Volunteering The Homeless Community

As a society, many of us have become highly desensitized to the major issues going on around us. It is an unfortunate reality that millions of Americans go hungry every day, many of those who are considered homeless. With an estimated half a million people living on the streets, in cars, or shelters in the United States alone, it is vital that the community works together to help the less fortunate. Food banks and soup kitchens offer free meals to anyone who may find themselves destitute. Many homeless families rely on these safe havens for basic human nutrition. Due to this epidemic, my community service project consists of volunteering at local homeless shelters to assist in preparing and serving food for them. In addition to spending time

volunteering, I plan to curate small care packages to gift to the homeless people I meet.
In order to complete this project, I plan to volunteer at one of many homeless shelters or food banks near me.

After researching and ultimately choosing an organization, I will be able to sign up to volunteer my time. Many places allow you to sign up with your preferred date, as most volunteer hours take place in the evening for dinnertime. After signing up, I will simply need to visit the site of the food bank and do as they tell me. They may direct me to food preparation, serving, or clean up, among other tasks. Although finding proper nutrition is a large worry for a homeless person, it is far from the only. Many homeless people do not have personal hygiene products available to them. Because of this, I have decided to supply them with basic essentials among other useful items that may brighten their day just a

little.
With the plummet of the economy, the ever-growing number of homeless people in our country only continues. I believe it is our job as a community to help the less fortunate who do not have the resources others may possess. Food banks allow the less fortunate access to basic nutrition, a right every human should have. Ensuring proper nourishment to every citizen is incredibly important to the overall health and wellbeing of each person. Food banks and similar organizations offer homemade meals free of charge to those in need as well as a friendly atmosphere and company to enjoy with. Soup kitchens, which rely on volunteers and charitable donations, are one good step toward ending hunger. As the rate of homelessness in this country grows, so does the number of volunteers needed to keep these establishments running. Volunteering has been shown to be a very rewarding experience, benefiting all of those involved. Those who participate in this type of community service often feel that they feel happier with themselves as they positively touch the lives of those in need. The existence of these organizations allows everyone the right to proper nutrition, while vastly improving lives as a result.
In preparation for this project, I will first research and decide on one of many nonprofit organizations that cater to feeding those who are hungry.

Many of these companies allow for volunteers to sign up for a specific date and time through an online form. After contacting a charity or organization who offers free meals to the homeless, I can visit the soup kitchen and help in any way they see fit which may include the preparation, serving, or cleanup of food. In addition to donating my time and hard work, I will also make small care packages to pass out to some of the homeless people there. To complete this aspect of my plan, I will need to ask permission from a director at the food bank and proceed to ask what items are needed the most. Along with food and water, many homeless people find themselves needing other essential items that they may not have access to. I plan to include things such as a first aid kit, packaged snacks, socks, lip balm, and sunscreen, among other personal hygiene products. By doing this, I hope to make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small, or even just a smile on their

face.
The alarming numbers of homelessness in America, many of those veterans or families, will only continue to rise unless we work together to make a change. Helping the homeless in any way feasible can dramatically change lives. Whether it is donating food, toiletries, old clothes, or even just a few hours of time, every contribution is crucial to help those in need. Volunteers in cities across the country run feeding programs for the hungry on a daily basis, making provisions to countless individuals and families. Nonprofit organizations, such as soup kitchens, often rely on volunteers and charitable donations in order to continue feeding anyone in need of nourishment. Having an opportunity to give back and make a difference in someone's life is a deed with immeasurable benefits to all parties involved. These organizations selflessly work toward ending hunger, one meal at a time.