Houstonians are definitely not strangers to coming to the aid of those in need. There are numerous ways to help the homeless in Houston, from volunteering at local soup kitchens to organizing food drives. As Houston residents rise to the challenge of providing relief to those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti, they also seek ways to help locally.
Numerous schools and religious organizations throughout the city of Houston help the homeless through annual or semi-annual food drives. Many times, the canned goods and other products collected are sent to the Houston Food Bank, where food is distributed to the homeless and to families in need.
One of the largest food drives in Houston is the Super Bowl of Caring, which is sponsored by local media as well as local supermarkets. This is an easy way for Houstonians to help the homeless because Scout groups go door-to-door collecting food and you can also donate at your local grocery store when you stop in to stock up. HEB, Kroger and Randall’s stores are located throughout the Houston area.
Soup Kitchens & Shelters
One of the most common ways to help the homeless in Houston is by volunteering at one of the area soup kitchens, or by donating much-needed supplies and/or money to these amazing organizations. The Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in downtown Houston has been in continuous operation since the late 1960s, and serves meals every day of the week.
The Turning Point Center is a homeless shelter in Houston that is dedicated to providing support and assistance for Houstonians over the age of 50. They provide housing, meals, clothes, transportation, job training and legal assistance to those who need it.
Homeless Organizations and Missions
There are numerous homeless shelters, organizations and missions scattered throughout the city of Houston, and it is these groups who provide the most hope for those in need. Star of Hope Mission, for example, provides emergency shelter, career counseling, day care and other programs to help the homeless get back on their feet.
How You Can Help
It isn’t necessary to write thousand-dollar checks to help the homeless in Houston; everyone is feeling the strain of the economy, and sometimes monetary donations are simply not feasible.
Many of these charitable organizations have a need for supplies, from toilet paper to bedding to clothing, and you might be able to dig up unused possessions that they could use. You might even be able to organize a food drive or clothing drive, or supply drive in your community.
These organizations also need help in the way of volunteers. There are thousands of homeless men, women and children in Houston, Texas, and it takes thousands of volunteers to provide the assistance they need. From manning food drives to serving in soup kitchens, to cleaning dining rooms, there is always a job if you are willing to help.
Most important, you can raise awareness for the homeless in Houston by posting a link on your web site, blog, Facebook page or other online medium to one of the homeless organizations in Houston. If the need is made clear and the ways to help made visible, there will be far more help for the homeless.
