What Can You Do to End Homelessness?

Homelessness is a growing problem across America and in Bennington County. While it may seem overwhelming, there are many ways that you can help to fight homelessness in your community. Here are a few ideas:

1.) Volunteer: One of the most direct ways to help fight homelessness is to volunteer your time and resources. There are many organizations and shelters that rely on volunteers to help provide services to those in need and BCCH is one of them!. You can offer your time to cook meals, help clean or landscape, or provide transportation to individuals in need.

2.) Donate: Homeless shelters and organizations that work to fight homelessness like BCCH rely on donations to provide services to those in need. Consider donating money, clothing, or other items to organizations that work to fight homelessness in your community. Because we operate a family shelter, in addition to our individuals emergency shelter, we are also in need of gently used furniture, appliances, and home goods.

3.) Advocate: Homelessness is often a result of larger societal issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, and inadequate access to healthcare. By advocating for policies and programs that address these issues, individuals can help to fight homelessness in their community.

4.) Educate Yourself: Learn more about the root causes of homelessness and the resources available in your community to help those in need. By understanding the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, you can better understand how to help.

5.) Support Affordable Housing: One of the most important ways to fight homelessness is to support affordable housing initiatives in your community. Across the US, and especially in Bennington County Vermont, there is a widespread shortage of affordable housing which has ballooned housing insecurity over the last few years. Work with local organizations and elected officials to promote policies and programs that increase access to affordable housing for all.

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to solve. By volunteering, donating, advocating, educating yourself, and supporting affordable housing initiatives, you can help to fight homelessness in your community and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. If you would like to learn more about how you can help, please reach out to our director, Chloe Collins, at director@bcchvt.org