As the weather gets colder and slush piles up on the sidewalk, the GTA's homeless population need our help more than ever. Read through these 5 tips for helping homeless youth so you know how best to assist the next homeless teen you see on the street:
1. GIVE clothes
You know that sweater you bought two years ago that still has the price tag on it? Or the winter jacket you stopped wearing last winter? Put those items to use by donating them to your local clothing drive. Staying warm at night is one of the biggest problems homeless teens face every winter, so every extra layer helps. If you can spare a few dollars, donate a thick pair of socks as well, as those are often the most sought-after item at clothing drives.
2. GIVE advice
Take a few minutes to look up the youth shelters in your area, so that if you ever find yourself talking to a homeless youth you can help them find a place to stay. Those who live in Toronto can refer men ages 16 to 24 to the YMCA House at Queen and Spadina Streets, which will provide them with food, shelter and counselling. The YMCA of Greater Toronto also runs a drop-in centre for street-involved and homeless youth across the street from YMCA House on Vanauley street, which provides food, medical and counselling services, and employment programs. Our Vanauley St. drop-in centre recently received a $500,000 donation from The Intact Foundation that will help the centre continue to serve homeless youth.
3. GIVE money
Charities count on donations to keep their doors open. Think about how much money you spend on coffee -- could you sacrifice a week's worth of morning caffeine to help a homesless teen? What if you added your favourite local charity to your holiday shopping list -- would that really make a big difference in your overall holiday budget? Take a minute to think about how you can better spend your money this month, and give what you can. The famous saying is true: every little bit does help.
4. GIVE food
Access to nutritious food is a year-round need for homeless youth. While boxes of macaroni and cheese and chicken noodle soup are still better than nothing, try picking up some healthier items to bring to your local food bank. Donate canned fruits, vegetables and legumes such as corn, tomatoes and beans, or canned fish such as tuna and salmon. Make sure the food you donate not only fills up bellies, but also acts as a source of energy and nutrition.
5. GIVE time
Food, money and clothes are extremely helpful, but never underestimate the value of time spent helping those in need. Lending a hand at a shelter or a food bank is just as valuable as giving away material goods. Remember that if no one helped distribute charitable services, there would be no charities to donate to in the first place! Also think about the effect firsthand volunteering can have on you as an individual: one hour of volunteering can teach you lifelong lessons about humility, gratitude and compassion.
1. GIVE clothes
You know that sweater you bought two years ago that still has the price tag on it? Or the winter jacket you stopped wearing last winter? Put those items to use by donating them to your local clothing drive. Staying warm at night is one of the biggest problems homeless teens face every winter, so every extra layer helps. If you can spare a few dollars, donate a thick pair of socks as well, as those are often the most sought-after item at clothing drives.
2. GIVE advice
Take a few minutes to look up the youth shelters in your area, so that if you ever find yourself talking to a homeless youth you can help them find a place to stay. Those who live in Toronto can refer men ages 16 to 24 to the YMCA House at Queen and Spadina Streets, which will provide them with food, shelter and counselling. The YMCA of Greater Toronto also runs a drop-in centre for street-involved and homeless youth across the street from YMCA House on Vanauley street, which provides food, medical and counselling services, and employment programs. Our Vanauley St. drop-in centre recently received a $500,000 donation from The Intact Foundation that will help the centre continue to serve homeless youth.
3. GIVE money
Charities count on donations to keep their doors open. Think about how much money you spend on coffee -- could you sacrifice a week's worth of morning caffeine to help a homesless teen? What if you added your favourite local charity to your holiday shopping list -- would that really make a big difference in your overall holiday budget? Take a minute to think about how you can better spend your money this month, and give what you can. The famous saying is true: every little bit does help.
4. GIVE food
Access to nutritious food is a year-round need for homeless youth. While boxes of macaroni and cheese and chicken noodle soup are still better than nothing, try picking up some healthier items to bring to your local food bank. Donate canned fruits, vegetables and legumes such as corn, tomatoes and beans, or canned fish such as tuna and salmon. Make sure the food you donate not only fills up bellies, but also acts as a source of energy and nutrition.
5. GIVE time
Food, money and clothes are extremely helpful, but never underestimate the value of time spent helping those in need. Lending a hand at a shelter or a food bank is just as valuable as giving away material goods. Remember that if no one helped distribute charitable services, there would be no charities to donate to in the first place! Also think about the effect firsthand volunteering can have on you as an individual: one hour of volunteering can teach you lifelong lessons about humility, gratitude and compassion.
