Feeding homeless people is also a form of praxis. Even if you aren’t arming for the revolution, you are still contributing to fighting against capitalism.

  • ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.netEnglish
    28·
    13 days ago

    To add onto this:

    Most cities often have a group that renders mutual aid directly to those most in need, and they would love your help. Food Not Bombs is the most well known, and they have an index you can search to find one local to your area.

    If you don’t have one in your area, you and some friends could start your own Food Not Bombs chapter instead! Alternatively, a local church who is already assisting the homeless can be a good place to find an established group, even if you’re not religious.

    For people in need while on your way to work or the grocery store, assembling Care Packages can allow you to immediately render useful aid. The contents of a care package will be determined by your area and the needs of the people you’re looking to give them to. Chatting with a person in need and asking them what would be most helpful to them is one of the best ways to narrow down the essentials, and avoid things that won’t actually be of much use.

    But there are generally a few universal things that will always be appreciated.

    🔻 General Care Package Contents 🔻
    1. Socks! - This is often the most requested aid, as they prevent blisters, and wear quickly due to constant use and frequent walking. Used socks are fine as long as they’re washed and clean. For colder or wet climates, wool socks are vastly preferred, as they have anti-bacterial properties, and still provides warmth even when wet.
    2. Hygiene supplies - Things like a bar of soap (with sealable bag to store it when wet), deodorant, babywipes, a washcloth, toothbrush and paste, rinseless body wipes, comb.
    3. Menstrual hygiene supplies.
    4. Over-the-counter Medical supplies - Painkillers, bandages, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol.
    5. Calorie-dense non-perishable food - This often takes the form of canned foods (ensure they have a pull tab!), protein bars, or dehydrated fruits. Try to avoid hard or crunchy food, as it’s possible the person you’re trying to help may have active dental issues that may not allow them to chew those types of foods. Softer foods are preferred.
    6. Electrolyte drinks or drink packets - Especially needed in hotter climates where electrolyes will be constantly lost through sweat, and can be life threatening if not replaced. Ones with sugar tend to have more calories, but may not be usable by those with diabetes, so it may be a good idea to have some with alternative sweeteners as well.
    7. Money - Cash can drastically increase the quality of life of someone without access to an income, and allow them to obtain the things they need most when they need it. Any amount you can afford is useful.
    8. Backpacks - If they don’t already have one, a backpack is generally much appreciated to help carry around the supplies in your care package. You can often find them used at thrift stores.
    9. Petfood - Catfood is preferable to dogfood, as catfood can be eaten by either dogs or cats, while the same can sometimes not be true for dogfood. People with a pet companion will be quite grateful.
    10. Resealable Waterproof bag - Something like a large ziplock so that they have a waterproof place to protect their supplies.

    Lastly, if you have access to a printer, try to include a page of resources such as a list of local mutual aid groups where they can obtain more help in the future, along with their address and times that they operate. On the opposite side, a map of your area and any local public transit routes and timetables would also likely be useful.