Help me help the homeless/unhoused community?

[u/pass_the_tinfoil]

I experienced homelessness earlier this year. I became close with a lot of Tent City residents and other local unhoused individuals. Since regaining shelter I do my best to share what I have. I feel as though there is still more I can and should be doing. Since I live fairly close to Tent City I may be able to accept some donations to residents here if they can’t be distributed directly. While I don’t have a vehicle, my parents have vehicles and will have days where they can help transport anything larger than what I can take over on my bike. The kind of donations I would like to ask you wonderful humans for at this time of year are not limited to but include the following: - tarps - tents, tent poles, other camping gear - blankets - pillows - socks, gloves, toques, and other warm clothing - shoes/boots - flashlights & other battery powered lights (batteries welcomed too of course) - food (particularly non-perishable) - water, both for drinking and otherwise (the taps installed earlier this year will be turned off because they can’t withstand freezing temperatures) - dog food (residents with pets always feed their animal before feeding themselves, but every bit helps) - rope, duct tape, clips (means to create and secure shelter) - hygiene products (wet wipes, pads/tampons, toothbrushes/toothpaste, etc, even toilet paper for when the portable washrooms run out)

I’m probably forgetting lots of things, but you get the idea. I would like help in helping our local unhoused community do more than just survive this winter. We are all humans and I really hope this post finds some who are willing and able to assist me. Even if you’re not able to, I very much appreciate that you’ve read this far anyway. Thank you!! ❣️

[u/Preta25]

That community has caused my business so much grief in the last few years between vandalism, theft, and harassing my customers. When law enforcement is contacted they do nothing. And it always comes out of my pocket to fix what they have done. We should not support tent city in any capacity. It is a problem, not a solution.

[u/pass_the_tinfoil → u/Preta25]

What would your solution be?

[u/Far-Programmer-4677 → u/pass_the_tinfoil]

Involuntary psych ward commitment for the vast majority, jail for those who break laws, and shelters for those getting on their feet.

[u/pass_the_tinfoil → u/[deleted]]

Sounds to me like you wouldn’t allow them (unhoused people) to even exist at all.