Keeping Austin Homeless Warm

Photo credits to Urban Acres

Written By: Andrew A. 

Edited By: Jayne R.

One of the toughest challenges of helping the homeless is attempting to keep those in need warm during the cold winters. No one should have to try to survive living outside in the winter. If you or someone you know are looking for ways to help keep the homeless warm here are three ways you can do so. 

Blanket Donations

The first way you can help the homeless stay warm is by simply donating a blanket to a homeless organization. In Austin, Texas, Front Steps has several links on their website directing those who want to, to online stores where they can purchase and then donate a blanket to Front Steps. 

You can find the link at the top of the page under the tab “Blanket Drive,” or follow the link above and it will take you to the “Annual Blanket Drive” page telling those interested how they can purchase and donate a blanket. 

Even though it may feel like buying and donating a blanket doesn’t seem like enough, Front Steps assures that the blanket goes a long way and will have a significant impact on the person who receives it. 

So, don’t let this method of giving deter you from following through with it. This kind action will make a difference long term. 

Working at a Community Kitchen

Photo credits to First United Methodist Church

Another route to take to try and keep those in need warm is to volunteer working at a community kitchen. Caritas of Austin has a program where anyone who is 12 or older can go and volunteer at their community kitchen to serve warm meals to the homeless. 

They are always looking for volunteers and for those who are looking to have an instant impact on the homeless population this is a great way to help and interact with people safely and face to face.

Working in a community kitchen can also be something fun to do if you go with a group of friends and work together. Or, if you want to go by yourself it’s a way to meet others in your community and get to know people. 

You might even make lasting connections with whom you work alongside or even the people you serve meals to. 

Clothing Donations

Photo credits to @salvationarmygu 

The last option that I would recommend to take, if you’re trying to keep the homeless population of Austin warm, is to donate clothing to a Salvation Army Thrift Store. 

The Salvation Army is always looking for more clothing to accept and resell at low and affordable prices. Whether it’s clothing you’ve had for years or have barely worn, the Salvation Army is more than happy to accept any clothing donations you give to them. 

Rather than throwing out the clothing, put it to good use and give it to an organization who can then resell it to someone who really needs it. 

We all have days where we just want to get rid of clutter and items in our life, but taking the time to consider donating your clothing rather than throwing it away can make all the difference in the world for someone else. It’s a simple gesture but makes a tremendous impact none the less. 

Final Thoughts

Any one of these kind acts is a solid route to take. You don’t have to do all of them, but even just committing to one of them is good enough to feel like you’ve done your part and helped your community. 

When you find the time to do one of these tasks, I can almost guarantee you’ll be glad you followed through with it. 

Tags: Blanket Donations, Austin Homelessness, Community Kitchens, Clothing Donations, Salvation Army, Caritas of Austin, Urban Acres.