Homelessness has been on the increase in America and the numbers are now exploding. On a
a single night in January 2020, there were more than 580,000 individuals who were without a home.
There are many reasons for the increase in homelessness and one of the leading causes is a lack of
affordable housing across the country.

We see them so often yet pretend that we don’t. Some people who would like to help don’t feel comfortable giving money to people who are homeless, but here is one way you can help: fill up a bag
with items people need to live, and keep it in your car to give away when you see someone in need.

The items most requested by the homeless community are socks and underwear. Other items that
are of use are handi wipes, disposable toothbrushes, chapstick, tissues, toothpaste, nail clippers, a
comb or brush, dry shampoo, hard candy, feminine hygiene products, disposable razors, and soap.
If you are able, you may want to add $5 or $10 to the bag. In lieu of that, get a supply of gift cards to
Mcdonald’s, Arby’s, Burger King, or other food places and put one or two in each bag.

It’s a simple way for people to lend a hand when they encounter someone on the streets or in the
parking lot of a strip mall or at a streetlight.

We think that this could never happen to us, but the truth is that we don’t know. Catastrophic medical
bills can break a family. That’s just one way we could find ourselves without a home. Poor investments and dishonest trustees are other ways. Inflation plus job loss occur every day in our society. No one is immune anymore.

So, value what you have and share a little with those who don’t.