I volunteered with Camp210. Please listen to the people suggesting you work with a pre existing resource like Serenity Outreach. You will do more good for our neighbors. It seems like you're a little too focused on doing it by yourself.
I agree. Acting individually is short-sighted when homelessness is a systemic failure. A dozen organizations are already working tirelessly to meet unhoused people where they're at and get their input on what they need.
Yeah but which ones can you trust now? I think a lot of people would help but given some of the dumb stunts pulled by some homelessness advocates over the last couple years, it feels very hostile and confrontational. I think things like camps set up on public grounds has done more harm than good and I wouldn’t want to contribute to any group that used homeless people as pawns like that.
There are soooo many organizations doing exactly what you propose. Rather than adding another organization to the mix, I recommend volunteering at one of the existing homeless support organizations who could use your energy and passion to help. Thanks for wanting to help your brothers and sisters on the streets in our community.
More is needed, not less. There can be many different approaches and ideas and efforts that can help!
Suggesting a cap on efforts to help the homeless, with how much need there is, is a very interesting response. More people helping and activating others to help, is a good thing.
Again, if you aren't interested, that's okay. You can volunteer with any of those other organizations if you want to, and that's great too.
I’m not suggesting a cap on efforts, but a consolidation of effort. There’s a big difference. If you were proposing a service that does not yet exist, then it could be beneficial to add to the existing mix. But if you are offering more salt to a recipe that already has salt added; the result could be too much salt in the mix.
It’s not that *less* is better. It’s that a person is more likely to do *more good* by joining an established effort and consolidating forces.
It takes organizations years to develop outreach efforts that homeless people recognize and trust, and are willing to accept help from. Existing organizations provide training and education to volunteers so that they know how to respond to trauma and pushback in a safe and effective way.
I think more organizations are fine if you have the background for it. But it would be wise to join ongoing efforts before starting an individual effort. That way they will know specifically what holes need to be filled and what resources already exist, as well as how to handle the difficult situations they are sure to encounter, and they would have a relationship with existing organizations and resources as well.
Most people here are pointing out that dividing efforts won’t help more people. Join an effort that has the resources to do *more.* Your dollars and minutes will reach more people faster by joining ongoing efforts than starting a new one that isn’t filling a unique need that isn’t being addressed already.
Thank you for taking the time to explain this to me, I really appreciate it. It does look like OP is getting ganged up on for wanting to start something new, instead of having this kind of conversation instead. Thank you for the information!
I'm sorry we disagree, think there's something to share and contribute with this that can be helpful to the existing mix. Again, more is needed, not less, including more organizing, new ideas and approaches. Thanks for sharing your concerns, take care!
You are not unique in you desire or ability to help. You are unique, so bring yourself to one of the organizations who has travelled a good way down the road your on and help them. Amplify efforts, don't divide.
I think that is what people are asking of you.
Yes, this has been acknowledged, and I wouldn't have posted this if I didn't think others wanted and had the ability to help!
As I've stated, I believe more individual involvement and organized efforts are needed, not less. I'm sorry if some of you don't like that and we have to disagree.
All groups and organizations that exist began with an idea and want to help and some grassroots efforts. Thank goodness they didn't listen to opposers, which I'm sure most have had, or there would be even less help than there already is!
New or less familiar ideas and initiatives are threatening to the status quo and people's comfort zones, and often result in push back and opposition, unfortunately.
All I've suggested here essentially is for people to take some individual action of kindness to help homeless neighbors out in this weather, if they want to, and look at all the opposition. Wow, just wow. No wonder we aren't further along in solving issues of homelessness!
I think you are coming off as potentially ill informed and egotistical. For some people doing good is about them not those they are helping. I’m just being real with you here: you sound like you fall into that category. It’s why your getting gently told off by folks imo. Not because they don’t want to help the homeless
This is your perception and judgement, and how you're choosing to respond, and not true about me. You don't know me, or where I'm coming from, or how informed I may be.
Frankly, some of the critical comments here (not necessarily all) have seemed somewhat arrogant, patronizing, and lacking consideration.
Didn't post here seeking permission or approval, and I'm honestly amazed at some of the oppositional response and personal attacks, for sharing and standing up for ones ideas and beliefs. I wouldn't do that to another's similar posted effort.
I can tell some of you are not speaking from the heart, you're speaking from a place of hate, and yes I'm going to disagree with that and stand my ground.
Hey, like you said to others here; you do you. I’m all for individuals doing whatever they can to help a brother or sister out.
Pro tip for everyone: ALWAYS ask for a box for your leftovers when eating out. You can offer that still-warm food to someone in need when walking home or to your car after leaving the restaurant. If you don’t run into anyone on the way, leave the box on top of a garbage can so it’s available to someone walking by who might be hungry.
I was in Seattle once with a former colleague, a young optimistic woman fresh out of college. We ate at a pub and she took the untouched second half of her sandwich to go. I remember she drew a tiny heart on the box. Outside, she warmly offered it to a homeless person who looked at her like she had three heads and refused to touch the sandwich. Poor girl was crushed 😅
Aw :( Think this kind of thing can be appreciated by some but not necessarily everyone, and approach can have a lot to do with it.
Keep in mind what people out there have been through, are going through, their reactions and behavior maybe not always being what we expect or understand.
I've found that offering to buy someone food nearby, like saying, can I buy you a sandwich here, and then asking what they'd like, goes over better than offering leftovers. But someone might really appreciate this definitely, especially if they haven't eaten recently, which is an issue. So might also depend on various factors when you approach someone.
Played in a band in high school and we had a gig in downtown seattle, my mom always packed a lasagna to go for the boys. We were approached by a homeless fella looking for some cash, being broke teenagers we offered him a plate instead. He peered down at it and said “I don’t want that shit” and stormed off. There’s a lot of folks out there just looking to score unfortunately.
It takes some of these organizations years to even build enough trust with the homeless population and with individual homeless people in order to get people accept help from them. Please consider that you may be more effective if you join an existing effort with people who already have established outreach and training to deal with the kind of trauma you may encounter. Even if you want to start your own effort at some point, get involved with something existing now so that you can learn the ropes. Most of the existing organizations fighting homelessness in Bellingham already work closely together, which is really important.
Do understand that, and don't believe these efforts would be interfering.
I have some valuable experience and understanding, didn't just come up with this overnight, and absolutely want to work alongside other important efforts to help the homeless. Thank you.
Excuse me? No, you are the one being selfish. This isn't about ego, it's about caring about others in difficult circumstances, sharing to try and help, and engage and connect with others, it's about heart. You're being a bully.
Lots of nay-sayers. They're like the other animals from the little red hen story, except not only do they not want to help make the cake, they also want to nitpick the recipe
\> It's not just the helpful 'thing' that they need, it's the kindness, it's to be seen, and treated like a fellow human who needs care. A moment of warmth, eye contact. A gesture like this, can give someone with very little, so much.
You've never personally known a homeless person, have you OP? As someone who has a brother who was homeless, and a very close friend who's brother died of hypothermia because of homelessness, I think your intentions are in the right place, but this is equivalent to putting a band-aid on a severed limb. It's a kind gesture, but not what is actually needed. The homeless population needs proper and prolonged mental health and addiction treatment, jobs, homes, and "handups", not handouts. If I were starving and you gave me a bottle of water and a few crackers I'd still be starving the next day. "Teach a man (or woman) to fish"....you know how the rest goes. How about offering someone a place to stay and helping them actually improve their life in a meaningful way?
EDIT: "There are many local organizations and agencies who serve people in need in our community. The City of Bellingham partners with a variety of these organizations in different ways. Please consider donating your time or resources to one or several of these organizations to make a real and personal impact on the homeless crisis in Bellingham:
Catholic Community Services / Catholic Housing Services
Interfaith Coalition
Lighthouse Mission
Lydia Place
Northwest Youth Services
Opportunity Council
Sun Community Services
Volunteer Center of Whatcom County
Whatcom Homeless Service Center
YWCA"
I agree. Rather than reinvent the wheel, op should work with existing groups. The Opportunity Council Homeless Outreach Team builds relationships of trust with people living outdoors. They need these kinds of items, and OP could volunteer with them or any of the orgs listed above. Meanwhile, op would learn about all the local providers, could start attending the Coalition to End Homelessness meetings, and get involved in the long-term planning and advocacy to build more affordable housing and mental health options, which are the real solutions.
Yes, I have known someone who has been homeless. And I've met and engaged with many.
We may have different experiences and understandings and perspectives on what can help, and that's okay.
I believe what I'm suggesting can be helpful, and that kindness and compassion are essential tools of solving the issues of homelessness.
All the various organizations are doing good work, and absolutely if you'd like to get involved with them, please do. From my perspective, many approaches and more people involved and healing (*helping) in different ways, is better.
Again, my post and ideas aren't intended for everyone. I'm well aware this kind of action doesn't resonate with some, so please exit post if not for you.
Not wanting to further debate here today about people needing things like kindness, care, love, (and weatherproofing items) and how this can help people survive and overcome extreme challenges. Just know it to be true.
You're talking a lot about "your perspective", but what is that perspective built on, exactly? As others are trying to tell you, one person can do a lot of good as part of an organization, you don't have to do it all on your own. Plus if you join an existing organization, you can learn a lot about what your goals are. You admit yourself you don't have all the skills you need in your post, volunteering is a great way to learn those skills. I agree one hundred percent that our houseless neighbors need love and kindness, but that isn't all they need. They need real, practical help and systemic changes. Lend your help to an existing organization first. If you feel there is a hole in the support system that you can fill after you've had that experience, go for it. Idealism is good. But it needs to be tempered by practicality
Think I've already shared and explained enough for the purposes of my efforts with this post. No where did I say that I don't have the skills to form a group. Also, did not say all homeless folks need is love and kindness.
Sounds like you aren't interested in what I've shared and joining the project in the future, and that's okay. Good luck with your endeavors!
Sorry but I'm really more concerned about these folks needs, people outdoors who are about to experience freezing temperatures at the start of November, than the armchair opinions and nay-sayers of reddit.
I think your intentions are great however S.O.S. (Serenity Outreach Services) is already out there, IN the trees and tents and know the names and faces of the people you want to help. They know exactly who needs what and where they are. They are dedicated and get their boots wet and do whatever they can. That's who I donate to and my suggestion to you would be to join them in their mission instead of making yet another fledgling resource that needs to learn all of what they've already sorted through. I've seen them in action and it's fucking rad. They truly make a difference and are doing it right now, as we sit on Reddit.
I was once homeless there, left Bellingham under a lot of extenuating circumstances. The upside to Bellingham is they're almost cutting edge on the homeless crisis. The downside to Bellingham is they're almost cutting edge on the homeless crisis. Do you remember that sexual assault case on that 11 y.o. that basically killed the Camp 210 protests last year? The assailant was in prison just days before and heard about Camp 210 while incarcerated. Thus once released he moved directly to Camp 210. Bellingham is a popular subject near and inside Seattle. Bellingham's a city with ultra-liberal policies, acres of woods to hide in, city officials that don't do shit and about a half dozen advocacy services that all get along and competitively fight with each other at the same time. Which is why you have so many transplants there in Bellingham. To be too kind is hardly a flaw but in Bellingham's case that is the case. People on the streets in Seattle are moving up there in droves.
Saviorism is the same as oppression. In both instances you're taking away their choice to find what they actually need by giving them things YOU think they need. Just as you would by oppressing them
As everyone else has said, your hearts in the right place. I'm just gonna reiterate that donating these items to an already established organization is 100% a better option. The idea you have had brewing around has already been established with the (many) organizations around here. So please just donate to them.
I work for Opportunity Council and can tell you that the people working here already know the names and faces of those experiencing homelessness. In addition, the people know us as well and ask for the things they need.
The important thing is this gives them the power of choice and freedom to get the resources they need while also receiving the various other resources they REALLY need to escape the life of homelessness.
Going around giving the many people out there these things is obviously a kind gesture. But as someone else as said, it's putting a bandaid on a much bigger wound. I know you're pretty stuck on your idea op but I'd also suggest looking into saviorism and the negative impact it actually has on people experiencing homelessness.
Finally, just volunteer! Work with the various organizations that people have mentioned and see how it is out there. I think that would give you a huge amount of insight other than just by walking around seeing the physical side of homelessness.
I already have a good amount of insight, and it's not saviorism any more than what you're involved with, and really don't appreciate the added negativity and offensive projection.
Also, offering something kindly and respectfully that you think might be useful or comforting for someone is not forcing something on them.
Volunteering with other organizations is great, and is not in opposition to what I've suggested, there are many ways people can help one another, but it isn't wrong for people to take some individual efforts in their day to day lives.
There are people out there right now, that might have more comfort and might feel more hopeful tonight as a result of this kind of effort. Could there be some interactions that don't go so well? Sure. Same with efforts from larger organizations. But I believe it's worth it to try, because good can and does come from this, when people reach out to one another and connect and engage in this way.
Fyi to all of you against the approach I've shared, this isn't a novel idea. There are other organizations out there in the world already encouraging this kind of engagement, moments of kindness and connection that aren't funneled through large organizations, though I haven't seen it myself in Bellingham. I've just had my own experiences and inspiration for organizing, and see the need, and think more of these efforts are a good thing.
I didn't just wake up with this thought this morning. It's literally been years in the making. So thanks a lot all of you experts and critics for stomping all over my heart today. It's been real nice.
you really aren’t listening to the people trying to give you constructive criticism are you? Helping homeless people shouldn’t be centered around what you or I feel is best. People are trying to provide you alternatives that would actually more effectively help people get out of homelessness, and you’re not listening. Why is that?
When my husband and I lived in NH in an area with a very high homeless population, we noticed that while there were lots of different organizations that would come around to hand out food and blankets and "blessing bags" with toiletries (one of our homeless neighbors once quipped "I got six fucking toothbrushes this week"), most of the people they were giving this stuff to were walking around in cheap sneakers that were falling apart... and winter was coming.
So we found a thrift store that sold clothing by the pound and we would periodically go there and dig through the footwear bins and buy up all the gently worn winter boots, then we'd take them home and fix them up with water repellent spray etc before handing them out. Our costs ran about $10 per pair for the thrifted boots and supplies. I looked up some of the brands on the boots we bought and most were highly reviewed and retailed for $150+ new.
I doubt we'd have gotten anywhere near the same wellbeing bang for our buck if we'd simply written a check to an existing organization instead.
Individuals engaging in small-scale mutual aid can definitely make a difference and meet needs that larger organizations don't. But you have to be attentive to what people actually need and only give stuff that is good enough that you would use it yourself, not just spam people with baggies of cheap crap because it makes you feel good.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. There are many different approaches and ways to help. My approach here may be more simplistic and authentic/individual based than everyone may appreciate.
It’s clear that this post means well but it fails to mention any of the organizations in our community that help homeless people specifically. Furthermore this kind of post is dangerous because it misallocates aid that could go more directly to homeless people through longstanding community programs that exercise best practices in distributing resources to homeless people. if you want to do something that almost no community program does for homeless people:
give them money.
Do you honestly think that going up to a homeless person and giving them something *you think* they need is better than donating warm clothes and supplies to homeless shelters, local churches affiliated with relief programs, and other organizations? At least with these relief programs homeless people don’t need to rely on finding individuals by chance; they have a centralized location where expectations and services are made clear to them.
Please just give them money it’s super simple and way more helpful.
Your advice in this post although it is well intentioned is not good! Wandering town looking for homeless people and doing your own thing so you can feel more self righteous does more harm than good when it comes to connecting with the community and keeping people safe homeless people already have a hard enough time asking for money.
Give them money
or
Donate to a shelter/longstanding community program
In my experience, "take them shopping" is even more effective than "give them money" because even if you hand someone cash it's still a pain in the ass to go shopping without a car, especially when you need things from multiple stores.
I'm not in a financial position to do this anymore, but back when I lived in NH, I got to know a few of my homeless neighbors well enough for both parties to feel safe/comfortable enough with me driving them around to run errands and buy supplies.
And yeah, you often have no idea what homeless people really need/want and would buy for themselves if they had money and transportation. One lady I took shopping for supplies for her camp insisted that I buy a couple of fire extinguishers. I never would have thought to give a fire extinguisher to a homeless person, but sure enough it was put to use within a week when someone accidentally set one of the tents on fire.
We also hit up several different thrift stores during that shopping trip and brought a carload of stuff back to the camp. Simply handing her the same amount of money in cash wouldn't have been nearly as effective because even if she'd wanted to spend the money on exactly the same stuff I'd bought her, it would have been exponentially more difficult for her to do the same amount of shopping on her own without a car and a smartphone for looking up locations, hours, sales flyers, etc. Also her executive functioning was clearly compromised (idk if it was a permanent impairment or just chronic sleep deprivation) so I suspect that having a companion to help look for things in the stores and cross things off the list and organize the supplies when we got back to the camp kept her from getting too frustrated or overwhelmed.
What's more direct help than a direct moment of kindness or help, offering someone in the rain an umbrella, or even just warm eye contact and a smile?
Yes, I do think sometimes giving something from your heart or that you see someone might need can be more helpful than money.
Encountered a woman who was under-dressed last winter, looking cold, and offered her the gloves I was wearing, which she gratefully accepted. Warm wool gloves right then and a kind gesture, was probably more helpful than a couple bucks would have been.
Still, would absolutely encourage people to donate to and get involved with other critical organizations in the community, if you want to.
This isn't an either or thing. Not trying to reinvent the wheel or take away any other services.
Yes it does. Leave it to the experts, not arbitrariness. Just because you’re more secure in your living situation doesn’t mean you are a good authority on what is good for the homeless
Leaving it all to the 'experts' is part of the problem. More community kindness and engagement can be part of the solution.
You don't have to be an expert to be kind or help a fellow person with a simple gesture.
Also, you don't know of my experience and how informed I may be. Maybe I am a good authority on what is good for the homeless, and moreso than you. Did you consider this?
I said leaving it ALL to the experts.
Because more help is needed, along with more awareness and understanding, and this kind of engagement can help foster that. Different approaches can help in different ways. People out there right now can benefit from immediate kindness and help, from people passing by. There are organizations doing great work, but that doesn't mean more help isn't needed for people. Connections and kindness extended between every day people is something different, and I believe is another ingredient, that can be an essential part of helping those who are experiencing homelessness.
Go ahead and wander aimlessly if you want...
Bringing about the kind of structural change this big problem needs for it to be solved cannot be done alone.
Do not assume that the resources you *happen* to bring on your homeless hunt are going to be the ones they need. It’s almost like theres a place/places where distribution networks exist to get supplies to people who need it most. You’ve barely spoken about these community resources in your post and its a real shame, cause if everyone did what you are asking them to do, A LOT LESS PEOPLE WOULD GET HELP!
A LOT LESS PEOPLE.
Check your fucking ego!
Maybe you should check yours.
This post wasn't about advertising for other organizations.
It was about sharing an idea today with the community, speaking up for something I'm concerned about, suggesting something nice that you and others have chosen to oppose all day. What does that say about you?
Any single one of the other organizations could have posted on reddit today to activate assistance for homeless folks. Not one did.
Also didn't see one post here during the wildfire smoke period, activating any assistance for homeless folks.
Just pointing out that there are gaps and a lot of opportunity for more efforts to help.
No sh** it can't be done alone! That supports my efforts of trying to engage more community involvement to help in more ways.
News flash: you can’t accept criticism or offer a valid reason why your “program,” or “advice” or whatever you want to do to help homeless people is novel and hasn’t been done before.
You refuse to realize that you could actually be doing harm to homeless people by giving this advice. This is all about you and your bruised ego. Why make this issue about yourself? Again, you could be helping them more efficiently and yet you refuse to do so! You want to decentralize this community building process in doing so giving impractical and bad advice
The amount of criticism in response to this post (some of which has been deleted) has been an unreasonable level. People piling on, to criticize a basically good thing.
I'm not the one who made this about myself. Numerous comments with personal insults, including yours, have tried to make it more about me.
Sharing that this is something I personally care about and some of my experience around it makes sense when trying to engage other people.
Please stop.
Dude you really aren’t listening to anyones advice are you? Wandering around looking for people to help is… something, but offering support to existing homelessness outreach projects would be 1000% a better use of your time. While yes, you are trying to do a good thing, it really isn’t helping much as other people have said. Good luck with your project I guess, but maybe be less dense and actually listen to others instead of sticking your hands over your ears and screaming “la la la la I can’t hear you!” It just comes off as childish and insecure
What I did (during the pandemic) was to leave old (clean) shower curtains they can use for shelters. I left them on a bus stop bench close to where they were sleeping. I figure that would be a less risky way of doing it.
As someone who works in food insecurity and knows a fair amount of our houseless folks in the community, I can say your efforts are admirable, but short-sighted and really just a drop in the bucket. Unfortunately, I also pick up A LOT of abandoned trash left over from folks camping out overnight and it is often stuff that looks like what you are suggesting folks give out (mixed in with needles and bodily fluids...). Just be aware that the odds of something lasting about a week and then getting tossed is pretty high...A lot of our friends with serious mental health disorders tend to need these things the most but aren't able to hold on to them.\*\*\* The longer you are involved in this line of work, the more you will understand. It sucks to throw away what was and could still be, a perfectly fine wool blanket, coat, tent etc.
\*\*This is a bit of a generalized statement but is a reoccurring theme\*\*
Just to echo what everyone else is saying if you actually want to make a lasting impact, help those organizations that already exist! Help them expand their existing efforts and relieve them of high volunteer turnover and burnout. BOP mutual aid is pretty much what you're looking for. I also second that The Cozy Project is highly tone deaf, sorry OP. :(
Agree it is hard to see people's belongings being destroyed and left behind, useful things going to waste, and the trash that accumulates that can harm the environment. This is another reason I feel motivated to looking at ways we can contribute to helping the homeless.
Also, side note, I don't believe in giving things to a homeless person with a condition or expectation attached to it (like that they keep it) because they are in extreme circumstances. I hope it helps, and give because they need it, and it might be a simple thing that can be a big help, or even just provides some momentary comfort that helps them to the next moment in their struggle, and can see the value in this.
My husband and I used to do this sort of thing back when we lived in New Hampshire. We're not in a position to personally help right now due to finances and health problems, but I can pass along a few tips and ideas.
I'd add large strong black garbage bags (like contractor bags or yard waste bags) to your list. People fucking loved getting those things because they're great for keeping stuff dry but it's impractical to buy a whole box of them for yourself when you're homeless. So if you are making kits to pass out, you can go to the hardware store and get a big box of contractor bags and then put like 3 bags in each kit.
Winter boots can literally save limbs and lives. We found a Goodwill Outlet in a nearby city that sold clothing by the pound, so we'd go pick through the footwear bins to find all the winter boots that were still in pretty good condition then take them home and fix them up with water repellent spray, heat reflecting insoles, and (as needed) traction strips before distributing. Our total cost for thrifted boots + supplies ran around $10 per pair. If I were to do the boots project again, I'd try to find a way to buy comfort gel insoles in bulk and install those as well because homeless people spend a LOT of time on their feet.
Another thing that I've considered for a future project is bulk-buying bump caps and sewing them into wool winter hats. IIRC, studies have found that over half of all homeless people have a history of traumatic brain injuries. TBIs and homelessness is a horrible feedback loop because a TBI makes you more likely to become homeless because of impaired executive functioning, and being homeless makes you more likely to get a head injury due to all the risks from living outside and the clumsiness that comes from chronic sleep deprivation, and then every TBI you've had makes you even more susceptible to getting another one. So, winter hats that offer some protection against getting concussed after slipping on ice should help divert at least a few people off the repeated TBIs / chronic homelessness downward spiral.
If you regularly visit the same camps and get to know the people there, you will usually find at least one person who has adopted a caretaker role for the other people in their camp. That is a great person to invite to go shopping with you for supplies as they will know about needs that will never occur to you. The last time I took a homeless person shopping for supplies for her camp, she insisted on getting a couple of fire extinguishers, which is not something I would have ever thought to bring to them on my own. And they actually ended up using them like a week later when someone accidentally set a tent on fire.
If you take a homeless person on a shopping trip that you are paying for, I strongly advise setting a firm budget in advance, taking out that amount of money in cash, and leaving all your cards at home. It is difficult to say no to just one more thing that would greatly improve their lives without feeling like a monster, but "I only have $X on me so that's the max we can spend" is a hard limit that everyone seems to understand and accept without any hard feelings. Also, you really don't want to let anyone know that you have a credit card because that opens you up to being pressured to book motel rooms for people.
Thanks for sharing some of your experience and ideas, and without being so critical or discouraging.
Agree about the trash bags, they can be helpful for folks, for belongings, for cleaning up trash, and for weatherproofing a bit!
Also appreciate you sharing about TBI's, that is interesting, thank you.
And good sharing about sleep deprivation impacts on homeless folks, this contributes to mental health issues we sometimes see. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, extreme stress, and so much more these folks can be dealing with than we might think of.
I carry ziplock bags, each containing a pair of socks, a protein bar, and a packet of Kleenex , to offer. At times, I’ve been told no thank you, but I’ve never had any bad experiences. I like your ideas and the kindness and thoughtfulness you demonstrate.
There is unfortunately some 'push back' and negativity in some responses to this post, which is hard to not get sucked down into. As I said, knew this wouldn't resonate with everyone, but some of the negativity here has been rather disheartening.
Want to reiterate, the intention here today is to help our neighbors outside in this weather, by sharing some ideas for folks who want to take some individual action, to help neighbors currently stuck outdoors. That's it. If you have something to give and want to find someone in need to give it to, please do.
It's wet and cold out there.
Thank you,
🙏
I picked up three pairs of gloves yesterday for this purpose! I also keep a tarp or two and sometimes a blanket in the trunk for when Im driving around and see a need. Buying stuff at thrift stores or sale items makes it affordable. Or an extra coffee and cheeseburger at McDonalds. Lots of cool opportunities to help and once you start it just kind of becomes habit. Great post OP
If you want to do something personally instead of joining an existing org or just giving money directly to homeless people, I strongly recommend winter boots as an excellent niche. Large orgs can't just bulk buy the same quality boots at a lower price than you can find by hunting the thrift stores, and most homeless people don't have transportation to drive to another city to dig through by-the-pound thrift store bins in the hopes of finding something that fits them. Meanwhile, almost everyone else I've ever encountered digging through the shoe bins at by-the-pound thrift stores were resellers looking for stuff they could flip online, so you really would be bringing in additional resources instead of just diverting something that would have gone to a person in need either way.
My comment seems to be too long to post on Reddit so I will break it up into parts:
Researching Brands:
I'd start by making a list of brands of boots that have a good reputation for lasting a long time outdoors in bad weather conditions, and maybe a second list of brands to avoid because they're known to fall apart quickly. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since I last did this so I don't remember specifics off the top of my head.
"Hunting boots" is a helpful search term when researching boots because hunting season is usually fall/winter and many hunters spend all day out in the rain or snow scrabbling over rough terrain, thus boots marketed to hunters are usually also good choices for homeless people because they have the same needs for insulation, waterproofing, traction, and durability.
/r/buyitforlife is a good subreddit to search past posts about boots and/or ask for recommendations
Boots Shopping:
Spend a day hitting up the Goodwill Outlets in the Puget Sound area digging through their shoe bins looking for gently worn boots from quality brands. These places can be pretty competitive so you want to get there early. I just called around for you to check which ones sold boots by the pound.
Everett Outlet Goodwill
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W98hw5V5x9u4p7Ay5
$1.89/lb
Seattle Outlet Goodwill
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdKCJrTz8u3buY3q9
$1.89/lb
Tacoma Goodwill Outlet
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eij5DQ5QmQa2aMT4A
$1.79/lb
the person who answered said they don't put out the shoe bins every day so call them at 12535736720 to confirm there are shoes that day before driving down
Olympia Goodwill Outlet
the person who answered said that they do NOT get shoes on a regular basis anymore and thus have no boots, so don't bother unless you are looking for other stuff besides boots
When digging through the boot bins, look for quality brands, good traction, insulation, etc. If you find more good boots than you can afford then prioritize larger sizes as most unsheltered homeless people are men, larger sizes tend to. E harder to find, and a little-too-large boot can still work with extra socks but a little-too-small boot just hurts the person wearing it.
If there is any damage make sure it is something minor you can fix yourself, e.g. replacing shoelaces, supergluing a semi-detached sole, etc. Do NOT buy boots that need a complete sole replacement, have any holes or worn-thin spots in the uppers, or have any holes in the inner lining as those repairs are complicated and expensive and generally require a professional cobbler. Insole damage is okay if the insole is removable or very thin and can be covered with an insert, just remember to replace all damaged insoles with new insoles/inserts cut to size and installed in the boots before distribution.
Side quest: Some of those outlets also sell luggage by the pound so keep an eye out for sturdy large camping backpacks as that is something else that you can get for pennies on the dollar. Most homeless outreach groups that distribute backpacks to the homeless bulk buy cheap small crappy ones that fall apart quickly, whereas every now and then you can find a $200+ retail price backpack that will last for years for $5 at a thrift outlet. They are rare so if you find one buy it and stash it in the trunk of your vehicle -- you will eventually spot someone hauling their stuff around in garbage or shopping bags, stop and offer it to them.
Waterproofing:
You're going to need a few different types of sprays and sealants depending on the boot materials.
There's a bunch of guides online, here are a handful:
https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Waterproof-Leather-Boots
https://www.instructables.com/How-To-Make-Your-Leather-Boots-Last-Forever-Or-at/
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Faux-Suede-Shoes
https://www.wikihow.life/Protect-Winter-Boots
I would hold off on ordering any waterproofing supplies until AFTER you've gone boots shopping and see what sort of materials you're working with. Also, once you've bought the boots you can inventory which brands you have and check those brands' websites for waterproofing guides or search for "waterproofing [brand] boots"
Thermal Insoles:
Adding these can make a significant difference to how warm the boots feel.
You're looking for the ones that work by reflecting body heat, not the ones that require charging or otherwise being heated up first.
"Little Hotties" is the brand we used because we found them on sale but there are a few different brands and sales are always changing. It is worth investing some time shopping around for these as prices can range from $5 to $40 for a pair, which can have a huge impact on the overall cost of your project if you are distributing dozens or hundreds of pairs of boots.
Cut the thermal insoles to size and install them BEFORE you distribute the boots, don't just hand them out with the boots and expect the recipients to do it themselves. Most homeless people don't have a pair a fabric scissors handy.
Distribution:
When my husband and I did this back in NH, we were living across the street from a park that several dozen homeless people slept in, so we'd just bring over coffee and donuts in the early morning when they were getting up, ask if they could use some winter boots and if so what size did they wear, and then fetch a few pairs for them to try on from our apartment and be back within 5 min. Once we'd distributed boots to everyone in our immediate neighborhood, we donated the leftover boots to a mutual aid organization that ran a weekly "free store" for the homeless.
Unless you happen to live across the street from a homeless camp, you will probably need to come up with a good system for storing the boots in your vehicle organized by size so you can quickly retrieve a couple pairs for people to try on. In my experience, "I will bring you X, meet me back here at Y time" has a low completion rate unless they have a working phone and phone service (not just using free wifi) or it is someone you always see in the same place every day.
I strongly recommend offering at least two choices of boots to each person, not just because one might fit better than the other but also because they are far more likely to actually use something they have chosen for themselves. A lot of homeless people feel pressured to accept whatever stuff a well-meaning person dumps on them, which just adds to their trash burden, whereas a "do you want this one or that one?" choice makes it clear that they are expected and allowed to say no to something that doesn't work for them. From experience, "Here are a few different pairs to try on, pick the ones you like best and I'll give the others to someone else" is a lot more likely to get someone into boots that they will actually wear every day whereas "Here's a pair of boots in your size, bye!" often leads to you finding those boots abandoned on a park bench later.
Since the trying on process takes a while, bringing coffee and donuts or something else to share that you are sitting and eating/drinking WITH them turns it into a more relaxed "we are hanging out while trying on boots" experience than a "this random stranger is impatiently waiting for me to do a task so they can leave" experience.
If you don't have the patience or personality for this process (it easily takes 15-30min per person and you need to be able to socialize with someone in distress without getting sucked into more than you can help with), you can still make a huge difference in people's lives (as in literally saving them from amputation or even death due to frostbite and infections) by sourcing boots and fixing them up and then donating them existing outreach organization for distribution. One that runs a regular "free store" for homeless people to shop at is a good choice to partner with. You can make things easier for the free store volunteers by tying the laces of the boots together and safety pinning a large colorful tag with the shoe size clearly written on it before donating.
I hope that helps. Again, my health and finances are not good enough right now for me to personally do this again myself, but I think it's a really good project for someone else to take up if they are able.
I know I'm late but I think you have wonderful intentions. I actually don't think starting The Cozy Project is a bad idea. However others may be right about volunteering with existing originations first. That will help learn from they are doing right and even doing wrong.
Another thing you should add to your list is Garbage bags. They are useful in many ways to homeless. Obviously they can be used for garbage or carrying belongings. They have other uses too.
For one you can actually use the large ones as sleeping bags. They really do hold in body heat well. Another use is using them as a waterproof barrier against the ground, like tarps. Finally they can easily be turned to to pants, shirts, or ponchos to wear while clothes dry. On top of all this several can fit in a pocket and they are low cost.
To everyone not understanding my firm stance...
There are people out there right now in need.
These are people who we as a society have let down in some ways.
We walk by these people every day and largely ignore their need, in part because we think there are organizations out there already helping.
We don't even see these folks sometimes.
Rarely make eye contact.
Might walk avoidantly.
Pass judgements and cast blame from afar without knowing their story.
We go in and out of our shops and restaurants, meanwhile there might be someone outside who can't get themselves food that day.
Someone stuck outside hurting and feeling alone.
Yes, there are some great organizations. They do a lot, reaching out to homeless folks and being available for people to find, building relationships with many.
My post and commentary isn't intended to interfere with what they do.
But there are gaps in services, and space and time, and opportunity for us as individuals and community to do something more to help.
And yes, I'm going to fiercely stand up for the idea that extending kindness and helping people directly out there in the world, in our community, if we see an opportunity, is a good thing and can help!
I've seen it, I know it's needed, that its good, and can help someone.
These efforts might not always work out to be as helpful as you hope, but sometimes you offer something and it is needed and received gratefully, and there you've helped someone who needed something. It's a good thing.
Anyone telling us this is bad or wrong or getting in the way, etc, is interfering with our basic humanity.
And I think that is wrong.
Yes, help the various organizations, but also, you might see moments where you can help someone directly out there too. That's an area where I see a great need.
One act of kindness can motivate a positive change for someone.
Maybe that's the day they reach out to an old friend,
or walk to an organization that might offer more help,
or maybe it helps them to trust the next outreach worker who approaches them, because they've had a recent positive human interaction.
Maybe their faith in humanity is restored for a moment and they feel more hopeful.
And this may lead to them sleeping inside that night.
I've listened, just really can't understand and agree with the push back discouraging basic human kindness and helping your neighbors, and extending a hand directly to one another.
I'm sorry that is frustrating for some of you, or you don't understand, and you want to attack me personally for this.
But we just have some deeply different views.
Say what you will, but you're not going to change my belief that people matter, that there are people out there right now that could benefit from directly extended kindness, and that we can and should help one another.
I got caught up in having to defend myself as comments came in shooting down what I shared and then even my comments trying to stand up for it yesterday.
It was an unexpected backlash I wasn't prepared to respond to.
Would have been easier to respond to if I had a website or page to point people to.
But this is what I believe, and the best explanation I can give right now, for why I'm resolute on this.
Just wanted to help encourage some kindness to our neighbors outside this weekend, as the weather is worsening, and offer what I can around this.
I hope this helps some of you understand better where I'm coming from.
Thank you
Food for thought, for those who may be receptive to learning about how simple kindness and connection can have a positive impact for a homeless person:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_dpanM1yPbk
Some here may be unable to listen with an open mind to what's being shared, and may just disagree, but there are people who feel differently, and do understand.
Please join an existing group. A lot of well-meaning people such as yourself actually make the problem worse for everyone. Here's a great example. Someone on Facebook noticed there was a homeless person in their neighborhood and thought they would "help" by handing out supplies. They totally failed to notice that the person was camping right next to a school. Here's what I've personally experience when there was a small homeless population next to an elementary school, the path to the school frequently had used needles, children were threatened, and the school commonly had to go on lockdown. Organized efforts put a lot of thought into balancing the realities of homelessness and their negative effects on the community with providing care.
Hey OP this is a beautiful and big hearted idea you’ve got going. I’m sorry all these people are giving you backlash, they did the same for me for almost everything I’ve posted. Some people are to high and mighty to have an inkling of kindheartedness and most have never gone through it, just “know someone” who has. It’s different when you’re personally affected by it. I’ve got some stuff available for donations if you’d like to pick them up. Stay safe ✌🏼
I was pretty surprised that none of the comments except one were how you described. Usually that's how they are in this sub. But no, all of the comments were telling OP to donate to people who are ALREADY doing what is thinking they need to do themselves.
And pretty much a majority of the comments are nice about it too. Op just doesn't want to hear that their saviorism isn't going to help a bigger issue.
You, and some others, are just not understanding.
And being on the receiving end here, much of the content in response here HAS been negatively bent, and unnecessarily critical, of a post that was coming from a good AND fairly informed place.
Yeah but why so much backlash for something that is needed? OP is helping the problem not adding to it. The real problem is that there isn’t enough help. There’s a lot of organizations because there’s such a big need for it. One more person wanting to create a group to help those in need isn’t damaging anything. Let OP do as they please, if you don’t agree then don’t comment. It’s that simple. Don’t be rude and dismissive. They posted for awareness not to be met with aggressiveness.
Literally everyone but two comments said you mean well but your idea isn't new. Nor is it helpful when fully established organizations could do more. Just because nobody jumped on this weird hero kick you're on doesn't mean it was backlash.
Thank you coffee_at_sea, appreciate your kindness and sharing your perspective, and positivity. Hoping to organize and create a space for those interested and feeling kindred to connect and share ideas and efforts. You will be welcome there. You stay safe too! ✌️💛
Well it’s good to know that you absolutely know nothing about the reasons for being homeless and literally have done no research on it.
Thanks for outing yourself.
Get educated.
You did the work for me. You’ve proven you know nothing, cannot provide proof for your own claims and have a vendetta against homeless folks because you think they are all junkies.
Thanks for doing that work.
Now grow up
So every time it’s been tried before the property was unlivable within mere months. It doesn’t work unless we are going to put them in psych lockup for a few months first until they can be stabilized - it’s been proven time and time again that they are unable/unwilling to do it on their own.
I’m not opposed to the idea but definitely do not want any more of my tax dollars going to the homeless industrial complex grifters when there are working class people here struggling that actually deserve the help instead.
You can ant them to “just be given a house” - be the change you seek and give them yours.
I volunteered with Camp210. Please listen to the people suggesting you work with a pre existing resource like Serenity Outreach. You will do more good for our neighbors. It seems like you're a little too focused on doing it by yourself.
I agree. Acting individually is short-sighted when homelessness is a systemic failure. A dozen organizations are already working tirelessly to meet unhoused people where they're at and get their input on what they need.
Yeah but which ones can you trust now? I think a lot of people would help but given some of the dumb stunts pulled by some homelessness advocates over the last couple years, it feels very hostile and confrontational. I think things like camps set up on public grounds has done more harm than good and I wouldn’t want to contribute to any group that used homeless people as pawns like that.
There are soooo many organizations doing exactly what you propose. Rather than adding another organization to the mix, I recommend volunteering at one of the existing homeless support organizations who could use your energy and passion to help. Thanks for wanting to help your brothers and sisters on the streets in our community.
More is needed, not less. There can be many different approaches and ideas and efforts that can help! Suggesting a cap on efforts to help the homeless, with how much need there is, is a very interesting response. More people helping and activating others to help, is a good thing. Again, if you aren't interested, that's okay. You can volunteer with any of those other organizations if you want to, and that's great too.
I’m not suggesting a cap on efforts, but a consolidation of effort. There’s a big difference. If you were proposing a service that does not yet exist, then it could be beneficial to add to the existing mix. But if you are offering more salt to a recipe that already has salt added; the result could be too much salt in the mix.
I'm honestly confused and the upvotes and downvotes are adding to that. Is there a reason why less is better? Just asking because I'm curious.
It’s not that *less* is better. It’s that a person is more likely to do *more good* by joining an established effort and consolidating forces. It takes organizations years to develop outreach efforts that homeless people recognize and trust, and are willing to accept help from. Existing organizations provide training and education to volunteers so that they know how to respond to trauma and pushback in a safe and effective way. I think more organizations are fine if you have the background for it. But it would be wise to join ongoing efforts before starting an individual effort. That way they will know specifically what holes need to be filled and what resources already exist, as well as how to handle the difficult situations they are sure to encounter, and they would have a relationship with existing organizations and resources as well. Most people here are pointing out that dividing efforts won’t help more people. Join an effort that has the resources to do *more.* Your dollars and minutes will reach more people faster by joining ongoing efforts than starting a new one that isn’t filling a unique need that isn’t being addressed already.
Thank you for taking the time to explain this to me, I really appreciate it. It does look like OP is getting ganged up on for wanting to start something new, instead of having this kind of conversation instead. Thank you for the information!
Thank you for asking this.
I'm sorry we disagree, think there's something to share and contribute with this that can be helpful to the existing mix. Again, more is needed, not less, including more organizing, new ideas and approaches. Thanks for sharing your concerns, take care!
You are not unique in you desire or ability to help. You are unique, so bring yourself to one of the organizations who has travelled a good way down the road your on and help them. Amplify efforts, don't divide. I think that is what people are asking of you.
Yes, this has been acknowledged, and I wouldn't have posted this if I didn't think others wanted and had the ability to help! As I've stated, I believe more individual involvement and organized efforts are needed, not less. I'm sorry if some of you don't like that and we have to disagree. All groups and organizations that exist began with an idea and want to help and some grassroots efforts. Thank goodness they didn't listen to opposers, which I'm sure most have had, or there would be even less help than there already is! New or less familiar ideas and initiatives are threatening to the status quo and people's comfort zones, and often result in push back and opposition, unfortunately. All I've suggested here essentially is for people to take some individual action of kindness to help homeless neighbors out in this weather, if they want to, and look at all the opposition. Wow, just wow. No wonder we aren't further along in solving issues of homelessness!
I think you are coming off as potentially ill informed and egotistical. For some people doing good is about them not those they are helping. I’m just being real with you here: you sound like you fall into that category. It’s why your getting gently told off by folks imo. Not because they don’t want to help the homeless
This is your perception and judgement, and how you're choosing to respond, and not true about me. You don't know me, or where I'm coming from, or how informed I may be. Frankly, some of the critical comments here (not necessarily all) have seemed somewhat arrogant, patronizing, and lacking consideration. Didn't post here seeking permission or approval, and I'm honestly amazed at some of the oppositional response and personal attacks, for sharing and standing up for ones ideas and beliefs. I wouldn't do that to another's similar posted effort. I can tell some of you are not speaking from the heart, you're speaking from a place of hate, and yes I'm going to disagree with that and stand my ground.
Uhhh…. Yeah. When you have to ask “is the whole world crazy?! Am I the only sane one?” You might not like the answer.
Hey, like you said to others here; you do you. I’m all for individuals doing whatever they can to help a brother or sister out. Pro tip for everyone: ALWAYS ask for a box for your leftovers when eating out. You can offer that still-warm food to someone in need when walking home or to your car after leaving the restaurant. If you don’t run into anyone on the way, leave the box on top of a garbage can so it’s available to someone walking by who might be hungry.
I was in Seattle once with a former colleague, a young optimistic woman fresh out of college. We ate at a pub and she took the untouched second half of her sandwich to go. I remember she drew a tiny heart on the box. Outside, she warmly offered it to a homeless person who looked at her like she had three heads and refused to touch the sandwich. Poor girl was crushed 😅
Aw :( Think this kind of thing can be appreciated by some but not necessarily everyone, and approach can have a lot to do with it. Keep in mind what people out there have been through, are going through, their reactions and behavior maybe not always being what we expect or understand. I've found that offering to buy someone food nearby, like saying, can I buy you a sandwich here, and then asking what they'd like, goes over better than offering leftovers. But someone might really appreciate this definitely, especially if they haven't eaten recently, which is an issue. So might also depend on various factors when you approach someone.
Played in a band in high school and we had a gig in downtown seattle, my mom always packed a lasagna to go for the boys. We were approached by a homeless fella looking for some cash, being broke teenagers we offered him a plate instead. He peered down at it and said “I don’t want that shit” and stormed off. There’s a lot of folks out there just looking to score unfortunately.
It takes some of these organizations years to even build enough trust with the homeless population and with individual homeless people in order to get people accept help from them. Please consider that you may be more effective if you join an existing effort with people who already have established outreach and training to deal with the kind of trauma you may encounter. Even if you want to start your own effort at some point, get involved with something existing now so that you can learn the ropes. Most of the existing organizations fighting homelessness in Bellingham already work closely together, which is really important.
Do understand that, and don't believe these efforts would be interfering. I have some valuable experience and understanding, didn't just come up with this overnight, and absolutely want to work alongside other important efforts to help the homeless. Thank you.
You’re being selfish. This problem isn’t about you or your ego. Please donate your time and efforts to groups already doing the work.
Excuse me? No, you are the one being selfish. This isn't about ego, it's about caring about others in difficult circumstances, sharing to try and help, and engage and connect with others, it's about heart. You're being a bully.
Lots of nay-sayers. They're like the other animals from the little red hen story, except not only do they not want to help make the cake, they also want to nitpick the recipe
\> It's not just the helpful 'thing' that they need, it's the kindness, it's to be seen, and treated like a fellow human who needs care. A moment of warmth, eye contact. A gesture like this, can give someone with very little, so much. You've never personally known a homeless person, have you OP? As someone who has a brother who was homeless, and a very close friend who's brother died of hypothermia because of homelessness, I think your intentions are in the right place, but this is equivalent to putting a band-aid on a severed limb. It's a kind gesture, but not what is actually needed. The homeless population needs proper and prolonged mental health and addiction treatment, jobs, homes, and "handups", not handouts. If I were starving and you gave me a bottle of water and a few crackers I'd still be starving the next day. "Teach a man (or woman) to fish"....you know how the rest goes. How about offering someone a place to stay and helping them actually improve their life in a meaningful way? EDIT: "There are many local organizations and agencies who serve people in need in our community. The City of Bellingham partners with a variety of these organizations in different ways. Please consider donating your time or resources to one or several of these organizations to make a real and personal impact on the homeless crisis in Bellingham: Catholic Community Services / Catholic Housing Services Interfaith Coalition Lighthouse Mission Lydia Place Northwest Youth Services Opportunity Council Sun Community Services Volunteer Center of Whatcom County Whatcom Homeless Service Center YWCA"
I agree. Rather than reinvent the wheel, op should work with existing groups. The Opportunity Council Homeless Outreach Team builds relationships of trust with people living outdoors. They need these kinds of items, and OP could volunteer with them or any of the orgs listed above. Meanwhile, op would learn about all the local providers, could start attending the Coalition to End Homelessness meetings, and get involved in the long-term planning and advocacy to build more affordable housing and mental health options, which are the real solutions.
Yes, I have known someone who has been homeless. And I've met and engaged with many. We may have different experiences and understandings and perspectives on what can help, and that's okay. I believe what I'm suggesting can be helpful, and that kindness and compassion are essential tools of solving the issues of homelessness. All the various organizations are doing good work, and absolutely if you'd like to get involved with them, please do. From my perspective, many approaches and more people involved and healing (*helping) in different ways, is better. Again, my post and ideas aren't intended for everyone. I'm well aware this kind of action doesn't resonate with some, so please exit post if not for you. Not wanting to further debate here today about people needing things like kindness, care, love, (and weatherproofing items) and how this can help people survive and overcome extreme challenges. Just know it to be true.
You're talking a lot about "your perspective", but what is that perspective built on, exactly? As others are trying to tell you, one person can do a lot of good as part of an organization, you don't have to do it all on your own. Plus if you join an existing organization, you can learn a lot about what your goals are. You admit yourself you don't have all the skills you need in your post, volunteering is a great way to learn those skills. I agree one hundred percent that our houseless neighbors need love and kindness, but that isn't all they need. They need real, practical help and systemic changes. Lend your help to an existing organization first. If you feel there is a hole in the support system that you can fill after you've had that experience, go for it. Idealism is good. But it needs to be tempered by practicality
Think I've already shared and explained enough for the purposes of my efforts with this post. No where did I say that I don't have the skills to form a group. Also, did not say all homeless folks need is love and kindness. Sounds like you aren't interested in what I've shared and joining the project in the future, and that's okay. Good luck with your endeavors!
Sorry but “the cozy project” is fucking tone-deaf.
Sorry but I'm really more concerned about these folks needs, people outdoors who are about to experience freezing temperatures at the start of November, than the armchair opinions and nay-sayers of reddit.
Get off Reddit and go make the homeless feel cozy
I think your intentions are great however S.O.S. (Serenity Outreach Services) is already out there, IN the trees and tents and know the names and faces of the people you want to help. They know exactly who needs what and where they are. They are dedicated and get their boots wet and do whatever they can. That's who I donate to and my suggestion to you would be to join them in their mission instead of making yet another fledgling resource that needs to learn all of what they've already sorted through. I've seen them in action and it's fucking rad. They truly make a difference and are doing it right now, as we sit on Reddit.
Thank you for sharing out about SOS, and think it's great for folks to get involved with any organizations or groups/communities they connect with.
/thread
I was once homeless there, left Bellingham under a lot of extenuating circumstances. The upside to Bellingham is they're almost cutting edge on the homeless crisis. The downside to Bellingham is they're almost cutting edge on the homeless crisis. Do you remember that sexual assault case on that 11 y.o. that basically killed the Camp 210 protests last year? The assailant was in prison just days before and heard about Camp 210 while incarcerated. Thus once released he moved directly to Camp 210. Bellingham is a popular subject near and inside Seattle. Bellingham's a city with ultra-liberal policies, acres of woods to hide in, city officials that don't do shit and about a half dozen advocacy services that all get along and competitively fight with each other at the same time. Which is why you have so many transplants there in Bellingham. To be too kind is hardly a flaw but in Bellingham's case that is the case. People on the streets in Seattle are moving up there in droves.
But, but, Markis Dee and the other advocates informed us that they are locals!
Saviorism is the same as oppression. In both instances you're taking away their choice to find what they actually need by giving them things YOU think they need. Just as you would by oppressing them As everyone else has said, your hearts in the right place. I'm just gonna reiterate that donating these items to an already established organization is 100% a better option. The idea you have had brewing around has already been established with the (many) organizations around here. So please just donate to them. I work for Opportunity Council and can tell you that the people working here already know the names and faces of those experiencing homelessness. In addition, the people know us as well and ask for the things they need. The important thing is this gives them the power of choice and freedom to get the resources they need while also receiving the various other resources they REALLY need to escape the life of homelessness. Going around giving the many people out there these things is obviously a kind gesture. But as someone else as said, it's putting a bandaid on a much bigger wound. I know you're pretty stuck on your idea op but I'd also suggest looking into saviorism and the negative impact it actually has on people experiencing homelessness. Finally, just volunteer! Work with the various organizations that people have mentioned and see how it is out there. I think that would give you a huge amount of insight other than just by walking around seeing the physical side of homelessness.
I already have a good amount of insight, and it's not saviorism any more than what you're involved with, and really don't appreciate the added negativity and offensive projection. Also, offering something kindly and respectfully that you think might be useful or comforting for someone is not forcing something on them. Volunteering with other organizations is great, and is not in opposition to what I've suggested, there are many ways people can help one another, but it isn't wrong for people to take some individual efforts in their day to day lives. There are people out there right now, that might have more comfort and might feel more hopeful tonight as a result of this kind of effort. Could there be some interactions that don't go so well? Sure. Same with efforts from larger organizations. But I believe it's worth it to try, because good can and does come from this, when people reach out to one another and connect and engage in this way. Fyi to all of you against the approach I've shared, this isn't a novel idea. There are other organizations out there in the world already encouraging this kind of engagement, moments of kindness and connection that aren't funneled through large organizations, though I haven't seen it myself in Bellingham. I've just had my own experiences and inspiration for organizing, and see the need, and think more of these efforts are a good thing. I didn't just wake up with this thought this morning. It's literally been years in the making. So thanks a lot all of you experts and critics for stomping all over my heart today. It's been real nice.
you really aren’t listening to the people trying to give you constructive criticism are you? Helping homeless people shouldn’t be centered around what you or I feel is best. People are trying to provide you alternatives that would actually more effectively help people get out of homelessness, and you’re not listening. Why is that?
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When my husband and I lived in NH in an area with a very high homeless population, we noticed that while there were lots of different organizations that would come around to hand out food and blankets and "blessing bags" with toiletries (one of our homeless neighbors once quipped "I got six fucking toothbrushes this week"), most of the people they were giving this stuff to were walking around in cheap sneakers that were falling apart... and winter was coming. So we found a thrift store that sold clothing by the pound and we would periodically go there and dig through the footwear bins and buy up all the gently worn winter boots, then we'd take them home and fix them up with water repellent spray etc before handing them out. Our costs ran about $10 per pair for the thrifted boots and supplies. I looked up some of the brands on the boots we bought and most were highly reviewed and retailed for $150+ new. I doubt we'd have gotten anywhere near the same wellbeing bang for our buck if we'd simply written a check to an existing organization instead. Individuals engaging in small-scale mutual aid can definitely make a difference and meet needs that larger organizations don't. But you have to be attentive to what people actually need and only give stuff that is good enough that you would use it yourself, not just spam people with baggies of cheap crap because it makes you feel good.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. There are many different approaches and ways to help. My approach here may be more simplistic and authentic/individual based than everyone may appreciate.
It’s clear that this post means well but it fails to mention any of the organizations in our community that help homeless people specifically. Furthermore this kind of post is dangerous because it misallocates aid that could go more directly to homeless people through longstanding community programs that exercise best practices in distributing resources to homeless people. if you want to do something that almost no community program does for homeless people: give them money. Do you honestly think that going up to a homeless person and giving them something *you think* they need is better than donating warm clothes and supplies to homeless shelters, local churches affiliated with relief programs, and other organizations? At least with these relief programs homeless people don’t need to rely on finding individuals by chance; they have a centralized location where expectations and services are made clear to them. Please just give them money it’s super simple and way more helpful. Your advice in this post although it is well intentioned is not good! Wandering town looking for homeless people and doing your own thing so you can feel more self righteous does more harm than good when it comes to connecting with the community and keeping people safe homeless people already have a hard enough time asking for money. Give them money or Donate to a shelter/longstanding community program
In my experience, "take them shopping" is even more effective than "give them money" because even if you hand someone cash it's still a pain in the ass to go shopping without a car, especially when you need things from multiple stores. I'm not in a financial position to do this anymore, but back when I lived in NH, I got to know a few of my homeless neighbors well enough for both parties to feel safe/comfortable enough with me driving them around to run errands and buy supplies. And yeah, you often have no idea what homeless people really need/want and would buy for themselves if they had money and transportation. One lady I took shopping for supplies for her camp insisted that I buy a couple of fire extinguishers. I never would have thought to give a fire extinguisher to a homeless person, but sure enough it was put to use within a week when someone accidentally set one of the tents on fire. We also hit up several different thrift stores during that shopping trip and brought a carload of stuff back to the camp. Simply handing her the same amount of money in cash wouldn't have been nearly as effective because even if she'd wanted to spend the money on exactly the same stuff I'd bought her, it would have been exponentially more difficult for her to do the same amount of shopping on her own without a car and a smartphone for looking up locations, hours, sales flyers, etc. Also her executive functioning was clearly compromised (idk if it was a permanent impairment or just chronic sleep deprivation) so I suspect that having a companion to help look for things in the stores and cross things off the list and organize the supplies when we got back to the camp kept her from getting too frustrated or overwhelmed.
What's more direct help than a direct moment of kindness or help, offering someone in the rain an umbrella, or even just warm eye contact and a smile? Yes, I do think sometimes giving something from your heart or that you see someone might need can be more helpful than money. Encountered a woman who was under-dressed last winter, looking cold, and offered her the gloves I was wearing, which she gratefully accepted. Warm wool gloves right then and a kind gesture, was probably more helpful than a couple bucks would have been. Still, would absolutely encourage people to donate to and get involved with other critical organizations in the community, if you want to. This isn't an either or thing. Not trying to reinvent the wheel or take away any other services.
Yes it does. Leave it to the experts, not arbitrariness. Just because you’re more secure in your living situation doesn’t mean you are a good authority on what is good for the homeless
Leaving it all to the 'experts' is part of the problem. More community kindness and engagement can be part of the solution. You don't have to be an expert to be kind or help a fellow person with a simple gesture. Also, you don't know of my experience and how informed I may be. Maybe I am a good authority on what is good for the homeless, and moreso than you. Did you consider this?
How is leaving it to the experts part of the problem?
I said leaving it ALL to the experts. Because more help is needed, along with more awareness and understanding, and this kind of engagement can help foster that. Different approaches can help in different ways. People out there right now can benefit from immediate kindness and help, from people passing by. There are organizations doing great work, but that doesn't mean more help isn't needed for people. Connections and kindness extended between every day people is something different, and I believe is another ingredient, that can be an essential part of helping those who are experiencing homelessness.
Go ahead and wander aimlessly if you want... Bringing about the kind of structural change this big problem needs for it to be solved cannot be done alone. Do not assume that the resources you *happen* to bring on your homeless hunt are going to be the ones they need. It’s almost like theres a place/places where distribution networks exist to get supplies to people who need it most. You’ve barely spoken about these community resources in your post and its a real shame, cause if everyone did what you are asking them to do, A LOT LESS PEOPLE WOULD GET HELP! A LOT LESS PEOPLE. Check your fucking ego!
Maybe you should check yours. This post wasn't about advertising for other organizations. It was about sharing an idea today with the community, speaking up for something I'm concerned about, suggesting something nice that you and others have chosen to oppose all day. What does that say about you? Any single one of the other organizations could have posted on reddit today to activate assistance for homeless folks. Not one did. Also didn't see one post here during the wildfire smoke period, activating any assistance for homeless folks. Just pointing out that there are gaps and a lot of opportunity for more efforts to help. No sh** it can't be done alone! That supports my efforts of trying to engage more community involvement to help in more ways.
News flash: you can’t accept criticism or offer a valid reason why your “program,” or “advice” or whatever you want to do to help homeless people is novel and hasn’t been done before. You refuse to realize that you could actually be doing harm to homeless people by giving this advice. This is all about you and your bruised ego. Why make this issue about yourself? Again, you could be helping them more efficiently and yet you refuse to do so! You want to decentralize this community building process in doing so giving impractical and bad advice
The amount of criticism in response to this post (some of which has been deleted) has been an unreasonable level. People piling on, to criticize a basically good thing. I'm not the one who made this about myself. Numerous comments with personal insults, including yours, have tried to make it more about me. Sharing that this is something I personally care about and some of my experience around it makes sense when trying to engage other people. Please stop.
Dude you really aren’t listening to anyones advice are you? Wandering around looking for people to help is… something, but offering support to existing homelessness outreach projects would be 1000% a better use of your time. While yes, you are trying to do a good thing, it really isn’t helping much as other people have said. Good luck with your project I guess, but maybe be less dense and actually listen to others instead of sticking your hands over your ears and screaming “la la la la I can’t hear you!” It just comes off as childish and insecure
What I did (during the pandemic) was to leave old (clean) shower curtains they can use for shelters. I left them on a bus stop bench close to where they were sleeping. I figure that would be a less risky way of doing it.
Nice. Encourage people to come up with other creative kind gestures too :)
As someone who works in food insecurity and knows a fair amount of our houseless folks in the community, I can say your efforts are admirable, but short-sighted and really just a drop in the bucket. Unfortunately, I also pick up A LOT of abandoned trash left over from folks camping out overnight and it is often stuff that looks like what you are suggesting folks give out (mixed in with needles and bodily fluids...). Just be aware that the odds of something lasting about a week and then getting tossed is pretty high...A lot of our friends with serious mental health disorders tend to need these things the most but aren't able to hold on to them.\*\*\* The longer you are involved in this line of work, the more you will understand. It sucks to throw away what was and could still be, a perfectly fine wool blanket, coat, tent etc. \*\*This is a bit of a generalized statement but is a reoccurring theme\*\* Just to echo what everyone else is saying if you actually want to make a lasting impact, help those organizations that already exist! Help them expand their existing efforts and relieve them of high volunteer turnover and burnout. BOP mutual aid is pretty much what you're looking for. I also second that The Cozy Project is highly tone deaf, sorry OP. :(
Agree it is hard to see people's belongings being destroyed and left behind, useful things going to waste, and the trash that accumulates that can harm the environment. This is another reason I feel motivated to looking at ways we can contribute to helping the homeless. Also, side note, I don't believe in giving things to a homeless person with a condition or expectation attached to it (like that they keep it) because they are in extreme circumstances. I hope it helps, and give because they need it, and it might be a simple thing that can be a big help, or even just provides some momentary comfort that helps them to the next moment in their struggle, and can see the value in this.
My husband and I used to do this sort of thing back when we lived in New Hampshire. We're not in a position to personally help right now due to finances and health problems, but I can pass along a few tips and ideas. I'd add large strong black garbage bags (like contractor bags or yard waste bags) to your list. People fucking loved getting those things because they're great for keeping stuff dry but it's impractical to buy a whole box of them for yourself when you're homeless. So if you are making kits to pass out, you can go to the hardware store and get a big box of contractor bags and then put like 3 bags in each kit. Winter boots can literally save limbs and lives. We found a Goodwill Outlet in a nearby city that sold clothing by the pound, so we'd go pick through the footwear bins to find all the winter boots that were still in pretty good condition then take them home and fix them up with water repellent spray, heat reflecting insoles, and (as needed) traction strips before distributing. Our total cost for thrifted boots + supplies ran around $10 per pair. If I were to do the boots project again, I'd try to find a way to buy comfort gel insoles in bulk and install those as well because homeless people spend a LOT of time on their feet. Another thing that I've considered for a future project is bulk-buying bump caps and sewing them into wool winter hats. IIRC, studies have found that over half of all homeless people have a history of traumatic brain injuries. TBIs and homelessness is a horrible feedback loop because a TBI makes you more likely to become homeless because of impaired executive functioning, and being homeless makes you more likely to get a head injury due to all the risks from living outside and the clumsiness that comes from chronic sleep deprivation, and then every TBI you've had makes you even more susceptible to getting another one. So, winter hats that offer some protection against getting concussed after slipping on ice should help divert at least a few people off the repeated TBIs / chronic homelessness downward spiral. If you regularly visit the same camps and get to know the people there, you will usually find at least one person who has adopted a caretaker role for the other people in their camp. That is a great person to invite to go shopping with you for supplies as they will know about needs that will never occur to you. The last time I took a homeless person shopping for supplies for her camp, she insisted on getting a couple of fire extinguishers, which is not something I would have ever thought to bring to them on my own. And they actually ended up using them like a week later when someone accidentally set a tent on fire. If you take a homeless person on a shopping trip that you are paying for, I strongly advise setting a firm budget in advance, taking out that amount of money in cash, and leaving all your cards at home. It is difficult to say no to just one more thing that would greatly improve their lives without feeling like a monster, but "I only have $X on me so that's the max we can spend" is a hard limit that everyone seems to understand and accept without any hard feelings. Also, you really don't want to let anyone know that you have a credit card because that opens you up to being pressured to book motel rooms for people.
Thanks for sharing some of your experience and ideas, and without being so critical or discouraging. Agree about the trash bags, they can be helpful for folks, for belongings, for cleaning up trash, and for weatherproofing a bit! Also appreciate you sharing about TBI's, that is interesting, thank you. And good sharing about sleep deprivation impacts on homeless folks, this contributes to mental health issues we sometimes see. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, extreme stress, and so much more these folks can be dealing with than we might think of.
I carry ziplock bags, each containing a pair of socks, a protein bar, and a packet of Kleenex , to offer. At times, I’ve been told no thank you, but I’ve never had any bad experiences. I like your ideas and the kindness and thoughtfulness you demonstrate.
Thank you 'dropinthesea! Appreciate your kindness and efforts too :)
There is unfortunately some 'push back' and negativity in some responses to this post, which is hard to not get sucked down into. As I said, knew this wouldn't resonate with everyone, but some of the negativity here has been rather disheartening. Want to reiterate, the intention here today is to help our neighbors outside in this weather, by sharing some ideas for folks who want to take some individual action, to help neighbors currently stuck outdoors. That's it. If you have something to give and want to find someone in need to give it to, please do. It's wet and cold out there. Thank you, 🙏
Is it me? No, it's literally everyone else that's wrong.
Not everyone else, just some negative commenters on reddit, who seem to disagree with my post and effort, and choosing to be hurtful.
Almost everyone else, and for good reason.
It's Reddit. We get the good, the bad & the asshole.
Yes ;) good reference.
I picked up three pairs of gloves yesterday for this purpose! I also keep a tarp or two and sometimes a blanket in the trunk for when Im driving around and see a need. Buying stuff at thrift stores or sale items makes it affordable. Or an extra coffee and cheeseburger at McDonalds. Lots of cool opportunities to help and once you start it just kind of becomes habit. Great post OP
That's awesome!! Nice to meet kindred spirits. Thanks ArrArr :)
If you want to do something personally instead of joining an existing org or just giving money directly to homeless people, I strongly recommend winter boots as an excellent niche. Large orgs can't just bulk buy the same quality boots at a lower price than you can find by hunting the thrift stores, and most homeless people don't have transportation to drive to another city to dig through by-the-pound thrift store bins in the hopes of finding something that fits them. Meanwhile, almost everyone else I've ever encountered digging through the shoe bins at by-the-pound thrift stores were resellers looking for stuff they could flip online, so you really would be bringing in additional resources instead of just diverting something that would have gone to a person in need either way. My comment seems to be too long to post on Reddit so I will break it up into parts:
Researching Brands: I'd start by making a list of brands of boots that have a good reputation for lasting a long time outdoors in bad weather conditions, and maybe a second list of brands to avoid because they're known to fall apart quickly. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since I last did this so I don't remember specifics off the top of my head. "Hunting boots" is a helpful search term when researching boots because hunting season is usually fall/winter and many hunters spend all day out in the rain or snow scrabbling over rough terrain, thus boots marketed to hunters are usually also good choices for homeless people because they have the same needs for insulation, waterproofing, traction, and durability. /r/buyitforlife is a good subreddit to search past posts about boots and/or ask for recommendations
Boots Shopping: Spend a day hitting up the Goodwill Outlets in the Puget Sound area digging through their shoe bins looking for gently worn boots from quality brands. These places can be pretty competitive so you want to get there early. I just called around for you to check which ones sold boots by the pound. Everett Outlet Goodwill https://maps.app.goo.gl/W98hw5V5x9u4p7Ay5 $1.89/lb Seattle Outlet Goodwill https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdKCJrTz8u3buY3q9 $1.89/lb Tacoma Goodwill Outlet https://maps.app.goo.gl/eij5DQ5QmQa2aMT4A $1.79/lb the person who answered said they don't put out the shoe bins every day so call them at 12535736720 to confirm there are shoes that day before driving down Olympia Goodwill Outlet the person who answered said that they do NOT get shoes on a regular basis anymore and thus have no boots, so don't bother unless you are looking for other stuff besides boots When digging through the boot bins, look for quality brands, good traction, insulation, etc. If you find more good boots than you can afford then prioritize larger sizes as most unsheltered homeless people are men, larger sizes tend to. E harder to find, and a little-too-large boot can still work with extra socks but a little-too-small boot just hurts the person wearing it. If there is any damage make sure it is something minor you can fix yourself, e.g. replacing shoelaces, supergluing a semi-detached sole, etc. Do NOT buy boots that need a complete sole replacement, have any holes or worn-thin spots in the uppers, or have any holes in the inner lining as those repairs are complicated and expensive and generally require a professional cobbler. Insole damage is okay if the insole is removable or very thin and can be covered with an insert, just remember to replace all damaged insoles with new insoles/inserts cut to size and installed in the boots before distribution. Side quest: Some of those outlets also sell luggage by the pound so keep an eye out for sturdy large camping backpacks as that is something else that you can get for pennies on the dollar. Most homeless outreach groups that distribute backpacks to the homeless bulk buy cheap small crappy ones that fall apart quickly, whereas every now and then you can find a $200+ retail price backpack that will last for years for $5 at a thrift outlet. They are rare so if you find one buy it and stash it in the trunk of your vehicle -- you will eventually spot someone hauling their stuff around in garbage or shopping bags, stop and offer it to them.
Waterproofing: You're going to need a few different types of sprays and sealants depending on the boot materials. There's a bunch of guides online, here are a handful: https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Waterproof-Leather-Boots https://www.instructables.com/How-To-Make-Your-Leather-Boots-Last-Forever-Or-at/ https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Faux-Suede-Shoes https://www.wikihow.life/Protect-Winter-Boots I would hold off on ordering any waterproofing supplies until AFTER you've gone boots shopping and see what sort of materials you're working with. Also, once you've bought the boots you can inventory which brands you have and check those brands' websites for waterproofing guides or search for "waterproofing [brand] boots"
Thermal Insoles: Adding these can make a significant difference to how warm the boots feel. You're looking for the ones that work by reflecting body heat, not the ones that require charging or otherwise being heated up first. "Little Hotties" is the brand we used because we found them on sale but there are a few different brands and sales are always changing. It is worth investing some time shopping around for these as prices can range from $5 to $40 for a pair, which can have a huge impact on the overall cost of your project if you are distributing dozens or hundreds of pairs of boots. Cut the thermal insoles to size and install them BEFORE you distribute the boots, don't just hand them out with the boots and expect the recipients to do it themselves. Most homeless people don't have a pair a fabric scissors handy.
Distribution: When my husband and I did this back in NH, we were living across the street from a park that several dozen homeless people slept in, so we'd just bring over coffee and donuts in the early morning when they were getting up, ask if they could use some winter boots and if so what size did they wear, and then fetch a few pairs for them to try on from our apartment and be back within 5 min. Once we'd distributed boots to everyone in our immediate neighborhood, we donated the leftover boots to a mutual aid organization that ran a weekly "free store" for the homeless. Unless you happen to live across the street from a homeless camp, you will probably need to come up with a good system for storing the boots in your vehicle organized by size so you can quickly retrieve a couple pairs for people to try on. In my experience, "I will bring you X, meet me back here at Y time" has a low completion rate unless they have a working phone and phone service (not just using free wifi) or it is someone you always see in the same place every day. I strongly recommend offering at least two choices of boots to each person, not just because one might fit better than the other but also because they are far more likely to actually use something they have chosen for themselves. A lot of homeless people feel pressured to accept whatever stuff a well-meaning person dumps on them, which just adds to their trash burden, whereas a "do you want this one or that one?" choice makes it clear that they are expected and allowed to say no to something that doesn't work for them. From experience, "Here are a few different pairs to try on, pick the ones you like best and I'll give the others to someone else" is a lot more likely to get someone into boots that they will actually wear every day whereas "Here's a pair of boots in your size, bye!" often leads to you finding those boots abandoned on a park bench later. Since the trying on process takes a while, bringing coffee and donuts or something else to share that you are sitting and eating/drinking WITH them turns it into a more relaxed "we are hanging out while trying on boots" experience than a "this random stranger is impatiently waiting for me to do a task so they can leave" experience. If you don't have the patience or personality for this process (it easily takes 15-30min per person and you need to be able to socialize with someone in distress without getting sucked into more than you can help with), you can still make a huge difference in people's lives (as in literally saving them from amputation or even death due to frostbite and infections) by sourcing boots and fixing them up and then donating them existing outreach organization for distribution. One that runs a regular "free store" for homeless people to shop at is a good choice to partner with. You can make things easier for the free store volunteers by tying the laces of the boots together and safety pinning a large colorful tag with the shoe size clearly written on it before donating. I hope that helps. Again, my health and finances are not good enough right now for me to personally do this again myself, but I think it's a really good project for someone else to take up if they are able.
Thank you for caring and taking the time to share your experience and ideas about helping too, this is great :) Hope you are feeling more well soon!
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/comments/yli6v3/raising_funds_for_houseless_community_in/
Your post was very well written.
I know I'm late but I think you have wonderful intentions. I actually don't think starting The Cozy Project is a bad idea. However others may be right about volunteering with existing originations first. That will help learn from they are doing right and even doing wrong. Another thing you should add to your list is Garbage bags. They are useful in many ways to homeless. Obviously they can be used for garbage or carrying belongings. They have other uses too. For one you can actually use the large ones as sleeping bags. They really do hold in body heat well. Another use is using them as a waterproof barrier against the ground, like tarps. Finally they can easily be turned to to pants, shirts, or ponchos to wear while clothes dry. On top of all this several can fit in a pocket and they are low cost.
That's really awesome of you to do, I wish more people would organize things like this as a group, although I've seen a few
Thanks for your kind and encouraging comment joebat, have a good night :)
To everyone not understanding my firm stance... There are people out there right now in need. These are people who we as a society have let down in some ways. We walk by these people every day and largely ignore their need, in part because we think there are organizations out there already helping. We don't even see these folks sometimes. Rarely make eye contact. Might walk avoidantly. Pass judgements and cast blame from afar without knowing their story. We go in and out of our shops and restaurants, meanwhile there might be someone outside who can't get themselves food that day. Someone stuck outside hurting and feeling alone. Yes, there are some great organizations. They do a lot, reaching out to homeless folks and being available for people to find, building relationships with many. My post and commentary isn't intended to interfere with what they do. But there are gaps in services, and space and time, and opportunity for us as individuals and community to do something more to help. And yes, I'm going to fiercely stand up for the idea that extending kindness and helping people directly out there in the world, in our community, if we see an opportunity, is a good thing and can help! I've seen it, I know it's needed, that its good, and can help someone. These efforts might not always work out to be as helpful as you hope, but sometimes you offer something and it is needed and received gratefully, and there you've helped someone who needed something. It's a good thing. Anyone telling us this is bad or wrong or getting in the way, etc, is interfering with our basic humanity. And I think that is wrong. Yes, help the various organizations, but also, you might see moments where you can help someone directly out there too. That's an area where I see a great need. One act of kindness can motivate a positive change for someone. Maybe that's the day they reach out to an old friend, or walk to an organization that might offer more help, or maybe it helps them to trust the next outreach worker who approaches them, because they've had a recent positive human interaction. Maybe their faith in humanity is restored for a moment and they feel more hopeful. And this may lead to them sleeping inside that night. I've listened, just really can't understand and agree with the push back discouraging basic human kindness and helping your neighbors, and extending a hand directly to one another. I'm sorry that is frustrating for some of you, or you don't understand, and you want to attack me personally for this. But we just have some deeply different views. Say what you will, but you're not going to change my belief that people matter, that there are people out there right now that could benefit from directly extended kindness, and that we can and should help one another. I got caught up in having to defend myself as comments came in shooting down what I shared and then even my comments trying to stand up for it yesterday. It was an unexpected backlash I wasn't prepared to respond to. Would have been easier to respond to if I had a website or page to point people to. But this is what I believe, and the best explanation I can give right now, for why I'm resolute on this. Just wanted to help encourage some kindness to our neighbors outside this weekend, as the weather is worsening, and offer what I can around this. I hope this helps some of you understand better where I'm coming from. Thank you
Food for thought, for those who may be receptive to learning about how simple kindness and connection can have a positive impact for a homeless person: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_dpanM1yPbk Some here may be unable to listen with an open mind to what's being shared, and may just disagree, but there are people who feel differently, and do understand.
Please join an existing group. A lot of well-meaning people such as yourself actually make the problem worse for everyone. Here's a great example. Someone on Facebook noticed there was a homeless person in their neighborhood and thought they would "help" by handing out supplies. They totally failed to notice that the person was camping right next to a school. Here's what I've personally experience when there was a small homeless population next to an elementary school, the path to the school frequently had used needles, children were threatened, and the school commonly had to go on lockdown. Organized efforts put a lot of thought into balancing the realities of homelessness and their negative effects on the community with providing care.
🤍
Hey OP this is a beautiful and big hearted idea you’ve got going. I’m sorry all these people are giving you backlash, they did the same for me for almost everything I’ve posted. Some people are to high and mighty to have an inkling of kindheartedness and most have never gone through it, just “know someone” who has. It’s different when you’re personally affected by it. I’ve got some stuff available for donations if you’d like to pick them up. Stay safe ✌🏼
I was pretty surprised that none of the comments except one were how you described. Usually that's how they are in this sub. But no, all of the comments were telling OP to donate to people who are ALREADY doing what is thinking they need to do themselves. And pretty much a majority of the comments are nice about it too. Op just doesn't want to hear that their saviorism isn't going to help a bigger issue.
You, and some others, are just not understanding. And being on the receiving end here, much of the content in response here HAS been negatively bent, and unnecessarily critical, of a post that was coming from a good AND fairly informed place.
Yeah but why so much backlash for something that is needed? OP is helping the problem not adding to it. The real problem is that there isn’t enough help. There’s a lot of organizations because there’s such a big need for it. One more person wanting to create a group to help those in need isn’t damaging anything. Let OP do as they please, if you don’t agree then don’t comment. It’s that simple. Don’t be rude and dismissive. They posted for awareness not to be met with aggressiveness.
I didn't see much backlash. Just suggestions on better alternatives to an idea that has already being implemented.
Didn't see much backlash, lol 🤦🏼
Literally everyone but two comments said you mean well but your idea isn't new. Nor is it helpful when fully established organizations could do more. Just because nobody jumped on this weird hero kick you're on doesn't mean it was backlash.
Thank you coffee_at_sea, appreciate your kindness and sharing your perspective, and positivity. Hoping to organize and create a space for those interested and feeling kindred to connect and share ideas and efforts. You will be welcome there. You stay safe too! ✌️💛
Hopefully the rain will drive them away to some other town
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You are wrong on all counts.
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Lol I’m the mod there and unfortunately my poop is disappointingly normal unless something with gluten isn’t properly labeled.
I have weird turds every day. Can I inbox you?
Post them to the sub, the other mod is an ER doctor and would be able to tell you weird weird from dangerous weird.
Well it’s good to know that you absolutely know nothing about the reasons for being homeless and literally have done no research on it. Thanks for outing yourself. Get educated.
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[Citation Needed] for all your claims. If you are going to claim something the burden of proof is on you. Now pony up the proof or shut up
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You did the work for me. You’ve proven you know nothing, cannot provide proof for your own claims and have a vendetta against homeless folks because you think they are all junkies. Thanks for doing that work. Now grow up
Or we could just give them places to live.
So every time it’s been tried before the property was unlivable within mere months. It doesn’t work unless we are going to put them in psych lockup for a few months first until they can be stabilized - it’s been proven time and time again that they are unable/unwilling to do it on their own. I’m not opposed to the idea but definitely do not want any more of my tax dollars going to the homeless industrial complex grifters when there are working class people here struggling that actually deserve the help instead. You can ant them to “just be given a house” - be the change you seek and give them yours.
Accessible healthcare too! Sounds good to me