Your Impact on Homelessness is the Reason We’re Thankful
The impact of homelessness on Chicago has been more and more visible the last few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The solutions to homelessness begin with the support of our community.
What Can You Do to End Homelessness?
While the solutions to homelessness won’t occur overnight, there are so many ways that each person can make a difference and help with the plan to end homelessness. Many of the causes of homelessness are things that can be solved or improved through social and political actions, volunteer work, and donation.
Social and Political Action
It is so important to be aware of what changes are being proposed in your community. Knowing what bills are in front of lawmakers will keep you informed so you can vote smartly. There are many ways that you personally can help homeless shelters, mental illness facilities, food kitchens, and more to have the funds they need, just by voting and being informed. Other laws can also help the homeless or impoverished. Some laws can help subsidized housing become more affordable or available for tenants as well. Making Medicaid or other programs more widely available can also aid the homeless. Do your part by being informed and voting.
Volunteer Work
Becoming a volunteer doesn’t have to be long-term. You might be able to organize a group from your workplace, church, or friend group to help you volunteer. There are always things for volunteers to do at a shelter! Counselors or other medical professionals might be able to offer discounted services. Perhaps if you own a restaurant or work at one, you can help organize a day where the homeless can receive some food at your restaurant for free. Giving your time doesn’t cost anything, and it can make a huge difference in the lives of those who need it. You can donate your time by helping to clean the shelter or serving food
Donations
The donation program at Unity Parenting and Counseling is affordable for just about any household. Starting at just $25, donations can help provide clothing, food, and more to homeless families and youth. With higher donations, you can help families in rapid rehousing to have the furniture they need. You can help a child obtain a laptop for online schooling. Or, you can help a homeless teen afford a bus pass to their new job. You can help an adult obtain professional clothing for an interview. We are so grateful for all donations, no matter what time of year it is. Donations help keep programs like Unity Parenting and Counseling running, so we are forever thankful for each and every one.
Solutions to Homelessness
The impact of homelessness affects all people. The plan to end homelessness starts with changing the stigma around it. Homelessness could happen to anyone. Some people are at higher risk, but the impact of homelessness on any person is great. Mental illness, disability, and unemployment can happen to anyone, and these are some of the leading causes of homelessness.
Access to Care and Other Needs
When a homeless person has access to the care they need, this helps them to move forward. This looks different for each person. For someone who is mentally ill, therapy, medications, and mental care is life changing. Helping the medical field become more accessible to the homeless is one solution. For someone with a disability, medical accessibility is also extremely important. Some people who are disabled cannot afford equipment like wheelchairs, canes, or walkers because they are only partially covered by insurance or other programs. Those who are unemployed need access to the internet in order to complete job applications. If a person does not have access to the internet or email or a phone, it can make it extremely difficult to get a job. Accessibility to care and other needs is one of the solutions to homelessness.
Give Help
We truly appreciate all who have done what they can for the homeless here in Chicago. With everyone working together, we can reach our goal of ending homelessness. The impact of homelessness is far-reaching and may take time to overcome, but it is a goal we are willing to strive for and accomplish. Donate today to make a difference in our community.