I used to work at a homeless shelter. I spent 2 xmas'es there bc i dont have kids and wanted the holiday pay. Both years we got assholes calling to see if they could pass out a few plates and show their kids how much they had to be thankful for
The answer was always NO

First, all volunteers were scheduled weeks in advance, screened, and trained

Second, and more important, THE HOMELESS SHELTER IS NOT A PETTING ZOO OF HUMAN TRAGEDY YOU FUCKNUT
I politely told each called about our volunteer policy and suggested they sign up now to be ready for easter. I dont know if any of them actually jumped through all the hoops.
But seriously. Fuck christmas eve voluntourism. Fuck your "reason for the season." Dont use my friends, my community, as a cheap scare tactic for your children.
If you want to really help the homeless:
1. Give them money. Theyre adults, they know what they need
2. Socks. Everyone loves socks.
3. Gift cards to local quick food locations. Food + wifi access = very good couple of hours
4. Your local homeless shelter. Do your research before donating or volunteering. They might suck. They might have shitty anti trans policies. Or they might be ok. Dont give or volunteer without knowing, please.
And the best help of all is preventing someone from being homeless. Can you offer a spare room or a couch to a friend/relative? Do that. Before someone you love gets caught up in the gears of bureaucracy.
My sources: worked at homeless shelter in "progressive" city for 2 years. Also was homeless and car dwelling for several spells over the course of 2 years
Hey thank you d.m.!!! Woo, it makes me feel great when people reward me for sharing my knowledge!
Another tip! Thanks JC (timely initials btw). Im glad this is resonating w so many people.
Holy fuck thats even worse. Id want to put those parents on a list. Something bad is def happening at those houses.
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