By In terms of Pakistan, exact figures on homelessness are not available. But anyone who lives in the country’s metropolitan cities knows that the problem is widespread.
On World Homeless Day, we decided to research on some of the ways we can help the homeless— whether it is by donating your time, or giving jobs or just by showing that you care. Here are just a few of the things you can do:
Employ
If you’re in a position to employ, you can easily train and hire homeless people at your company. You’d be surprised to see how talented and even educated some of these individuals are.
If you’re too wary of hiring an adult who is homeless, you can always find a street child who needs it way more. An estimated 1.5 million children living on Pakistan’s streets are vulnerable to sexual abuse and drugs on a daily basis. By taking a child off the street you can easily change the course of his/her life. We suggest working with shelter organizations to get all the help you need when it comes to helping these children get off the streets.
Give time, not money
It’s perfectly normal to want to give some pocket change whenever you pass by a homeless person but is that really the smartest thing to do? No. In most cases, the money you’re giving is going towards one or two things – drugs or alcohol. And in a way, you’re contributing to the substance abuse that will take place shortly after you’ve given money.
So what can you provide? Food and hot drinks are always a great option. Another great one is clothes and bedding. If winter is approaching, a pair of socks can go a really long way in alleviating a homeless person’s misery.
Acknowledge them
If you can’t do any of the above, try taking five minutes out to talk to them. Instead of looking away the next time you see a homeless person, show them they exist by getting to know them. Talk to them about their lives, where they come from and how they ended up here. It might help them survive another night without shelter. It might help you become a lot more grateful for the life you live.
Donate to a homeless charity
Donate or work for those who are already working in this space. How does one do that when you can’t even find any homeless shelters or charities working for homeless people in Pakistan? Great question. One that we don’t have an answer to but maybe you guys can help by telling us in the comment section below!
What do you think?
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