What You Should Know About Helping the Homeless

Perhaps you saw one of our volunteers holding a sign that said #EndHomelessness or Homeless Human on World Homeless Day. And you’re wondering just how to go about ending homelessness or what it means to see someone on the street as human, not homeless.

First off, just reading this blog is a step in the right direction. You want to make a difference. That's step one.

Step two is less of a step really and more of a mindset. Be prepared to be discouraged, to see countless obstacles, and even to be overwhelmed by the need. Hold onto the power of one: One person performing one small act can make a difference. You're not called to solve homelessness, but you may very well be called to do one thing to help.

1. no easy solutions.

Click here to read Barb’s story of how she tried to help two people get off the streets.

This is a heartbreaking and open-ended echo of many stories we see that show ending homelessness involves a lot more than just having a place to sleep. That’s why UGM is focused on helping to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

2. Feeding people in need is more than dishing up soup.

Click here to learn more about the role food plays in ending homelessness.

While the Union Gospel Mission started as a soup kitchen, we are committed to pursue excellence in all areas, including meals. Don’t get us wrong: When we have soup, it’s still amazing. But most people who come to UGM’s dining room for the first time are impressed by the quality and variety of the meals and the friendly service. If you hang around for a while, you realize those aren’t hit-or-miss anomalies but hallmarks of a commitment to feed people’s bodies AND their souls.

3. No matter who you are, you can be part of the solution.

Click here for 10 different ways you can help the homeless in practical and eternal ways.

You want to help, to make a difference. But because the problem can be so complicated, you’re not sure where to start. We can help you with that. In fact, we would like nothing better. The Union Gospel Mission is an extension of compassionate partners and the Body of Christ; just as the arm or the eye or the ear is nothing by itself, so we are nothing without you.

If you have questions about an issue surrounding homelessness, chances are it’s something we’ve talked about before. Try clicking the "Impact Blog" icon at the top of the page and using the search bar to check out what the blog says on the topic.