Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; And it giveth life to all that are in the house.
Mark 5:15
On any given night in America, anywhere from 700,000 to 2 million people are homeless, according to estimates of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.
- single men comprise 44 percent of the homeless, single women 13 percent, families with children 36 percent, and unaccompanied minors seven percent.
- the homeless population is about 50 percent African-American, 35 percent white, 12 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Native American and 1 percent Asian.
- single homeless individuals in 1996 reported an average income of $348 during the last 30 days, about 51 percent of the 1996 federal poverty level of $680/month for one person.
- 28 percent said they sometimes or often do not get enough to eat, compared with 12 percent of poor American adults.
- 44 percent did paid work during the past month.
- 21 percent received income from family members or friends.
- 66 percent of the homeless have problems with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental illness.
- 22 percent have been physically assaulted.
- 7 percent have been sexually assaulted.
- 38 percent say someone stole money or things directly from them.
- 30 percent have been homeless for more than two years.
Many of us live in the country. Just because we don't see people sleeping on park benches doesn't mean your area doesn't have a problem. You would be surprised to know how many homeless there are even in small communities. How can you help this Holiday Season.
One year my Girl Scout Troop collected personal hygiene items ( toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrushes, etc..) and baby items (new diapers, onesies, blankets, stuffed animals and books) and made emergency kits for mothers and took to the local abused women's shelter. What a great lesson to those girls and a wonderful community service.
Shelters this time of year are always looking for coats, hats, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags etc. My daughter right now through her 4-H club is writing up a grant to put together small bags for men with soap, shave cream disposable razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes, gloves. hats and a small bible. The parents and kids will help to put these together and maybe throw in some snacks of some kind and locally donated items and take to the local homeless shelters. Yes we have them even in the country.
Maybe donate time during the holiday season to help prepare and serve a meal at the shelter. Or maybe help out by donating food. Maybe offer a homeless person a job.
On a personal note as this is being posted we are getting our first snow of the year. Temperatures are in the teens with a wind chill in the single digits.
On a personal note as this is being posted we are getting our first snow of the year. Temperatures are in the teens with a wind chill in the single digits.
Blessings from The Holler
The Canned Quilter
Amen sister! We do like to look the other way don't we.
ReplyDeleteEven in our little Tiny~Town I'll see people diggin' through the dumpsters while on the way to church on Sunday mornin's. Sad.
I have a closet full of things bagged up to take to the Crises Center here in town.
When I kiddos were small they always had an excess of toys. They were the only grandchildren for many years. I'd have them gather some 'good' toys before Christmas and take them to the welfare office. It not only made room in our home for more but gave the kids a sense of givin' to those less fortunate. Win~Win!!!
God bless you and may we all see with the eyes of Jesus!!! :o)