List of needs for the homeless this winter.

Let this article serve as a means to generate ideas of things you can give to the homeless this winter.

I am more than happy to receive items for the homeless at the church Mon-Thursday 9-5 pm.

3121 Moss Side Ave Richmond, Va 23222

https://opsafewinter.org/?p=1269

I never thought that Russell Brand and I would ever agree on anything.

Russell Brand had some interesting things to say about how our society is treating the homeless.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/11/russell-brand-4-billion-spent-on-elections-but-feeding-the-homeless-is-illegal/

Have you ever considered WiFi for the homeless?

Some things like the internet we take for granted.

Have you ever considered what it means to someone who is homeless?

It's a great tool to communicate with family, look for jobs, find resources.

I know there are a lot of misconceptions out there.

I used to wonder how does a homeless person have a phone?

How can they afford one?

Now a days that can't afford to be without.

If they own one it usually becomes a priority to keep it paid up.

Things like smartphones, tablets, and laptops can be life lines.

They are a means to communicate.

I even know a guy who writes a blog on a regular basis.

http://thehomelessguy.blogspot.com

I never imagined texting my homeless friends.

What would you do without your smartphone or the internet?

The same answer you came up with is true for the homeless.

Times have changed and we need to educate ourselves.

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/heres-homeless-people-think-internet-access-seattles-tent-cities/

Creating jobs for the homeless.

One of the challenges I think about quite often is job creation.

What are some unique opportunities to create jobs for those in need?

I have seen a number of great examples of jobs for the homeless.

Here is one example.

http://6abc.com/food/philly-nuns-cranberry-sauce-creating-jobs-for-homeless/411065/

I would love to see more.

Do you have any ideas?

Virginia homeless man posts on Facebook seeking family for Thanksgiving, finds match | syracuse.com

If your want to make a difference start by having a meal together!



Virginia homeless man posts on Facebook seeking family for Thanksgiving, finds match | syracuse.com

Fort Lauderdale giving out bus tickets.

Though it may appear to be a good thing to give out bus tickets to unite the homeless with friends and family, it's not a long term solution.

There are no quick fixes!

It will take hard work and commitment to solve homelessness.

Free bus tickets might look good in the news, but it doesn't address the problem head on.

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2014/11/fort_lauderdale_gives_homeless_free_bus_tickets_out_of_town.php

Creative ways of solving homelessness

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/15/photocharity-house-of-hope-homeless-youth/

Homeless Students Living in the Shadows

It's easy not to think about them. They are not on the street corners flying the signs. They are hidden from plain view in the shadows. They are the homeless students struggling to make it.

http://www.npr.org/2014/11/11/363318370/communities-struggle-to-reach-homeless-students-living-in-the-shadows

Homeless dragged down by belongings, as cities view keepsakes ‘trash’ | Al Jazeera America

We need a safe place in Richmond that offers showers, storage and laundry services.

Quote from article:


“An adult experiencing homelessness can go there to store their possessions, do their wash, take a shower and then go out and interview for a job,” he said. “What we’ve learned is that to be successful, you have to focus on all of these issues.”


Homeless dragged down by belongings, as cities view keepsakes ‘trash’ | Al Jazeera America

Helping Homeless Veterans Locally, and Thinking Bigger - NYTimes.com

Helping Homeless Veterans Locally, and Thinking Bigger - NYTimes.com

Homeless teen finds sister but that's not the best part

Unfortunately a study done by HUD states that upwards of 37% of the children who age out of foster care become homeless.



This is a story with a great ending!



Homeless teen finds sister but that's not the best part

Police charge 90-year-old man, 2 pastors with feeding homeless

This does not help! This only exacerbates the perception that being homeless means you are less than human. Some people just want to sweep the problem under the carpet.

Police charge 90-year-old man, 2 pastors with feeding homeless

We Are All Homeless - Heartwarming Video

The following video is awesome! 



Here are some of the points that hit home with me.



Willie was buying homeless signs as a way to deal with his own discomfort.



It's all about building relationships and making connections.



We need to change the public awareness.



No one story fits all!



Why can't we all acknowledge one another as human beings?



We Are All Homeless - Heartwarming Video