Many people here have been through tough financial times, but I dare say, most don't know what it is like to be homeless.  I cannot even imagine the suffering these people endure.  In addition to helping out in the ways you suggested, we also need to be pressuring our elected officials.  They put so much money and effort into things that don't matter that they really need to help find solutions.

1.  Address the issues causing homelessness which include, mental illness, addictions, loss of employment sources...

2.  Address shelter conditions.  Shelters can be dangerous places.

3.  Help homeless people get services by providing them with an address, job training...

You know, we have so many vacant buildings that need some work.  We have so many homeless that need a place to live.  What if we taught those that are able a little about contracting.  Teach them drywall, roofing, plumbing, electrical...  Have them help restore some of these properties.  Then, give them an apartment in the building, to live, for a period of time so that they can find work.  Give them some job placement assistance and a wardrobe to help them interview.  Give them interview coaching...  Many of these people need a hand up, not a hand out. 

Those with medical/mental illness issues should be able to get some treatment if they are open to it.  They should also be able to get some assistance in applying for whatever assistance they may qualify for.  It's a shame how much a little medical treatment would help some of these people.

You know, if we gave a little more than a bed to sleep in, we could make a real difference.  Homelessness is not a disease.  It is not contagious and it does not mean the person is bad or did something wrong.  I don't remember the exact statistic, but I do know that the percentage of homeless that are American Veterans is staggering and deplorable. 

It's not about being Republican.  It's not about being Democrat.  It's about being HUMAN!  We are always screaming at China about Human Rights.  Maybe we should lead by example rather than by rhetoric.

OK, I will get off my rant for now.  But, Sticks, I agree with you, we need to start helping by doing those things you suggested.  Then we need to push harder for the right thing to be done by those that can create change!

 

It is so sad, in California I use to see homeless people all the time. I don't see them here where I live now.

I use to take things to the shelters to help and I would buy food and/or coffee for the homeless I would see on the streets.