EVERYONE DESERVES A HAPPY HOLIDAY
For the homeless and to the many living in poverty with small children, getting through the holidays is the toughest for them. They are the invisible, silent majority in our towns and communities, but nonetheless, they are still humans. Sadly, many typically tend to turn a blind eye when it comes to the homeless or those struggling to make ends meet. We avoid eye contact, we walk away from their path, or we do not respond to them if they tried to address us. This is a painful and debilitating experience for them.
While it is hard enough for many of us during the holidays, we can still be thankful that we have a roof over our heads, clean clothes, a bed to sleep on, and daily access to food any time. Unfortunately, this is not the same for the less fortunate in our communities and around the world. We are so caught up in our personal lives and overlook those more in need that are living in poverty especially with small children. They are the silent majority that we are guilty of turning a blind eye to.
Did you know?
- 2019 Statistics: 567,715 overall number of people are homeless in the U.S.
- 70% are individuals who are living on their own or in the company of other adults
- 30% are people in families with children
- 40% of homeless people are children
- 35% suffer from substance abuse problems
- 25% suffer from untreated mental illness
- 11% are homeless Veterans, and roughly 3.7% of veterans become homeless in the first five years after leaving the army
- Homelessness are more common in urban areas than in rural areas
Poverty does not always mean homelessness, in fact, there are many who are employed but the high cost of living prevents access to affordable housing. Many women especially those with children are homeless because of domestic violence. There are many reasons for the cause of homelessness and poverty in our communities. Complex issues create a perfect storm that leads to a person’s homelessness. No matter the reason, it is best to stay optimistic. Look for the positives and always make the best of a situation.
How can we help?
While we cannot end homelessness and poverty overnight, we can however:
- Watchmen have been feeding the community and homeless at Prospect Park hot meal every week.
- Watchmen have a food pantry, open to the public year-round every Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm (more hours will be added)
- Pandemic creates a hardship for many families, we stock up our food pantry with more food supplies to help those struggling. We keep our food pantry running throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic.
This year we are proud to announce that we are hosting and sponsoring a Thanksgiving Meal event for the homeless and the community. Every meal is worth $10 in value. If you can, please donate to support our mission. Our mission is to watch over humanity by supporting, protecting, and preserving life. Every dollar funds the ingredients, packaging materials, meal distribution, and the infrastructure of our operation. Your donation helps keep our mission going and break the cycle of hunger for the less fortunate and be the hope for future generations.
We truly believe that the kindness anyone can share into the world will always find a way to come back. You may not think too much of it, but your small gesture means the world to them.
Watchmen has partnered with our longtime affiliate (Kingdom Connection Outreach Ministries)to support our community. Together we will prepare and distribute 250 delicious hot Thanksgiving meals to the homeless and the community. Please support us any way you can.
Would you like to support a meal to those in need today?
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