Homeless People

Homeless people are young and old; men and women; single and married. They come from many different places. Some have gone to school - others have not. Some have jobs, but most do not. Some are ill - some are not. In other words, they’re all different. But they do have one thing in common: they don’t have a good place to live.

Many homeless people stay in homeless shelters for awhile. Some move into transitional housing - places that help them get back on their feet. Often, homeless shelters and transitional housing help them get food and clothes. They also provide activities for homeless children.

Helping

Kids already are helping!

- A group of preschool kids helped their mothers planned and serve a meal at a homeless shelter
- An elementary school class made 'Share Care Bags' with soap, shampoo, combs, and toothbrushes for a women’s shelter. They even enclosed personal notes!
- A Sunday school group collected toys, games, and sports equipment and gave them to children at a homeless center.
- A group of fifth graders had a holiday party for homeless children.

Maybe your Scout troop or church group or class could do something to help the homeless. There are many things you can do.

For example, you could:
1. Collect canned food or freshly baked items and take them to a shelter.
2. Ask your parents if you can clean out your closet and give some of your old clothes to homeless children.
3. Collect toys from your friends, for homeless kids
4. Open a lemonade stand or have a bake sale and give the money to a shelter.
5. If you're old enough, volunteer to help at a homeless shelter.

based

1. Courtesy of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.