Here’s How You Can Help People Experiencing Homelessness During the Polar Vortex

If you see someone experiencing homelessness out in the brutal cold, help them find a warming centre, open in cities affected by the polar vortex. To locate these centres, call a shelter hotline, and direct them to a warming centre.

To find specific shelters in your area, use the Homeless Shelter Directory, and learn more about resources for people experiencing homelessness near you via the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Resource Locator.

Donate coats, blankets, socks, and heavy-duty boots to homeless shelters. Hygiene items, such as pads, toothpaste, and soap, are also needed. (We've put together this helpful list of charities and organisations accepting donations.)

When it comes to food, you can see what items are needed at your local food bank using the Feeding America locator.

Give the gift of transportation. Purchase train and bus passes, and offer them to people experiencing homelessness. Public transportation passes give these individuals the opportunity to get to shelters safely and comfortably in heated busses and trains.

Purchase gift cards to restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. Hand these out to people you see experiencing homelessness so they can buy warm food and gain access to a heated environment.

Lastly, if you are able to, offer financial support to a shelter or those experiencing homelessness. Donating money to shelters helps to pay for supplies and operations. Or give money directly to people experiencing homelessness toward their fund for shelter.

Consider donating to these worthy organisations fighting to end homelessness:

• The National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Break Through
• Family Promise