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Why I support Homeless Awareness Month...
Honestly, I think a lot of people are a paycheck or two away from being homeless. More so if you are single, dont have a lot of family, etc.
Without my parents, I probably would have been a month or two away from being homeless when I lost my job at Ambrosia Interior Design. I was unemployed for just over a year... and unemployment is REALLY not enough to pay all of your standard bills here in Southern California (And elsewhere I am sure). I started my own pet sitting business, and I also drove people to the airport and picked them up for extra cash - sometimes at 3am to LAX. I did what I had to - but even then, without the support of my parents, I would have been in some serious trouble.
Last year I actually volunteered in a homeless shelter for the first time. The Armory in Santa Ana is turned into a cold weather shelter for a few months, and I had driven by it for a few years, on my way home from work from Ambrosia and my job now... and I cried almost every single night seeing people in line. Especially if there were kids. I never knew how to help. I finally found an AMAZING group on Meetup for volunteers and the guy who runs it lists SO many volunteer opportunities. I volunteered quite a few times, but I remember my first time my mom called me as I got home and I couldnt even talk to her... I was crying so hard.
It was so humbling. It was also so very sad. I was listening to two women talk and one woman was saying she would be mortified if her son knew she was there, but she cant live with him... he has a nice two bedroom place but his girlfriend wont allow it. If I was ever with someone who wouldnt let a needing family member stay with us while times were hard, THEY would be out. I couldnt believe it and my heart ached for her. There were so many people in there, just like me. Of course you had the drunk people, the high people... but I didnt judge. Something made them turn to drugs or alcohol to the point it made them homeless, and I am not there to judge anyone. The entire experience broke my heart.
I collected quite a few items last year, and took them every time I went to volunteer and you have no idea how amazing it felt to see people in a shelter warm, because of something you took out of your own closet because you just didnt need it anymore. I am collecting again - so anything you can give, is appreciated.
Socks (NEW) HIGH DEMAND
Underwear (NEW - Mens and Womens) HIGH DEMAND
Mens clothing HIGH DEMAND
Womens clothing
Blankets - Twin size
Hats / Gloves
Clean those closets, let me know what you have to donate!
I also will take a check / cash to go shopping for the above items.
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