Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are seven ideas to help homeless individuals and families in ways that go beyond giving direct cash and volunteering. 

• How can donors spread awareness about how to help homeless populations at the systems level? What are you doing to address homelessness in your community? 

• Read more resources on ending homelessness here. 

If you are or were a street philanthropist like me, here are a few ways you can help street families and homeless individuals:

Educate yourself: There are many reasons why a person becomes homeless — loss of a job, medical issues, divorce, addictions to alcohol and drugs, lack of affordable housing, domestic abuse, et cetera

Give in-kind not cash: Consider donating socks, hygiene kits, a blanket or food vs giving cash.

Volunteer: Volunteer your time at a local nonprofit that assist people who are homeless. You can give your time by counseling, donating your skills or helping with program activities.

Research your local elected officials: Find out who your elected local officials are and what they are doing to fight homelessness.

Participate in policy discussions: Raise awareness on the fate of street families and homeless individuals, to encourage legislators to create laws that fight homelessness through initiatives like affordable housing.

Help them find a job: Encourage your faith-based organization or company to hire homeless individuals.

Connect them with local nonprofits or an agency: You can research local nonprofits or agencies that assist homeless individuals. Then you can give them the information on how to contact these organizations.

Read the full article about helping the homeless from VoluCulture Volunteers at Medium.