Photo Credit to Coombesy
We have all seen them. We have all driven past and averted our eyes. We have all silently mourned the situation of another, while praying for some possible way to help those in desperate need around us and felt lacking and unable to match the need.
I sure know I have. I have seen these men and women, and no I do not think that this speaks to some slacker character. It’s just a sad reality of this fallen world in which we live. People are hurting, and in need.
The government is not the whole way to answer this need. Maybe, maybe there is a piece to this that it might be able to help, but the reality is that there are too many in need, and too few governing agents to truly, deeply help. And, we must never place on the shoulders of government what was always placed into the hands of the people: love for our neighbors.
[bctt tweet=”We, the Body of Christ, are called to help those in need. I’m taking a stand to do my part.” via=”no”]
But, that’s where we come in: The Church, the Body of the Living God, brought out into the flesh with our hands, feet, mouths, eyes, and minds. We are the Word living in the world today. We are the ones called to answer these needs, one little step at a time.
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them.” ~ Mark 14:7
Don’t allow the enemy to jump in right here and plant seeds of lies: you, the individual reading this, are not responsible for ending all the evils of this world; you, the beautiful person on the other side of the screen, are not meant to carry the weight of all man’s suffering. So, don’t do it. There is a Narrow Way in this that all of us need to keep our toes walking; our Halakha; our Path.
10 Simple Items to Keep in Your Car to Give to the Homeless
The Narrow Way is not burdensome, but simply each of us answering the call in our specific life circumstances to help as we are able. Remember the old woman who gave out of her poverty? Yes, that. We can all give something, whether very much or very little, it does not matter. What matters is the heart; your heart.
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7-11
So, here are 10 items I have found to be helpful to keep around in the car to have something ready to give when I come upon those in need. I have tried to keep them in a reasonably sized container, or tub, to have ready and full to hand out as needed. This is surely not at all an exhaustive list, so add to it and change it as you are called and led. If you can do more, awesome! If you can only do a little, do it. Comparisons are fruitless considerations here.
At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality….” ~ 2 Corinthians 8:14
Protein/Meal Bars
Clif bars, protein-rich bars, and things like this are really great to have at the ready to hand out to those who may be very hungry. Even if it feels like nothing, the person on the receiving end is usually very thankful.
Cans of Pop-open, Ready-to-eat soups
Progresso-type soups are a nice option for this, since they don’t have to be mixed with anything to be eaten. Just heat, if desired, and eat. As little work as possible is typically helpful, since you never know if they have a way to add water, heat it in a pot, etc. Keep it simple.
Meal Coupons
I know McDonald’s and other fast food places have these, but look for the coupon packs that are pretty inexpensive, and can be used to rip off a slip of the paper for a food item. This is not the time for a fast food debate, so please don’t comment about it unless you are truly seeking to work out a hardened rule in your mind. When you are starving, you don’t care; and neither will they.
Water Bottles
These are SUPER inexpensive and can be purchased in enormous packs at Costco and other large warehouses for less than $5. Keep one in the car at all times and you will be set to hand something out, especially in the heat of summer.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great option to set aside a resource, like money, that gives an open-ended use to the person. You can get them in the $5-$10 range and have them set aside and ready to hand out. Go one step further and write a prayer or blessing on the card for the individual. They need your prayers.
Ponchos
Since these can be obtained for very little money, and they typically are folded quite compactly, these are another excellent item to keep on hand. No, it is not foodstuff, but they may have these kinds of needs, too. The only way to know is simply ask.
Photo by Vero Photoart on Unsplash
Razors/Shaving Gel and/or Tampons/Pads
Most of these people may not have the finances to allow them to present themselves for a job interview, or care for their specific gender needs. A practical solution like this may just give them exactly what they need.
Waterless Hair Shampoo
This may or may not actually be helpful, but I figure it can’t hurt. I know that not all homeless people have access to running water for bathing, so a thoughtful option like this may just meet a hygiene need of theirs.
Baby Wipes
Hygiene is difficult to keep under care when someone is homeless, but baby wipes are an excellent option for keeping up with hygiene when water is not available (my husband even had to use these on occasion for military work when running water was not available in the places that he was sent). They are a super practical option to easily keep on hand.
A Moment
Even if you have nothing else, if you are stopped at a red light, you can give them a moment of your time and attention. These are people, human beings, and are experiencing a tough time in life, which neither you, nor I, can possibly say is due to their own fault. Hard times happen. We live in a fallen world. Open your window, hold out your hand and shake theirs (I bet it’s been a while since they have touched another human being). Give them a prayer and a moment of your time. Be a Godly human.
Love this list, Julie! I usually keep water and protein bars in my car for this purpose (especially in summer). I am also glad to know there are other people who feel like helping (if only for a second).
Thanks Bren! I totally agree! Just the other day we saw a military vet on the road, and we thankfully had some cans of Progresso with us, so we gave him a few and I asked if I could pray with him. It was touching and the least I could do, but prayerfully it planted the seed of hope and salvation in his beautiful heart =0) We must always do what we are able, even if seemingly inconvenient.
Since you mentioned shaving supplies for men, it’s unfortunate that you missed a rather obvious and critical one for women – menstrual supplies.
Unfortunate maybe, but again I have not really seen many women, so my brevity and simplicity was focused where I have experience. But, I think it is a great suggestion, too. I know that this list was far from complete, so thanks for taking the time to add your suggestions!
YES! I carry goody bags in my car with food, soap, shampoo…and tampons. Each bag of tampons says, “Use these if you can, give them to a lady in need if you cannot.” As far as homeless women, I’ve seen a few.
Yay! I added it in and made sure those were mentioned too =0) Thanks again! I know I’ve thought about all of these different things while thinking just on my own about this, but when writing it totally eluded me =0)
Yay! I added it in and made sure those were mentioned too =0) Thanks again!
I really appreciate this post. It is important to remind people of these issues and that there are very simple ways to help! One idea that I like is to wrap the small items in a pair of new socks. I think that socks would be greatly appreciated, especially in the winter time. I saw this linked up over at teaching what is good and I am so glad I did! I even signed up for your newletter so can follow all your awesome content. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome Crystal!! I’m thrilled to hear it =0). The sock idea is awesome!! Thanks for sharing that!
I love this list! Thank you for these great ideas!
The Lord put them on my heart. I’m so thankful that they touched so many in a practical way!
These are great ideas! I usually try to keep fives and tens on hand so I can hand them something when we see someone at a stoplight or in a parking lot. I have read about blessing bags, and started an Amazon wish list to remind me to do them. This list is similar, but much simpler. I plan to make up a box full of things ready to grab and give.
Fantastic!!
I love this. We recently made up a small bag of food items that we can keep on if we see someone at an intersection who’s asking.
This is exactly what I want to do too =0)
Great post… my husband and I try to keep a lot of these things in the car and with us!
Yay! Fantastic!
Just in the past few days, I have given away ponchos, plastic tarps, water bottles, fresh fruit, bread & cheese, and lots of moments to our homeless friends, most of whom live in the woods or in abandoned buildings. We stop often to check in on them and we also have a monthly outreach at a local motel where my families live in transition. Here is something I wrote a little while back: http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2014/01/13-ways-to-help-people-who-are-homeless.html
Sorry, that should have said “many families live in transition” – not “my.”
That’s so amazing. We actually live in a travel trailer and would be considered “homeless” by many, but it’s not at all the case. I look forward to reading your post! Thanks for sharing!
The great thing about a gift card to a gas station or a fast food restaurant is not only can they get something to eat, but it gives them the opportunity to use the bathroom and have access to clean water to wash up if they need to. My mom pointed that out to me and I had never considered that. 🙂
pairs of socks are another thing to keep in your car and give to the homeless.