Lending a Helping Hand

More stories from Jasmine Smitley

www.fastcodesign.com

www.fastcodesign.com

Lately people have been showing more kindness towards the homeless and they are willing to help them. There are tons of homeless people all over  the world, having approximately 1.56 million in the United States. People in the United States have come to realize just how many people are living on the streets or in shelters, and they are trying to help those in need, especially now in the cold seasons.

Some people have set up racks full of coats outside of there shops or restaurants for those who need them. Instead of donating clothes to second hand stores, they are donating clothes for people to just take them without any charge. Homeless people do not have to money to buy the things they need and now that it is getting colder out they need something to keep them warm. Because there are places like these restaurants and shops, people can just take what they need and those who want to help can leave donations. Emilia Flores, an owner of one of these restaurants, has been helping those in need for a while now.     

“Are you cold? Take one. Do you want to help? Leave one,” said  Emilia Flores.

Other people have trucks with showers that allow the homeless can take showers. The truck supplies people with all the essential toiletries and a safe place to shower. One truck is in St. Louis, Missouri and is owned by Jake Austin. He connects hoses to fire hydrants for the water and heats the water with a special generator. Many homeless people look for jobs but are turned down for various reasons hygiene being one of them, so now that there are safe place for them to shower, they have a better chance at getting a job.   

“Good hygiene promotes health, fosters hope, and restores dignity to those who may have lost it,” said Jake Austin.

Not everyone believes these homeless people need help and many are quick to judge. Some people believe homeless men and women are homeless because they are alcoholics or drug addicts, but that is not the only reason people are on the streets. Everyone makes mistakes and most have the opportunity to correct those mistakes but the not everyone always gets that chance. People can be skeptical and that leads them to think badly on lending a helping hand to someone they do not know. 

“It’s a good thing they are getting the help they need but it’s hard to trust people on both sides,” Said Mathew Shults

A lot of people are excited about the change of heart. It inspires them to do more to help out those in need and it makes them feel good. Helping others sometimes makes people feel good about themselves, and when others see people doing good it inspires them to do the same. Sometimes the littlest of things can make someones day and it might seem like nothing to use but to someone who has nothing the little things go along way.

“It’s so cool people are helping out more, it’s a good change from how it used to be,” Said Kelystah Martisko.