How to Help People Experiencing Homelessness in Sacramento

The number of people in Sacramento without homes has nearly doubled in the last few years. Now, more than 9,000 individuals do not have a place to call home on any given night in Sacramento. While shelters and soup kitchens work very hard to keep people experiencing homelessness housed and fed, they cannot help every person. Many people end up sleeping in their cars or on the streets without basic necessities.

People experience homelessness for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from systemic and race issues. Homelessness is more than just not having a place to live; it’s a serious social problem that affects every aspect of life for those who experience it. It makes it difficult to find work or maintain employment, which can make it even harder to get back on track financially and socially.

Confronting the crisis that is homelessness in Sacramento can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable. You may have certain beliefs about people living on the street or feel like the issue is simply too big for someone like you to tackle.

However, every human being deserves a real chance to make their life better. Some people just need a little bit of help from their community, and that’s okay – that’s why we have communities, after all. We need each other!

Here are three simple, actionable ways you can help people experiencing homelessness in your community:

1. Donate necessities

There are many non-profit organizations in Sacramento that always need clothing, food, water, toiletries, and general supplies. For example, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes has a Needs List on their website that details everything they accept year ‘round. If you have unwanted items lying around your house that you want to donate, it’s a good idea to first check with a local non-profit to see what they need. Some organizations may not accept general donations in order to keep space for essentials.

2. Be kind to everyone you meet

You don’t need to donate time, money, or things to positively impact someone’s life. A little bit of kindness and compassion goes a long way! It’s important to realize that most of us are closer to experiencing homelessness than we care to realize. As the cost of living continues to increase, while wages do not, it’s getting more and more difficult for most people to pay their bills. Try to bring empathy to every interaction you have, whether it’s with a person on the street, someone in a store, a co-worker, or someone next to you in line at the grocery store. You never know what someone is going through – a positive interaction could change the course of their day.

3. Volunteer your time

Volunteer at a local non-profit that aligns with your values. Depending on where you sign up, you may be asked to make or hand out meals, assemble care packages, perform community outreach, organize clothing drives, or do something exciting with children. There are so many ways to help people experiencing homelessness and, chances are, local organizations could use an extra set of hands.

Packs for Cold Backs is a non-profit organization that provides backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, and food, to homeless communities in California, Arizona, and Washington. We are always looking for volunteers to join our team! Contact us today for more information about how you can help people experiencing homelessness in your city.