What You Can Do To Help
As real estate agents, we're in the housing business. We provide service to those looking to buy or sell their homes. Opposite this scenario sits the bleak circumstances of the Homeless. As we help our clients work through short sales, foreclosure, bankruptcy - the scenario touches very close to our hearts.
This particular post is focused in the SWDesert area of Tucson, AZ, but a quick search online will point you in the right direction in your hometown, I'm sure.
Homelessness can strike anyone, at any time. Poverty, lack of affordable housing, disability - all of it leads to homelessness within our communities. Mortgage foreclosure, health crisis, loosing a job, divorce and familial issues -- all these and more can trigger the downward spiral. The situation is not discriminate -- all ages, ethnicity, and backgrounds can be affected.
In Tucson, AZ, January 2009 statistics put the homeless in shelters at over 4,000 people, and those NOT in shelter care close to 700. Families represent the fastest growing group to make up the homeless population in the United States. In January of 2009, Pima county was servicing over 1000 children and youth under the age of 21.
You can begin to imagine the trickle-down effect of financial resource in these days of budget cuts and cut programs, and the continuing housing recession.
Those of you that reside in the steamy temperatures of the SWDesert - picture the effect of 110 degree days and monsoon storms on the homeless. Basic needs like water, protection from the sun, and clothing are vital. Insect repellent is another vital need.
This week, the Arizona Daily Star featured a story on the needs of the homeless, as well as lists of donations requested and drop off points.
The Primavera Foundation is asking for the following: Bottled water; Deodorant; sports drinks; ChapStick; SPF 30+ sunscreen; sunglasses; light-color, light-weight fabric shorts and t-shirts of ALL sizes; shoes; backpacks; hats; foot powder. Donations can be dropped off at Primavera, 702 S. Sixth Ave. Tucson 623-5111
The Salvation Army is asking for the following donations to distribute through its Hospitality House: Bottled water, sunscreen, sunglasses; ChapStick, and hats. Drop offs are accepted at the Salvation Army's Hospitality House, 1021 N. 11th Ave., Tucson 795-9671, all Walgreens locations and at any Naughton's store.
Take a look around. No matter your health, your personal life, your financial situation, etc. there are folks in worse situations. There's a Walgreens in most every neighborhood so you don't have to go far. What can you do to help?
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