3 Ways To Help The Homeless Without Spending Any Money

Homeless people need your help. They are worldwide, whether you see them as you walk down the street or if they are unseen to you as you sit on a couch within a heated house. Many people explain that they would like to help the homeless populations but do not have the extra money. After all, many economies worldwide are in a slump right now.

Here are ways to help the homeless people in your local community without spending a single penny. Even without money to spare, you can still help others.

You may have clothes in your closet that you have not worn in years.

Perhaps items to donate are the jeans that you were hoping to one day squeeze in to or the hippie shirt that went out of fashion three years ago. Likely there are clothes, as well as blankets and towels, in closets that are not being used.

Yesterday I donated an extra comforter and towels to a local charity here in Victoria, British Columbia. It only took a few minutes out of my day to fold the items and leave them outside my building's front door.

Many charities will pick up the items from your residence. You do not even have to use gas to drive to the non-profit organization or struggle carrying the items from the bus stop. Convenience is here. Simply pick up the phone and call a local agency.

Whether you meet them or not, the homeless people who wear your donated clothes or use your blankets will be thankful for your giving nature.

You have not spent a cent yet you have helped at least one person in need.

Another way to help homeless people in your city without spending money is by donating your time to volunteer.

Search online or use the phone book to find local charities dedicated to helping people without a place to call home. There are soup kitchens in Victoria, for example, as well as shelters and drop-in centres.

While some organizations require volunteers to give a certain amount of shift time per week, other facilities do not have a minimal requirement. Be realistic in how much time you are able to devote in your schedule to the particular non-profit organization.

Volunteer regularly or on special occasions such as holidays if that is a better fit for your schedule. No commitment is too small when it comes to helping other people.

Donations of food are another way to help homeless people.

Perhaps you have a few tins of soup in the cupboard that you bought for your son, who has now decided he doesn't care for the taste and refuses to eat. Put the tin to good use by giving it to a local charity that supports the homeless situation in your city.

Donate non-perishable items that are still well within their expiry date. Examples are soup, crackers, jars of pasta sauce, and pastas. Hand-deliver the items to the local shelter or inquire if there are drop-off locations nearby your residence.

Taking the time to go through your cupboards for a few extra items to donate, costs you nothing but is highly worthwhile to the recipient. You may have just provided the food for a family's next meal. You have not spent any money yet that family is thankful for your donation.

You have likely heard the phrase "every little bit helps". Whether donating your time or donating items you already have around the house, you are helping someone else who is in need.

Choosing charities within your own city will have a positive effect on your local surroundings. The effort needed to help a homeless person is far outweighed by the goodness you feel by knowing you have done a good deed without requiring anything in return.