5 Benefits of Being Part of a Community During Homelessness
Homelessness affects every part of the world, and many of us may brush with this experience at some point in our lives. However, despite homelessness being a primary focus for many governments, the issue won’t resolve overnight.
This is why communities like ours are at the heart of homelessness support and prevention. With the help of compassionate services and wonderful volunteer staff, we’re honoured to help thousands find hope, care, and a sense of belonging.
Let’s look at some of the benefits communities like ours can provide in times of need and see how a commitment to serving others is changing lives across our beloved city of Brampton.
If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness, our doors are open. Discover a fresh start today.
#1. Food, Showers, & Access to Technology
We believe that basic needs are a right, not a privilege, so homeless communities like ours always provide sufficient access to food, clothing, and hot showers.
But basic needs go a lot further than eating well, keeping warm, and maintaining our hygiene. Communication is becoming an increasingly integral part of our society, so we want people to have ample opportunities to use devices like computers and printers to improve their situation the best they can.
Job research and applications are more dependent on internet access than ever before, so access to technology is essential to combating homelessness in our city. On top of job searching, access to technology can help connect family members worldwide, bringing a much-needed sense of support from loved ones in times of crisis.
Other basic needs communities like ours can provide can also include:
Education
Transportation services
Personal care items
Shelter
#2. Health Care & Treatment
There are many reasons why people become homeless, but this shouldn’t affect their ability to obtain adequate health care when they need it. Unfortunately, research suggests that being homeless can increase the risk of several health concerns, including:
Foot conditions
Hypertension
Cognitive impairments
Sexually transmitted diseases
HIV
Hepatitis
Nutritional deficiencies
Injuries
Many of these problems can become more severe over time, so it’s essential to address them quickly. Some communities can provide limited care services but can offer a wealth of hygiene supplies to help prevent specific issues from developing further.
In most cases, homeless communities can help resource various medical services depending on the issue and discretion of the individual. These resources can include emergency room services, doctors, specialists, and counsellors.
#3. Mental Health Counseling & Addiction Prevention
The mind is incredibly complex, but trauma, mental illness, and addiction can severely affect how it functions. Luckily, homeless communities understand the importance of quality mental health support and addiction counselling and typically offer a few different services to help those struggling find some stability in their life.
According to recent research, a little over 11% of homeless people struggle with cognitive impairment, making homelessness a dangerous, confusing experience for many. Addiction is also a common issue associated with homelessness, with the most common being alcohol dependency (55%).
Communities can put at-risk individuals in touch with professionals who can work through these issues with compassion. If you need a mental health professional now, please contact any of these helplines:
24/7 Crisis Line: 905 278 9036 or 1888 811 2222
Central Intake: 905 450 1996
Streethelp Line: 1 887 848 8481
Region of Peel: 905 793 9200
Peel Housing Services: 905 452 1300 www.peelregion.ca
PAARC (Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral): 905 629 1007 www.paarc.com
CMHA: 905-451-2123 cmhapeeldufferin.ca
#4. Social & Life Skill Workshops
Mental health issues and prolonged periods of homelessness can also affect how people behave and handle various situations. However, with the help of coaches, therapists, and volunteers, homeless communities can provide workshops and events where individuals rediscover their ability to interact with others and take care of themselves.
Some of these workshops can include:
Financial education
Culinary skills
Grief and anger management
Relationship building
#5. Spiritual Guidance
Lastly, one of the most important benefits people may find from joining a homeless community is spiritual guidance and support.
The power of faith cannot be overstated, as it helps many rediscover their purpose in life or redefine what it means to be a part of this world. Through faith-based healing, studies have shown that people have been empowered to leave behind destructive or negative aspects of their lives and replace these habits with worship.
Many communities provide programs focused on various faiths, but all are welcome regardless of creed.
Discover These Benefits & More at Regeneration Outreach
Through difficult times, a little support can go a long way.
Our programs are available to all, with certain services running throughout the week. If you or someone you know is in need, let us know, and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Essential Checklist for People Experiencing Homelessness
Homelessness can make each moment a challenge, whether it’s finding a place to sleep, eating, or managing various hygienic needs.
But help is always available.
Communities like ours are working hard to ensure everyone has access to their basic needs, and we rely on the help of donations and volunteers to realize our goals. We’re grateful for the thousands of hours our volunteers have contributed and the millions of pounds of food we’ve collected through donations, as every little bit can change a life.
Today, we will cover what basic needs are essential to meet while experiencing homelessness and what our community, neighbours, and families can do to help.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with homelessness, contact us today. We’re here to provide support in every way we can.
What Are Basic Needs?
Basic needs are the essential items and amenities a person needs to survive.
What constitutes a basic need has changed over the years, and definitions vary between countries and researchers. However, basic needs typically include:
Food
Water
Shelter
Clothing
Access to healthcare
Some of these essential items are provided as part of our marketplace or Regeneration Thrift Store, while others may be included in our list of amenities.
Urgently Needed Items
At Regeneration Outreach Community, we accept thousands of donations every month. And the more donations we receive, the more people we can help support.
Of course, there are certain items constantly in demand. Not only can these donations help feed and clothe people facing homelessness, they also stock the shelves of our marketplace and Regeneration Thrift Store.
Take a look at some of our urgently needed items and find out how you can help support our community.
Clothing
Pants and shorts
Shoes and boots
Brand new underwear (Depends underwear also welcome)
Shirts and sweatshirts
Coats and jackets
Winter gloves
Toques and scarves
Baby clothes
Food
Canned veggies and fruits
Canned meats
Canned soups
Jarred or canned pasta sauce
Dry pasta
Rice
Peanut butter
Cereal
Macaroni and cheese
Non-perishable baby food
Hygiene
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Body soap and shampoos
Sunscreen
Women’s hygiene products
Deodorant
Shaving cream and razors
Sanitation wipes
Toilet paper and paper towel
Baby wipes and diapers
Other In-Demand Items
Sleeping bags
Blankets
Towels
Laundry detergent
Pillows
Small appliances (coffee-makers, toasters, blenders, etc.)
Tools and home equipment
We may also accept furniture and electronic devices on occasion, but these must be clean, unbroken, and in good working condition. We won’t accept items with scratches, cracks, or missing pieces.
Access to Amenities
While many of the items listed above are extremely helpful, they’re only a step towards meeting everyone’s basic needs.
Access to amenities is essential for many people struggling with homelessness but very difficult to achieve. That is why many communities like ours also provide numerous amenities that can be used throughout our program hours, free of charge.
Showers
Some communities offer shower facilities during operation hours, including soaps, shampoos, and towels.
Showering regularly reduces the risk of contracting skin infections and developing conditions like dermatitis and eczema. To help keep skin healthy and clean, we recommend showering once every day or 2.
Barbers & Salons
Another essential part of maintaining hygiene is having access to hair cutting services.
Long hair can be difficult to take care of and can often become oily and tangled if it doesn’t get washed and groomed regularly. Because people who are experiencing homelessness may not get many opportunities to clean their hair, communities can help keep hair short and clean with the help of hair cutting services.
Laundry
Just like showering, doing laundry is essential for cleaning away dirt and bacteria that can live on old clothes. If these clothes aren’t washed regularly, it can increase the risk of developing issues like scabies, respiratory infections, acne, and rashes.
Regeneration Outreach Community offers laundry services during our regular operation hours, and we even provide laundry soap and dryer sheets.
Internet, Phones, & Other Technologies
While not typically needed to survive, internet access and communication technologies are becoming more important as job recruiters and support programs go online. While traditional access to these opportunities is still available, people may have a better chance of improving their situation by accessing the internet.
Many communities, ours included, offer internet access as part of our commitment to helping people find a way off the street.
Social Programs
A huge part of what makes communities like ours so impactful is the list of social programs and workshops we have available. These programs are designed to help people take an active role in improving their lives, teaching them valuable skills like:
Cooking
Managing anger and anxiety
Bettering their health
Managing their finances
Coping with grief
You Can Make a Difference
Homelessness is difficult, but help from people like you makes it easier to bring people off the street and into a life of warmth, comfort, and security. With your donations and volunteer time, we can provide the continued support members of our community need each and every day.If you’re wondering how you can help, please visit our Volunteer page or look at our Donations page to browse our urgently needed items. Please donate your items at our Regeneration Marketplace at 253 Queen Street East.