Homelessness is difficult in many ways. The physical challenges of sleeping outdoors and facing resource scarcity are tough enough on their own, but homelessness can also take a toll on people's mental health in the form of fear and shame. Homeless shelters strive to meet people's needs for immediate shelter. 24/7 homeless shelters are open at all times, so people can always find somewhere to go. Here are four tips for people who need the services of a homeless shelter:
1. Call ahead of time
Finding a homeless shelter that is open to serving people 24 hours a day is a great start. However, many homeless shelters are often filled to capacity. To avoid getting turned away at the door, try calling ahead of time to inquire about vacancies. Most homeless shelters will not allow people to reserve a bed in advance, but getting an idea of the number of beds available can help you decide whether or not you need to find a different shelter for the night. Calling ahead can save you hours of time, especially if you plan to travel to the homeless shelter by public transportation or on foot.
2. Show up early
Homeless shelters are in high demand, so it's in your best interest to get to your local shelter quickly. While 24/7 homeless shelters never close, they're likely to fill up as evening approaches. To make sure you get a bed, try to show up as soon as you can.
3. Follow the rules of the homeless shelter
Homeless shelters have rules in place to ensure the safety of residents and staff members. For example, drugs and alcohol are usually banned from the premises of homeless shelters. Additionally, some shelters have curfews in place, while others may require residents to complete chores or apply for jobs during the day. Breaking shelter rules may result in expulsion or even a permanent ban, so it's important to follow the rules at all times. Remember that specific rules vary by shelter, so it's always best to familiarize yourself with the choice of conduct of a new shelter as soon as you check-in.
4. Take advantage of additional resources
Many homeless shelters provide additional resources to residents in order to help people get back on their feet. At a homeless shelter, you may find legal assistance, job training, and resources to help you find low-cost permanent housing. Take advantage of these resources as much as you can since this will allow you to improve your situation long-term.
For more information, reach out to a local service, such as The Gathering Place.
Share21 March 2022
I started thinking more seriously about giving back a few years ago, since I have been blessed with a truly exceptional life. I was really concerned about giving to the people in my local area, so I started focusing on local humanitarian work. It was difficult to find ways to serve at first, but after I got started, things became a lot easier. Within a few months, I was able to completely change my outlook, and it was amazing to see the difference that a single person could make. This blog is all about giving back to gain more in your own life.
