How do you help the homeless in San Francisco? For Donience Sandoval, the answer would be giving them free showers.
A San Francisco cab driver once greeted her with the words, “Welcome to the land of broken dreams.” That phrase penetrated her soul and eventually gave her motivation to pursue what would become the Lava Mae project.
This non-profit organization aims to help out homeless people in the area by converting decommissioned buses into innovative bathroom facilities – complete with showers and toilets.
With more than 3,500 people living homeless in the city, Sandoval is well aware that maintaining proper hygiene can be a struggle for many. The Lava Mae bus is a huge step towards changing that.
Lava Mae Engagement Director Leah Filler explained they’re doing this to “deliver hygiene and dignity and a little bit of hope.”
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How To Help The Homeless
Of course, homelessness is a global concern – and a growing one at that. As the reports tell us, there are around 100 million homeless people across the world. Each of us have to do our part.
“A homeless person,” according to JustGive.org, “may be someone who lost their job, a runaway child, or someone with a mental illness.”
The blog further explained, “One of the first steps in helping people is to see them as individuals and to find out what they need. Notice them; talk to them. Most are starved for attention.”
Even the simple act of giving them food can make a big difference. “When you pass someone who asks for change, offer him or her something to eat. If you take a lunch, pack a little extra. When you eat at a restaurant, order something to take with you when you leave.”
Donating to nonprofit organizations for homeless, volunteering at a soup kitchen, as well as passing information about available homeless shelters in your area can be wonderful ideas, too. That way, the numbers of homeless in San Francisco and elsewhere can be reduced.