What Do Homeless People Need the Most?

There are over 500,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States and roughly 13,000 of those individuals will die every year. The average life expectancy of a homeless person is just 50 years old, compared to the national average of 80 years old.

What’s even more concerning is that roughly 20% of the homeless population are kids, over 50,000 students identify as homeless, and over 40,000 veterans live without shelter on any given night in America. Some of the nation’s most vulnerable, precious people are homeless.

Every single day, homeless individuals go without the most basic necessities. Their physical health worsens, their mental health suffers, and their opportunities slowly slip away. Without our help – no matter how large or small – these individuals will continue to suffer under our watch.

What Do Homeless People Need the Most?

If you were to ask me what homeless people need the most, the obvious answer would be shelter – after all, it’s a necessity that they don’t have. And while temporary shelter offers a glimpse of hope, what they really need is a stable, long-term, safe, and encouraging home.

Of course, that’s asking for quite a lot and most people don’t have the resources to give homeless people a home. The good news is there are other necessities and luxuries that homeless people are in need of and they’re items that you already have around the house.

Not only that, but there are intangible things that they need in order to get out of the hole they’re currently in. Keep in mind, a lot of these individuals don’t have families (or supportive ones, at least) or a support group to help them up when they fall down – but they always have you.

Here are some of the most prominent things homeless people need the most – besides a home:

1. Clothing

Many homeless people haven’t had a clean change of clothes in days, weeks, even months. They can use everything from socks to underwear, shirts, pants, shorts, jackets, hats, gloves, ponchos, and hoodies. They can also use laundry detergent so they can go to the laundromat.

2. Haircut

One thing that can completely change a homeless person’s mood is a good, quality haircut. It’ll instantly increase their happiness, confidence, and self-esteem, which is something every homeless individual needs. After all, we all know how good that post-haircut feeling truly is.

3. Toiletries

Homeless individuals have an extremely hard time maintaining their hygiene, which is why anything from deodorant to hand sanitizer, lotion, body wash, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, shaving cream, towels, and other personal hygiene items.

4. Money or Gift Cards

While most people feel weird giving homeless people money, there are alternative and indirect ways to donate money to homeless individuals. For example, you can donate to a local shelter, charities, and non-profit organizations you can donate to. You can also go the gift card route if you don’t feel like giving cash directly to a homeless individual.

5. Food

Another obvious need for any homeless person is food and water. Since most people that are homeless eat very little throughout the day, anything helps – though you should prioritize healthy, well-balanced foods like granola bars. You should also consider donating pet food for those that have a pet.

6. Bus Passes

A majority of homeless people don’t have any form of transportation or way of getting around town. Providing them with a bus pass gives them that freedom, especially those that live in a city. They’re inexpensive, but extremely valuable to anyone needing to get around the city.

7. Blankets

A blanket goes a long way in providing warmth and comfort, especially when outside in a cold environment. They get used often, but that also means they get worn out quickly and when they become ruined, they lose their purpose. How many of us have an extra blanket laying around to donate to homeless shelters?

8. Childcare Items

We mentioned above how roughly 20% of all homeless persons are children and the homeless youth need help just as much as the adults. That’s why donating anything from diapers to baby food, baby wipes, kids clothing, school supplies, toys, medicine, strollers, and other baby supplies to homeless shelters is a must.

9. Opportunity

While some homeless people got themselves in the position they’re in with their own bad life decisions or habits, others might’ve been dealt a bad hand and need nothing more than a little opportunity (job interview) to regain control of their life. That little bit of momentum goes a long way in that individual making a series of good decisions that lead to positive, sustainable results.

10. Compassion

The final thing homeless people need the most is compassion from those that are in a better position than them. Something as small as a smile, a ‘Hi, how are you?’ when you pass by them on the street, a quick conversation with them to let them know they’re being heard. It’s important to remember that homeless people are people just like the rest of us and have the same needs.

Do You Want to Donate a House to Charity?

Do you have a depreciated home that’s collecting dust and isn’t doing you any favors? Have you inherited a property that you don’t want to care for? Are you looking to take advantage of the tax benefits of charitable donations? Do you simply want to do a good deed for those in need?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then we want to speak with you. At Old Glory Housing, we provide affordable housing to those that need it most – including homeless veterans looking for a second-chance at a good life. We help them turn their lives around.

We are always on the lookout for house donations and would be honored to help you turn that run-down property – no matter the condition – into a fully-functional home for someone in need. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about the process of donating a house to charity.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.