The futile, on-going debate on the topic of giving money to homeless people has got me thinking about why? and how?
9 out of 10 times I give whatever change I have or a dollar to a homeless person. I live in Hollywood — there are a lot of homeless people. I used to think how most people do: “What’s the point? They’re lazy. Why don’t they get jobs? They’re going to use the money on other things.”
I’ve realized that when I live my life grateful and blessed for what I have, these thoughts don’t exist in my mind anymore. The thoughts they are replaced with are: “At this present moment, does this person need this dollar more than I do?” The answer is almost always Yes. I don’t care what has happened in the past or what they are going to do with the money in the future. It’s about doing the good thing. It’s about having a tiny bit of compassion to know that maybe, out of those countless dollars, one will truly help that one person.
And those thoughts have slowly evolved to: “Well, it feels good to give money but how can I really help? Create a lasting change? Money is only temporary.”
Well, I’m starting small but I’ve thought of an idea of what we can do instead. Little bags with the essentials: towelettes, soaps, water bottle, mouthwash, deodorant wipes, some snacks. To make someone feel better and feel like a real person is priceless.
I ordered all these mini size products from www.minimus.biz, who I fully recommend. So many products and cheaper than if you went to the travel size section at Target. If you have soaps & shampoos from hotels, etc put them in ziplock bags and have them ready in your car. You can also donate them to shelters.
strippedcanvas
Simply awesome.
Every bit counts right!!
Really great idea. As you know I was homeless for a while (a long time ago) and ended up in a homeless hostel for teenagers. Every experience of becoming and being homeless is different and they need help in different ways. As you said, less judgment and a little more compassion can make a huge difference. I would also just like to add that people should know that for every homeless person you see asking for change on the street there are 3 more living in a car or disused garage who is too scared or proud to ask for change on the street.