Help Me Help The Homeless
Donation protected
2021/09/22
Hi my name is Sarah Scheepstra, and I am determined to help the homeless community this year, with hope that I can also turn this initiative into an annual "event."
Hi my name is Sarah Scheepstra, and I am determined to help the homeless community this year, with hope that I can also turn this initiative into an annual "event."
As cooler weather is upon us, and winter coming up quick I have started to worry more for those who are experiencing homelessness. I believe many people want to help out, yet aren't sure where to start, or struggle with the idea that "you're only one person." Yet together I believe we can make a huge impact!
There are over 10, 000 individuals struggling with homelessness in Toronto, ON alone (F. Victor, 2021). I want to focus in on the issue of homelessness specifically in Toronto as I believe when tackling an issue you should start local! Each night shelters are pushed to their limits, and are known to have an occupancy rate of 98% resulting in many at risk due to extreme temperature drops. 2020 was known as the deadliest year on record with 74 reported deaths by shelter inhibitors. This being said many go unknown, named, and forgotten. Since officials started tracing this data back in 2007, there has been a 54% increase of death just within the last few years (V. Gibson, 2021)!
With this being said I aim to include not just the essentials: tooth brush/paste, heat packs, thick socks, sanitary wipes. For one example I am, along with many other very dedicated individuals, are crocheting/knitting warm essentials (scarf/hat/mittens) to include one in each pack. Multiple types of packs will be prepared as those experiencing homelessness can be due to many reasons: sexual assault, poverty, mental illness, substance use, plus many many more (F. Victor, 2021)!
I want to thank everyone who has and may express interest in this initiative! It truly wouldn't be possible without everyone's support!
Sarah Scheepstra
Citations:
(Gibson, Victoria. (2021.01.12). Toronto shelter system records deadliest year on record, with 74 deaths in 2020. Toronto Star. Retrieved from: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/01/12/toronto-shelter-system-records-deadliest-year-on-record-with-74-deaths-in-2020.html
(Victor, Fred. (2021). Facts About Homelessness in Toronto. Fred Victor. Retrieved from: https://www.fredvictor.org/facts-about-homelessness-in-toronto/
2021/10/07
Donations accepted after hitting 100% of goal will be utilized for establishing this initiative into a non profit organization. The money will be only used for the purpose and aim of helping the homeless in Toronto.
Sarah Scheepstra
Donations accepted after hitting 100% of goal will be utilized for establishing this initiative into a non profit organization. The money will be only used for the purpose and aim of helping the homeless in Toronto.
Sarah Scheepstra
Organizer
Sarah Scheepstra
Organizer
Mississauga, ON