.

What are some of the basic essentials I can go grab so I can find someone I think needs them to make these colder months more comfortable.

Poncho's
Umbrella's
Gift card to grocery store
Blanket's
Gloves

You guys get the idea but I'm not looking for any organization to donate too or tax receipt as I don't want the general tax payer to pay for it, idea's for cheap but essential's would be apperciated..

I often keep food in my vehicle for those stop lights when someone is asking but I won't give money..

I've never done this before and have been thinking about it for years so I think this is the year to start, I'd like encourage others to think of ways you can help in your own way as well..

Other question I have is if this is wrong and to just go to donate to an organization?

Thanks in advance

 

[poorboyv6]

Your intentions are good, but misplaced. There are reasons why people are on the streets, and it's not because they can't afford housing or food. Usually related to having an addiction or criminal activity. There is a small percentage that actually wants to live on the streets. I have a coworker who has a brother like that, and I see an old guy around White Rock who prefers the street life as well, but they're the exception.

Spending time or donating money to organizations helping the young or elderly would be more effective.

 

[rhydogg]

Your intentions are good, but misplaced. There are reasons why people are on the streets, and it's not because they can't afford housing or food. Usually related to having an addiction or criminal activity. There is a small percentage that actually wants to live on the streets. I have a coworker who has a brother like that, and I see an old guy around White Rock who prefers the street life as well, but they're the exception.

Spending time or donating money to organizations helping the young or elderly would be more effective.

I see your point but let's not forget support can go a long way in helping people want to change for the better, ie., schools prefer not to punish bullies rather than trying to stay positive that way they don't feel the need to bully...
A lot of people out there are also there cause of loss of job, depression, or something out of their controll and those poeple are the ones I want to help.
People w/ mental issues may be more in need for organizations but everyone can use a little help and won't discriminate..

Ms. Sarah thank you great ideas and yes the personal gratification is good but pails in comparison to actually helping, and thank you for your partake!

 

[Big Dog Striker]

" We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. "

- Sir Winston Churchill

 

[CutieAngie]

This is exactly the right thing to do you could give to charities as well that is something people should conseder all year round. But yes in the colder months our less fortuanate ones need more, it just warms me all up and makes me so happy when I see others giving to those who need it most. My big thing is helping children and families but the homeless need help too. I worked in a coed homeless shelter as well as a womans shelter mainly for SW's, we provided counseling, clothing food and referals for rehab, income assistance and so on. Sadly only about 3% of these individuals made it. We had licensing for 20 ladies but in the winter months we of course opened the doors and had many ladies on mats in the dining area. It is sad that we do not have more shelters for homeless. I realize talking to some in the past they would rather be homeless and fend for them selves then recieve charity, I do not understand. The gift of giving to those in need is the biggest gift one could give, and donating organs. I could go on and on I will leave it at that.

Every year around this time my heart sinks for the homeless and less fortunate people out on the streets or families that strugle w/ putting food on the table for their families... It's getting colder and Nov is near which happens to be the worst month for rain "x-mas also coming fast" so I'm looking for some ideas to maybe help make a difference for these people.

What are some of the basic essentials I can go grab so I can find someone I think needs them to make these colder months more comfortable.

Poncho's
Umbrella's
Gift card to grocery store
Blanket's
Gloves

You guys get the idea but I'm not looking for any organization to donate too or tax receipt as I don't want the general tax payer to pay for it, idea's for cheap but essential's would be apperciated..

I often keep food in my vehicle for those stop lights when someone is asking but I won't give money..

I've never done this before and have been thinking about it for years so I think this is the year to start, I'd like encourage others to think of ways you can help in your own way as well..

Other question I have is if this is wrong and to just go to donate to an organization?

Thanks in advance

 

[thehedonist]

It's next to impossible to get a job nowadays if you don't have connections or great credentials. I couldn't even get one at a fast food place after applying to hundreds. If it weren't for my parents, I'd probably be out there on the streets right now.

I'm currently busting my ass in a tough STEM degree to maintain my 4.0 (I literally do nothing but go to classes and study), and even that's no guarantee I'll be able to find any work once I graduate.

Between the economy and unrestrained female hypergamy, it's by far the worst time since World War 2 to be a young male.

 

[Cock Throppled]

It's next to impossible to get a job nowadays if you don't have connections or great credentials. I couldn't even get one at a fast food place after applying to hundreds. If it weren't for my parents, I'd probably be out there on the streets right now.

I'm currently busting my ass in a tough STEM degree to maintain my 4.0 (I literally do nothing but go to classes and study), and even that's no guarantee I'll be able to find any work once I graduate.

Between the economy and unrestrained female hypergamy, it's by far the worst time since World War 2 to be a young male.

Bullshit. Unless you are a crack head, unreliable, have tats and piercings all over your face or are seriously disfigured there are jobs out there and people who will train you if you're willing to put in the time and effort. Not even getting a job at a fast food place means you are doing something seriously wrong in your approach. Maybe your handle is a clue to your priorities.

I have eight nieces and nephews in BC (most in the lower mainland, all in the 16- 28 age range) and ALL have had multiple jobs and have moved on to better ones, some while also going to school and with no help from family beyond references. I also know a lot of people whose kids have found jobs. The ones who don't work have made a choice to not do jobs that are "beneath" them.

As for helping the less fortunate - that's a year round thing and best done through good charities that don't waste a large % of their money on advertising. If you only worry about the less fortunate because it's the Christmas season that's fucked up.

 

[badbadboy]

I have donated in the past month four hoodies, fleece tops, one rain jacket and a down jacket plus some shoes that will make someone with big feet happy.

I do this every year to cull out stuff that I am no longer wearing or have newer stuff that I prefer to wear. All the stuff I donated was in good to great shape so it wasn't like I was tossing out roughly worn clothing. Some of the stuff was from MEC and one top was from Arcteryx.

 

[thehedonist]

Bullshit. Unless you are a crack head, unreliable, have tats and piercings all over your face or are seriously disfigured there are jobs out there and people who will train you if you're willing to put in the time and effort. Not even getting a job at a fast food place means you are doing something seriously wrong in your approach. Maybe your handle is a clue to your priorities.

I have eight nieces and nephews in BC (most in the lower mainland, all in the 16- 28 age range) and ALL have had multiple jobs and have moved on to better ones, some while also going to school and with no help from family beyond references. I also know a lot of people whose kids have found jobs. The ones who don't work have made a choice to not do jobs that are "beneath" them.

As for helping the less fortunate - that's a year round thing and best done through good charities that don't waste a large % of their money on advertising. If you only worry about the less fortunate because it's the Christmas season that's fucked up.

Nope. Clean cut, not socially awkward, hard working (as evidenced by my gpa), etc.

It also depends on what year they landed their first job. Before the economy crashed, I had no problem finding work in construction and warehousing (because of family ties) and probably could've founded something in fast food without too much effort.

Maybe having more friends would help. I don't know. I'm not about to start infiltrating social circles on the odd chance that someone has an uncle who owns a factory and would be willing to hire me.

 

[CutieAngie]

I agree my daughter is 20 lives on her own is in college and works part time, yes mommy has helped with tuition some. But she pays her rent 50/50 with her boyfriend bils food and transit. Yes mommy bought her a car she has no license yet is taking driving lessons she is paying for herself.

Other daughter in the same situation 4 years older fulltime 40 plus hours and part time schooling.
I did it in my mid 20's single mom of one at the time, worked fulltime and school fulltime.

thehedonist, you should be very grateful for your parents alot of us nothing given to us and had to work our asses off to survive. Not all people choose to be homeless, people do not choose to be addicted, people do not choose to have a mental illness. Children do not choose to live in poverty, it is the real world.
It is great you are focused on school and good grades and hopefully landing a good job. Many people are not and never been as fortunate as you have.

 

[thehedonist]

I agree my daughter is 20 lives on her own is in college and works part time, yes mommy has helped with tuition some. But she pays her rent 50/50 with her boyfriend bils food and transit. Yes mommy bought her a car she has no license yet is taking driving lessons she is paying for herself.

Other daughter in the same situation 4 years older fulltime 40 plus hours and part time schooling.
I did it in my mid 20's single mom of one at the time, worked fulltime and school fulltime.

thehedonist, you should be very grateful for your parents alot of us nothing given to us and had to work our asses off to survive. Not all people choose to be homeless, people do not choose to be addicted, people do not choose to have a mental illness. Children do not choose to live in poverty, it is the real world.
It is great you are focused on school and good grades and hopefully landing a good job. Many people are not and never been as fortunate as you have.

That's what I'm saying. It's very easy for someone to end up homeless, through no fault of their own.

 

[Tugela]

It's next to impossible to get a job nowadays if you don't have connections or great credentials. I couldn't even get one at a fast food place after applying to hundreds. If it weren't for my parents, I'd probably be out there on the streets right now.

I'm currently busting my ass in a tough STEM degree to maintain my 4.0 (I literally do nothing but go to classes and study), and even that's no guarantee I'll be able to find any work once I graduate.

Between the economy and unrestrained female hypergamy, it's by far the worst time since World War 2 to be a young male.

I think you should go looking for your shopping cart right now, with your attitude you would fit right in with the guys camped within a block of the liquor stores.

 

[Tugela]

That's what I'm saying. It's very easy for someone to end up homeless, through no fault of their own.

It is the staying homeless part that is usually their fault however.

 

[Big Dog Striker]

Homeless to Harvard

Talking about the homeless - this is pretty inspiring. :nod:

 

[CutieAngie]

Talking about the homeless - this is pretty inspiring. :nod:

This is beautiful and inspiring encouraging. Makes me smile but teary eyed.
Thank You so much for sharing.

 

[mcdude]

There you have it gents! By visiting these ladies above, we are helping charity

 

[Elmore]

Small gestures can go a really long ways. For many of us who don't come across homeless people very often it is thoughtful to find other ways to help if we can.

I'm glad this went viral because I bet this cops display of compassion motivated many others to act similarly.

 

[Big Dog Striker]

Warning: :eyebrows:

Once you start, you might NOT be able to STOP. :happy:

 

[bcneil]

Small gestures can go a really long ways. For many of us who don't come across homeless people very often it is thoughtful to find other ways to help if we can.

I'm glad this went viral because I bet this cops display of compassion motivated many others to act similarly.

Apparently this man is shoeless again. Sold them out of fear of having them stolen, but didn't use any of the money for even modest shoes......

 

[blazejowski]

So if you decide to come fill my box this holiday season, don't forget the 5 or more cans of food .

Man oh man oh man, I am gonna just leave that one alone...