Homelessness and Covid-19: What can you do to help?
Since March 2020 the world has looked a little different. One virus has been able to change the whole world. But Covid-19 hasn’t affected everyone in the same way. While most of the world has been trying to stay at home and stop the spread, the homeless community and food insecure have been facing a whole different multitude of issues.
Facing issues such as finding a public bathroom to use, earning nothing from pan-handling to pay for lunch, and being unable to get access to services that they used to rely on. In addition to the struggles of the homeless community, families that were living at the poverty line are now being forced to choose between paying to keep the lights on or paying for food for their families and children.
Increase in Demand
The charities we support have been struggling to keep up with change in demand. Seeds of Hope in Toronto was feeding 200 – 300 people per week last year and is now feeding 2,000.
Good Shepherd Hamilton is facing the same reality, rushing to set up a surge shelter in FirstOntario Centre in downtown Hamilton to sleep 50 in early April. While shelters became hotspots due to lack of masking and distancing, there was a mass exodus into tent encampments this summer, but the surge shelter will return to Hamilton this winter to protect those most vulnerable from Covid-19 and the cold.
Decline in Donations
Luckily, these charities are able to keep up with the rise in demand. But, is it sustainable? Most of our charities are also reporting a decline in donations.
Traditional food drives and fundraising initiatives have had to change. Good Shepherd held their first ever online auction and Interval House Hamilton, a shelter for women with and without kids, held a virtual variety show. Our charities have reported a loss in donations this year by up to 70%.
So, what can you do:
1) Donate a car, motorcycle or truck to Homeless Cars. It’s as easy as calling. We pick up your car free of charge and we e-mail you a tax receipt for the value of your car. You won’t have to pay a cent and you’ll feel good at the end of the day.
2) Support your local food banks. Most grocery stores have areas that collect canned goods, drop some off next time you’re in.
3) When you see an organization posting a virtual event, sign up and enjoy it from your living room!
4) Instead of buying presents for your friends, family and the kids this holiday season, make a donation in their name!
