Holy Family Catholic Worker House

Homelessness: What you can do! 

It can be a challenging thing to learn about homelessness and all of its complexities.  Sometimes, the entire issue seems overwhelming and sad.  But there are small steps we can take toward becoming more aware of how poor people are treated, and plenty of roles we can play in helping them! 

Things to think about Individually: 

* Start to examine your own stereotypes (these are views we hold of other people, groups, neighborhoods, etc.).  What stereotypes do you hold? What stereotypes were passed to you from your friends and family? What ideas have you received from TV/news/radio? How do these views influence how you treat and respond to poor people? 

* Start to be aware of the language you use and labels that are placed on people that harm their sense of dignity (“ho-bo,” “bum,” racial slurs, “lazy,” “welfare queen,” “ghetto,” etc.) 

* Explore what issues you believe in and those that you are passionate about.  What are your values? What makes you sad? What makes you happy? Are these areas that could include service to other people? 

Taking Action: 

* Volunteer! Find opportunities to interact with people who may be different from you.  Learn their perspective on the communities in which they live, and ask them about their views on the world.  Be open to getting to know people who may seem strange or scary. 

* Ask questions! (And demand answers!) Why can’t people who work afford housing? Are poor people treated differently than other people? How are children affected by poverty? What do I have to do with any of this? Why don’t more people/organizations/officials step up to help? What isn’t being done that could be? Why are there vacant buildings if there’s a housing shortage? Why are poor people the responsibility of churches? (And the list goes on…) 

* Identify your resources.  What do you bring to the table? What are your talents and abilities? What skills could you offer to be a part of the solution? 

* Scan your community.  What organizations exist that are working with and for poor people? What are the needs of those organizations? How can you be an ally for those organizations? Can you volunteer or support them somehow? 

* Take initiative with projects to help the homeless.  Consider organizing canned food drives, collecting blankets, clothing, winter items (coats, socks, gloves, hats), or toiletries (soap, toothpaste/toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.) Organize an awareness campaign in your school or church about homelessness, poverty and hunger.  Invite speakers to come to your school to talk about poverty.  Ask them to bring someone with them who struggles with poverty who could speak to the class. 

* Read about poverty! Explore resources that talk about poverty and homelessness and why they exist.  Challenge the idea that “if it doesn’t affect you directly, then it has nothing to do with you.”  Expand your mind to think critically about ending poverty and stopping violence.  Talk about the things you read with other people – engage others in conversation and debate! 

* Consider careers and higher education that will help the poor.  Believe in yourself and in your ability to use your life to make a difference.  Look for career ideas that will be influential in making change.  Learn how to live simply and shape your life after your ideals! 

* Get involved in your government! Find out what laws and policies exist that harm poor and homeless people.  Write letters or call public officials to tell them how you feel about a particular subject.  Learn how the whole process works.  

People don’t hear enough from KIDS!You bring new, creative solutions that haven’t been thought of yet!

USE YOUR VOICE!

by Vicki Kline, curlspunk@hotmail.com