Winter is Here: Five Easy Ways to Help

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As the temperatures continue to stay low and the forecast predicts more snow and cold to come, our community has thousands of people who are in need of shelter. Throughout Pierce County there are many great organizations who are open to help beyond capacity, allowing for overflow, but the need for help is ever growing.

There are many ways individuals can assist people who are experiencing homelessness during this cold.

  1. Carry in your car scarves, hats, gloves, and wool blankets. New are nice but gently used from a thrift store will keep them just as warm.
  2. Purchase and hand out new socks, hand warmers and emergency blankets. These items will help make a difference.
  3. Carry gift cards for coffee shops and fast food restaurants. This will allow someone to leave the street, get something warm to eat and drink, and be in a warm environment for a few hours. Cards for places that the lobby is open 24 hours allows them to be inside during the coldest part of the day.
  4. Purchase bus tickets to hand out. Public transportation passes give the opportunity to get to shelters safely and allows someone to ride in a heated bus for a few hours if the shelters are full.
  5. Offer to buy them a cup of something hot to drink and/or a meal and join them. The gift of your time is a valuable gift to someone who is often overlooked as people go about their daily lives.

What are other ways you can think of to help someone experiencing homelessness? You can share your ideas with us in the comment section or join us at our Community Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, March 21 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Oasis of Hope Center (1937 S. G Street, Tacoma).

By uniting together we can build a stronger community; one that provides safe and secure housing for everyone in need.

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