There are numerous shelters and organizations to help the homeless in Broward County, but they need volunteers to fulfill their mission.
According to the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, there are an estimated 5000 homeless men, women, and children in Broward County, Florida. There is clearly a need for more volunteers to help those who have found themselves in this situation. Broward County has numerous shelters and organizations dedicated to the homeless, each with their own specific needs.
Instructions
1. Donate cash or items. Homeless shelters in Broward County, Florida, are always seeking donations in the form of cash or items to help support their programs. If you have an old car, it could provide a fresh start for a homeless person with no transportation. The Broward Partnership for the Homeless has needs for non-perishable food items, professional clothing for the homeless to wear on job interviews, books for all ages, clothing for children, and baby items such as car seats, strollers, and high chairs.
2. Volunteer at a shelter. There are several homeless shelters in Broward County that could use volunteers. A directory of shelters (homelessshelterdirectory.org) is accessible on-line. Another good source is Broward Outreach Centers (miamirescuemission.com/browardoutreach). Consider bringing your family, friends, and co-workers along to support the shelter. You may be asked to help sort donations in a thrift center or prepare grooming kits. Let the shelter director know if you have any special skills that might be of assistance.
3. Organize a fundraiser. According to the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, the local government provides less than half the funding necessary to fulfill their mission. The remainder must come from private contributions and other agencies. You can help the homeless in Broward County by organizing a benefit. Anything from a simple pancake breakfast to a fancy gala affair could help meet the needs at a shelter. Gather friends who support the shelter and begin planning. You might add a silent auction to the event and ask businesses around Broward County to donate items. Involve the media in promoting the event and send personal invitations to local politicians and civic leaders.
4. Spread the word. Getting more people aware and involved helps every homeless program work better. Tell your friends, speak at your church, involve your child's school, and alert media contacts to programs and needs at the shelter you decide to support. Post information on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The Broward Partnership for the Homeless has a speakers bureau and can provide someone to share information to any organized group.
5. Provide a meal. The Breaking Bread Breaking Barriers program through the Broward Partnership for the Homeless is always seeking volunteers to help feed those in need. Gather your friends, family, or church group and cook a meal together through their food services department, then serve it to residents and sit down and share a meal with them. Other ways to help are by donating money to purchase food for the program.
Tags: Broward County, Broward Partnership, Broward Partnership Homeless, Partnership Homeless, Broward County Florida