As of 2020, the US homeless population was at over half a million people. Although the majority of unhoused individuals are located along the West Coast and in Texas, there are also high numbers living in Midwestern states like Michigan, which have some of the most brutally cold winters in the nation. Each year, people experiencing homelessness are faced with long months of dangerously low temperatures and the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, other illnesses, and death. Fortunately, you can help to provide essential relief in a variety of ways. 

Here are some simple ways to help unhoused Americans stay warm this winter:

• Make a monetary donation to a nonprofit. Whether you are able to give a small or large amount, monetary donations are the single most powerful resource you can give to organizations that support unhoused people. Nonprofits are experienced at making the most of every dollar donated.

• Volunteer regularly at a nonprofit organization near you. If you can, consider regularly volunteering at a local shelter, warming center, or related advocacy group. You can work in a variety of roles, depending on the organization’s needs, and you’ll gain a valuable understanding of homelessness and nonprofit operations.

• Volunteer at fundraising events. If you can’t volunteer on a regular basis, consider one-off or annual volunteering at a major nonprofit fundraising event. Encourage family, friends, and acquaintances to sign up with you for maximum impact.

• Increase the visibility of relevant nonprofits. Whatever your age, occupation, and interests are, you have a sphere of influence. You can use conversations, social media posts, flyers, and plenty of other media to get the word out about nonprofits and charities who offer assistance to unhoused people. Encourage your audiences to do what they can to help the most vulnerable during the harshest seasons.

• Donate clothing and supplies. If you donate new or gently used winter clothes, outerwear, or supplies, you can both support people who are experiencing homelessness and clean out your closet. Be sure to start by checking with local organizations to see what types of supplies they need most and how to deliver them.

Help Unhoused Populations With the Cristo Rey Community Center

You can help the unhoused population get relief from Lansing, Michigan’s extreme cold winter weather by donating new or gently used clothing to our Community Clothing Closet. We are in need of blankets, socks, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, boots, and backpacks as well as men’s winter clothing for the unhoused population we serve. 

Cristo Rey Community Center (CRCC) is a non-profit basic-needs service center that provides access to food, medical care, and counseling programs to all our neighbors in need. Since 1968 we have been working to heal the sick, feed the hungry, protect and enrich children, engage and honor our elderly, and advocate for the most vulnerable in our community. Please contact us if you need to make an appointment for services.

It’s people like you that make Cristo Rey possible. Whether you enjoy giving your time, talent or treasures, you have something valuable to offer the Greater Lansing community. Please consider partnering with us in any of these ways today!