Helping the homeless
As the Gazette’s de facto poverty reporter, I’ve learned a lot about need in Rock County.
But visiting the GIFTS Men’s Shelter last week was an eye-opener.
Just about everyone I approached was willing to tell me his story. The stories were all different, but there were some common threads.
The ever-elusive OTC member Brad Chaimson, of News 3 in Madison, and I teamed up for a package on homelessness this week, which happens to be National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Click here to see Brad's story, which ran Wednesday. My part runs in Sunday’s Gazette.
It’s not all doom and gloom. I reported on some programs the Janesville School District is running to try to break the cycle of poverty for homeless and low-income students. They’re offering tutoring for homeless elementary students, mentoring for at-risk Edison Middle School students and “graduation coaching” for at-risk high school students.
Over the last few years, I’ve learned that mentoring is one of the best ways to help low-income students achieve their potential. If they spend time with caring adults who believe in them, they’re more likely to believe in themselves and follow the examples of those adults. That’s why I decided to volunteer for the Connections mentoring program at Edison Middle School this fall.
My “mentee” isn’t homeless, but she has many siblings and just one parent in the house, so she can use some one-on-one time with an adult. I had my first meeting with her last week, and tomorrow I’m going to a pizza party and play with her and the other Connections kids. I’m looking forward to it.
But if mentoring kids isn’t your thing, there are all kinds of ways you can help those in need. Organizations such as ECHO, Community Action, House of Mercy and GIFTS can always use volunteers and donations. You can help serve breakfast to needy students or wrap presents for families that wouldn’t have anything under their trees (or menorahs or however you choose to celebrate) if not for local groups.
You can get connected with school district programs by calling (608) 743-5000. Or you can find lots of other volunteer opportunities through the United Way Volunteer Network at (608) 757-3040.
Nov 19, 2009 at 10:22 p.m.
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There's an elderly gentleman that hangs out at our local BK looking for spare change in the parking lot and probably some good company. Every once in a while, I will stop in, pay for his favorite sandwich, and hand deliver it. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the time to sit with him to learn his story.
Nov 19, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.
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Why not give them money? You're not going to give them enough to lift them out of poverty. If they buy cigarettes, or alcohol with it you bought them a few brief moments of relief from what must be an unbearable situation. Yes, it angers me when I give someone money and they buy cigarettes, but then I remember it's not my place to judge (hard). I bet if a homeless person had two cigarettes, and you had none, they would give you one. Well, most would.
Nov 19, 2009 at 2:21 p.m.
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That is a good question. Definitely don't give money, I did that once (at my young daughters insistance) and the man bought cigarettes with the money. I wanted him to use it for food, not cigs. This is not saying everyone would do that, but you have to be careful. Maybe buy a couple bus tokens and give them to them and tell them Echo is on Academy Street.
Nov 19, 2009 at 1:41 p.m.
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Can anyone answer this question...What are you supposed to do when you see someone you think is homeless standing on the side of the road with a sign that states "Will Work for Food"? Are you suppose to call the Police or Rock County Crisis?
Nov 18, 2009 at 9:09 p.m.
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Kudos, Stacy! This is a hot topic now in Jville. Many people are JUST realize that there is poverty and homelessness in this municipality.
Way to go! Keep it up!
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