How can you make a difference in the life of somebody who is homeless?
There are many ways that you can assist homeless people in your region/city and across Australia.
1. Be respectful. Remember that they are human beings and deserve to be safe and feel respected. If you witness someone abusing a homeless person you should report it to the police - unfortunately this happens all too often in areas where there is night life and alcohol present.
2. Have a conversation. Don't walk by and judge - stop and talk. Find out more about the person and their needs. You may be surprised with how much you can gain from a conversation with someone who is on a different walk of life. Of course you need to ensure your own safety whilst doing this and take caution as you would with approaching any stranger you come across. Also, it is important to respect their wishes and not push topics that they are not willing to discuss.
3. Give. Whilst some people prefer not to hand out cash, there are many other things that you can give. Food, toiletries, hygiene items, blankets/jumpers, insect repellent, socks, deodorant. Try to determine what the person may need - is their backpack worn out? Do they have holes in their socks or shoes? Do they have a pillow or blanket to lay on? If you're not sure, just ask. It's as simple as saying 'Excuse me, is there anything you need from this shop?'. You can collect toiletry items that you haven't used from your hotel room and hand them out. You would be surprised at how quickly these items add up.
4. Another thing that you can give is your time. Are there organisations or service providers in your area who need volunteers? You can volunteer as little as a few hours a week and make a big difference whilst gaining a world of knowledge and experience. Check out our 'Resources in Your Area' page for a list of the charities, organisations and service providers in your area who assist people who are experiencing homelessness. Get in touch today to find out if they are in need of volunteers.
5. Another fantastic way to help out the homeless is by printing our guide of services/organisations in your region, which can be found on our 'Tools and Resources' page. It can be difficult to find out about available services such as showers and hot meals when you do not have access to the internet. When given to people who are homeless, this guide will provide them with times, days and contact information for services that can provide both short term and long term relief and assistance.
6. Give a Street Kit. Our Street Kits provide much needed immediate relief for people who are sleeping rough. You can provide them with a safe, comfortable place to sleep and much needed basic essentials. Imagine going to sleep tonight knowing that someone out there is currently in a much better place because of your generosity. View our Street Kits
7. Shop in our ASAP Apparel store. ASAP Apparel's proceeds are used to purchase and distribute Street Kits, and to employ people who are experiencing homelessness.
1. Be respectful. Remember that they are human beings and deserve to be safe and feel respected. If you witness someone abusing a homeless person you should report it to the police - unfortunately this happens all too often in areas where there is night life and alcohol present.
2. Have a conversation. Don't walk by and judge - stop and talk. Find out more about the person and their needs. You may be surprised with how much you can gain from a conversation with someone who is on a different walk of life. Of course you need to ensure your own safety whilst doing this and take caution as you would with approaching any stranger you come across. Also, it is important to respect their wishes and not push topics that they are not willing to discuss.
3. Give. Whilst some people prefer not to hand out cash, there are many other things that you can give. Food, toiletries, hygiene items, blankets/jumpers, insect repellent, socks, deodorant. Try to determine what the person may need - is their backpack worn out? Do they have holes in their socks or shoes? Do they have a pillow or blanket to lay on? If you're not sure, just ask. It's as simple as saying 'Excuse me, is there anything you need from this shop?'. You can collect toiletry items that you haven't used from your hotel room and hand them out. You would be surprised at how quickly these items add up.
4. Another thing that you can give is your time. Are there organisations or service providers in your area who need volunteers? You can volunteer as little as a few hours a week and make a big difference whilst gaining a world of knowledge and experience. Check out our 'Resources in Your Area' page for a list of the charities, organisations and service providers in your area who assist people who are experiencing homelessness. Get in touch today to find out if they are in need of volunteers.
5. Another fantastic way to help out the homeless is by printing our guide of services/organisations in your region, which can be found on our 'Tools and Resources' page. It can be difficult to find out about available services such as showers and hot meals when you do not have access to the internet. When given to people who are homeless, this guide will provide them with times, days and contact information for services that can provide both short term and long term relief and assistance.
6. Give a Street Kit. Our Street Kits provide much needed immediate relief for people who are sleeping rough. You can provide them with a safe, comfortable place to sleep and much needed basic essentials. Imagine going to sleep tonight knowing that someone out there is currently in a much better place because of your generosity. View our Street Kits
7. Shop in our ASAP Apparel store. ASAP Apparel's proceeds are used to purchase and distribute Street Kits, and to employ people who are experiencing homelessness.
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