Homes for Families: How to Work with the Homeless and the less Fortunate

Homes for Families: How to Work with the Homeless and the less Fortunate

Ever wandered what it would be like to work with the homeless? Ever wandered what it was like to work in a soup kitchen, volunteer at a homeless shelter, volunteer at a shelter with abused and mistreated children? Ever wonder what it feels like to be homeless, not have any money, not have access to hot water, a shower or a warm bed to sleep in? Those are probably some questions that many people do not think. Maybe individuals would be surprised at how many people think of those who are homeless and less fortunate.
As social work can be perceived as humanitarian work and other professions that partner with united way, businesses’, or donors’ that help nonprofit organizations that provide monies to agencies within the communities who can assist with the less fortunate and with the homeless. Many organizations come together within communities during the holidays to serve thousands and millions across the nation to serve the homeless a hot home cooked meal on Thanksgiving and even on Christmas. It is a very rewarding experience to be a part of a community project where persons of many different professions roll their sleeves up, put their aprons on, and prepare the meal. As they prepare for many days before, the food is bought, preparation for the food is made, and the meal begins to be cooked. As others corporately make arrangements to serve the many that will walk through the doors. The sacrifice made to be away from family on a day to serve others is a very rewarding experience. As the prayer is prayed before the meal is served and before the guest arrives on Thanksgiving it easily brings gratitude to the soul. It takes the mind off the troubles of the day and resets an individual’s focus on the importance of serving those less fortunate. Treating the homeless as guest and looking them in the eye and welcoming them with open arms, serving them, and smiling while serving does make a difference. Some do not ever have the privilege of being served, nor experience drive thru meals on the go. On a personal note, having had experienced many drive thru windows most employees hand the bag to an individual and some never make eye contact. If the employee does make eye contact they are already asking for the next order. The changes in the generations and the times we as individuals are living are many. So the importance of eye contact whether a person is homeless or not does speak for itself in that it signifies respect and portrays that the individual not only has the person’s undivided attention, but to express with action that they are the most important at the time of the conversation. It is the true spirit of Thanksgiving as we should be grateful and thankful always.
Ever wonder what it feels like for a child to not receive gifts at Christmas not even one gift. Many generations ago some only received an apple, orange, and a stick of peppermint. The attitude of gratitude was present without complaint. Many churches participate in giving shoe boxes at Christmas time for children. Ways to work with the less fortunate. Even a small shoe box makes a tremendous difference in the life of a child within the US and outside of the US. It is very exciting to give, partner, and bless others who are in need.
Another way to help a family in need is to supply a family a Turkey during the holidays, or take an elderly person a meal during the holidays or not during the holidays, provide a meal for a neighbor during the holidays, or buy someone groceries. If not feasible pick up food at a local community church program or food bank for someone in need. Provide appliances or clothes for someone’s house that burnt down. Ways to work in the homes of families and with the homeless or the less fortunate by taking the time out of the mundane routine daily schedule and seek out a soup kitchen, a shelter, or an organization that would welcome volunteers to experience something greater, something priceless, and see what it feels like to work with the homeless or within the homes of families who have experienced a hard time temporarily. There are endless ways to serve others in small humanitarian ways on a daily basis that is inspiring to one’s soul while experiencing a sense of joy and reward that comes from that kind of giving.