Getting involved volunteering with local charities.

In Canada in a year, there is a minimum of 35,000 to 40,000 youth without a home. It takes a lot of compassion to want to help, and attacking a problem on that large of a scale can be overwhelming. While some may not have the financial means to donate, volunteering time and effort with homeless youth charities can be rewarding to make a difference in your community.

Finding Opportunities Through Your Community Resources

One way to get involved in volunteering with homeless youth charities is by searching through communities at your disposal. As a student, many universities have clubs and charities that you can apply for or donate your time.

Personally, at Queen's University, I found Bags of Promise through orientation week programming at Queens in the Park (QTIP). Many clubs have charity fundraisers or directly work on charitable acts. As another example, this past year I joined Yarning for Love, an AMS-ratified club that donates knit and crochet baby items to the HUGS program at Kingston General Hospital.

Most universities also have resources for students experiencing financial difficulties that will always need helping hands. Through the student government, the Alma Mater Society (AMS), I volunteered at the student food bank.

Apply for Bags of Promise

Bags of Promise is an organization that provides necessities and comfort items for homeless youth. You can apply to your local chapter or start a chapter if there isn't one in your area. Bags of Promise provides care packages for homeless youth, including items like socks, toiletries, and snacks. You can volunteer to pack bags, deliver them to youth shelters, or organize fundraisers to support the organization. Check out our website for more information.

Reach Out to Local Food Banks

Another way to get involved in volunteering with homeless youth charities is by reaching out to local food banks. Many food banks work with homeless youth, and they may need volunteers to help sort and distribute food.

Conclusion

Youth homelessness is an incredibly large problem that is daunting to try and help, especially if you don’t have the financial means to support large-scale charities. However, a desire to help is more than enough to get started. Take the first step today and start making a difference in your community!

Written by Service Director - Selena Sivec