Ways you can get involved in assisting those in need in your community

Virtually all of our communities have local organizations that help those who are unhoused or underhoused, or who are struggling with food insecurity. Here are some ways that you can help.

Giving to others in need is a global concern, but if you’re looking for ways to help, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference right in our own backyards.

“I would say your first step is to do your research and find an organization that really connects with you,” says Marie MacCormack, vice-president of philanthropy and communications for Fred Victor, an organization that has helped people dealing with poverty and homelessness across the Greater Toronto Area for almost 130 years, with 22 sites and more than 65 programs. “Every single neighbourhood in Ontario has a food bank, a meal program, a shelter program. Supporting those in your own community helps you feel more connected and creates a relationship that feels less transactional and is potentially very rewarding.”

Finding an organization can be as easy as doing a quick internet search, but you can also reach out through local churches and community centres, check social media platforms, and even try something as simple as asking your neighbours.

Perhaps the best and easiest way you can help is with donations. “It certainly has a big impact. Giving food is great, but usually organizations can turn a $100 donation into twice as much food as you could purchase through retail,” explains MacCormack. “Most food security programs, food banks in particular, have relationships with suppliers and so they can make dollars go a lot further.”

If giving money seems a little uninspired, remember that you can be creative about how you raise the funds. Hosting a bake sale or a potluck can be a great way to raise money and invite others to learn about food insecurity. Selling used clothing, holding a garage sale or getting neighbours together for a street sale can be impactful and meaningful ways to raise money, as well as inform and inspire others about the growing problems around poverty and inadequate shelter in our communities. MacCormack suggests inviting someone who represents a local shelter to come and speak to your work or community group about the growing number of people facing homelessness, poverty and hunger and suggesting ways you can help.

For those who want to decide where their money is spent, consider an organization that has an e-commerce site where you can purchase “survival kits” of items like clothing, personal care, meals or gift cards.

If you can’t donate money, there may be opportunities through some organizations to give used clothing or household items. “The key here is gently used, clean and in good condition,” says MacCormack. Remember that shelters don’t have lots of storage to keep things like out-of-season clothing. “It’s best to check with the organization first to see if what you have is something they need. Otherwise, it’s best to take these items to a local charity shop.”

What about volunteer opportunities within our local shelters? “Some shelters have volunteer programs, although not all have the capacity to bring in volunteers.” MacCormack goes on to explain that volunteers often must be screened to work with vulnerable populations and be reliable about their commitment. However, dependable members of the community with certain skill sets can often be valuable resources for a local shelter. Note that preparing food is only optional for those volunteers who already have a food handler certificate, since most shelters have commercial kitchens.

Finally, if you have the potential to offer work to those who are undersheltered or undernourished, many shelters have employment and training programs to help people get back on their feet. “Remember that most people want to work, to be contributing members of society,” reminds MacCormack. “We help about 3,000 people per day, preparing more than 20,000 meals per month. Food insecurity is a huge issue because, unlike shelter, food is somewhat discretionary. Lots of people in the communities we serve are going hungry.” Fred Victor has seen a significant 154 per cent increase in demand for their food programs since COVID-19.

Organizations that assist those experiencing homelessness and hunger such as Fred Victor, Good Shepherd Centres, The Hub, Shelter Health Network and Mission Services of Hamilton depend heavily on the charity of the community to keep these programs going, so please also do what you can to help these nonprofits by advocating for government funding with your local officials.