We all have that one cause that resonates with us on a personal level. For my son, Leo, it’s homelessness. Whenever we venture into the city, he insists on giving money to nearly everyone he sees on the street. The thought of someone lacking a place to call home is beyond his understanding; it truly disturbs him.
A while back, we had a heart-to-heart about simple ways to effect change in the world, discussing proactive measures instead of just complaining about issues. By the end of our conversation, Leo was determined to create care packages to distribute to those experiencing homelessness.
As is often the case with good intentions, time slipped by, and I thought he might have forgotten. But Leo’s concern remained. Every time he spotted someone in need, a sense of urgency flickered across his face, as if he felt an undeniable need to assist. A few weeks ago, while in the city, he asked, “When are we making those care packages?”
We brainstormed what they should include. Leo envisioned backpacks filled with essentials like bottled water, socks, toothpaste, and granola bars. I suggested adding a note with information about local shelters. He crafted a heartfelt card to tuck inside each bag. I ordered backpacks that read “you are valued” on the outside and stocked up on supplies (shoutout to Amazon for the bulk deals!).
Last week, we assembled 50 backpacks ready to hand out to those in need. Any extras would be donated to a local shelter, ensuring that the message “You are valued” reaches as many people as possible.
Kids can be incredible sources of inspiration, bursting with compassion and creativity. The issue of homelessness deeply resonates not just with children but adults too. Everyone deserves shelter and sustenance, yet the problem often feels overwhelming and complex. It’s easy to retreat into our own lives, putting on blinders and moving on.
Sure, we might donate occasionally, but sometimes it takes the gentle nudging of our kids to propel us out of our comfort zones to create real change—even if it’s just for a single person in a single moment. I’ll always remember the joy on a woman’s face when Leo handed her one of our care packages.
If homelessness strikes a chord with you too, here are some ways to get involved—with your kids:
- Celebrate with Purpose: Instead of gifts, encourage your kids to ask for donations to a cause they care about during birthdays or holidays. When Leo turned 8, he opted for a party with one condition: no gifts. Instead, he asked for donations for the local homeless shelter. The result? Dozens of backpacks filled with essential items for those in need. Talk about a win-win!
- Donate Food: Many shelters offer rotating sites for those without homes, providing meals and a place to stay overnight. While kids may not be able to volunteer at the shelters directly, they can help gather or prepare food for local locations. A quick online search will help you find nearby shelters and their specific needs.
- Educate: Take the time to learn more about the homelessness crisis in your area. Support initiatives for mental health services, affordable housing, and advocate for living wages and better healthcare for vulnerable populations. When you understand the issues, you can write letters to your elected officials alongside your children.
- Engage with Homeless Youth: Reach out to local shelters to find out about volunteer opportunities, particularly those focusing on helping homeless youth.
- Practice Kindness: Even when you don’t have cash to spare, a simple smile or greeting can go a long way. Acknowledging someone’s humanity by looking them in the eye and saying “hello” or “take care” can make a significant difference.
If you’re curious about other ways to support individuals and families facing challenges, check out our other blog post on home insemination kits. For further insights on this topic, Make A Mom provides excellent resources, and Progyny is another fantastic source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, taking small steps can lead to meaningful change in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. By involving our children and teaching them the importance of empathy and action, we can make a difference, one backpack—and one smile—at a time.