There are over 400 homeless children in Gainesville.
An increasingly sluggish economy and record job loss is contributing to a growth in the homeless community in the United States. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, as of 2005 homeless families make up 41 percent of the homeless population. Over 30 percent of those families are made up of children under the age of 18. Homeless kids are often hungry, cold and struggle to attend school. The homeless population in Gainesville, Florida is made up of over 1,000 individuals. Contacting help organizations, volunteering at shelters and donating needed items are ways that you can help these youth in need.
Donate Items
Gather items in your home to donate to shelters. Shoes, socks, warm clothing and blankets are much needed items that many homeless children are forced to go without. Purchase items at a local pharmacy such as toothbrushes, soap and other personal care items. Homeless children often do not have access to basic care items. The Salvation Army of Gainesville accepts these items and distributes them to families in need through their assistance programs. The Salvation Army also sells items in their stores to fund other assistance programs.
Donate Time
Volunteer your time. Many organizations cannot pay to keep full-time staff because they need to offer money as assistance. Spending time with the kids distributing meals, helping with homework or just hanging out can be uplifting to them. The Saint Francis House, located on 413 South Main Street in Gainesville, is a shelter and soup kitchen. They need help serving daily meals and organizing donations.
Donate Services
Offer your services free of charge. Specialized talents in construction, legal and medical issues, or fundraising are greatly appreciated by homeless organizations. Free legal help can assist troubled homeless youth who cannot afford the help on their own. Basic medical check-ups and immunizations are services that many homeless kids do not have access to. The Helping Hands Clinic located in Epworth Hall at First United Methodist Church in Gainesville offers many opportunities for individuals with medical backgrounds to assist in the daily operation of the clinic.
Fundraisers
Attend fundraisers and work to get the community involved. The topic of homeless children is often swept under the rug. It is difficult for people to consider children cold and hungry at night. A key to the fight against homelessness is raising awareness. "Stuff the Bus" is an annual event that takes place in Alachua County, of which Gainseville is the county seat. The goal of the fundraiser is to collect school supplies to aid the over 400 homeless children that live within the county. Promoting events like this and many others can help homeless kids in Gainesville.
Tags: homeless children, assistance programs, care items, children often, Gainesville Florida, have access, homeless kids