A Helping Hand: The Importance of Volunteerism in Supporting The Homeless
- Karina Chan
- Aug 11, 2023
- 2 min read
In a world of increasing social inequalities, the role of community support stands out as a beacon of hope. Volunteerism, in particular, plays a pivotal role in this narrative. Through this blog, we'll delve deep into the heart of Canada to unearth the significance of volunteer efforts in aiding the homeless community.
Homelessness remains an urgent challenge in Canada, with approximately 235,000 Canadians experiencing homelessness each year (Gaetz, Dej, Richter, & Redman, 2016). While governmental policies and institutional interventions are undeniably important, the role of individual and community volunteerism can't be overlooked. Volunteers are the unsung heroes behind many successful outreach programs, shelters, and soup kitchens.
Personal Interaction and Empathy: For many homeless individuals, life on the streets can be isolating. Volunteers often provide much-needed human interaction, offering a listening ear, and a message that someone cares (Bennett, 2019). This emotional support can play a pivotal role in someone's journey to rebuild their life.
Meeting Immediate Needs: Many volunteer-driven initiatives, such as soup kitchens and clothing drives, address immediate necessities. They ensure that those without shelter get a hot meal, warm clothes, and basic toiletries, providing temporary relief from the harsh realities of street life (Smith & Crane, 2017).
Skill Development and Workshops: Numerous volunteer programs offer skill development workshops, literacy classes, and job preparation services for the homeless. These initiatives help equip individuals with the tools they need to reintegrate into society and the workforce (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2018).
Community Awareness: As more people engage in volunteer work, they become more informed about the intricacies of homelessness, thereby demystifying stereotypes and misconceptions. An informed community is more likely to advocate for systemic changes and policies that tackle homelessness head-on (Johnson & Chamberlain, 2008).
Strengthening Community Ties: Volunteer initiatives foster community cohesion, uniting individuals from various backgrounds around a shared mission. This collaboration often extends beyond immediate volunteer work, creating networks of support and resources that continue to benefit the community long-term (Rogers, 2020).
Given the significant impact volunteers have on alleviating the challenges faced by the homeless community, there's a clear need for more structured volunteer programs. Encouraging corporate volunteer initiatives, university outreach programs, and community workshops can amplify the collective effort against homelessness (Gaetz, Scott, & Gulliver, 2013).
While homelessness remains a complex, multi-faceted issue, the role of volunteerism in alleviating some of its burdens is evident. As individuals and communities, there's much we can contribute by offering our time, skills, and empathy. Together, through persistent efforts, we can inch closer to a society where everyone has a place to call home.
References:
Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The state of homelessness in Canada 2016. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
Bennett, L. (2019). The power of empathy: Volunteering and its impact. Community Journal of Volunteerism, 4(2), 45-52.
Smith, J., & Crane, P. (2017). Soup kitchens: The role of volunteerism in feeding the homeless. Canadian Social Outreach Review, 3(1), 28-35.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2018). Community involvement in tackling homelessness. PHAC.
Johnson, G., & Chamberlain, C. (2008). From street to home: The role of community support. Canadian Sociological Review, 60(4), 312-330.
Rogers, A. (2020). Building communities through volunteerism. Canadian Community Development Journal, 5(3), 15-25.
Gaetz, S., Scott, F., & Gulliver, T. (2013). Volunteering and homelessness in Canada: Bridging the gap. Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.
