I have set-up a Haiti resource page on JustinSchuck.com/Haiti to discuss ways that we can help the people of Haiti. After talking with
some like-minded friends, I would like to coordinate a service project in Haiti as soon as the spring. I will not be able to do that without
your help and support.
For more information, please visit my Haiti page and share on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Stumbleupon and whatever network you use
to stay connected.
I have served as part of a volunteer corps for Christmas in April, for my church and for other community organizations.
Charities that focus on the needs of homeless individuals and families are dearest to my heart. Every year I walk and
raise money for the Help the Homeless Walkathon in Washington DC. I've seen that people are much less likely
to give money for homeless charities than for cancer. The reality is that every dollar received by these groups
has such an immediate impact on the lives of so many people that your involvement is less diluted.
In the last year we have seen a staggering increase in the number of families and people who have no permanent
place to call home, some with good jobs, and kids in school. I've seen first-hand how food banks, church food drives, and
the simple acts of kind souls have made a positive impact in the lives of those suffering.
I won't sit here and wax religious, but if we as citizens of the world are to learn nothing else from the life
of Jesus Christ, have we not learned that to help the least of our neighbors is to help ourselves? I could go on and on
but I won't. Bottom line: join me in helping eradicate homelessness in ours the most free and prosperous nation.
Here are a few simple ways you can help the homeless every day:
Buy McDonald's, 7-11 or Subway gift cards in reasonable denominations to give to those who seem most in need. If someone is
hungry give them a gift card. For those who have concerns over where the money goes, this is a perfect option. I try to
carry a couple in my bag at all times.
Carry granola bars and single dollar bills. Healthy food items and a dollar go a long way.
Save your food from a restaurant, cutting off any bite marks, and give it to someone on the street. If you don't want to give it directly to
someone, leave it directly on top of a trash can, or park bench. Maybe even leave a note with it.
Remember that no one wants to be homeless and that often times a simple 'hello' will do better than avoiding eye contact.
It's very easy to tell if a person is begging for money or if someone is hungry.
If there is a homeless individual you see regularly, learn their name. Interact with that person as if you had met them
at your gym. Afford him or her the kindness you would someone who would be dead tomorrow. Your life will never be the same.
Offer them a job. It may just be raking leaves or sweeping a job site. Offer them a shower, a hot meal, and an hourly
wage you would expect to receive for doing the same work. The gift of dignity and self-worth is more valuable than you could
possibly imagine.
Gather clothes you do not wear and donate them to a church, a clothing drive or do like my father and give them directly
to someone in need. A good rule of thumb is that if there is something you have not worn for more than a year, it's time to
give it away. For more fashionable items, find a Goodwill or Salvation Army to donate the items. The shops can raise money
and provide affordable clothing options.
Organizations I support:
Autism Speaks
Help the Homeless Walkathon
American Cancer Society
Central Union Mission
UNITY of Greater New Orleans (formerly UNITY for the Homeless)
St. Luke's Shelter
Change.org: End Homelessness
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
Catholic Relief Services
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