Building Homes & Helping Homeless In Your Community

Getting involved with philanthropy within your community can be a rewarding experience that brings you closer to people and allows you to make a difference in others lives. There are countless organizations that you can become involved with, but you can also do something on your own that will positively impact those around you. San Diego county is a vast and diverse area, with different cultures and people, who all make this place a beautiful place to live. Despite this, there is always something that you can do to improve the lives of others, so here are some ways you can begin your journey in making a difference.

The San Diego Habitat for Humanity is a philanthropic organization that is dedicated to building new homes for individuals and families who are in need of new homes. There are countless people who are in need of a proper place to live and call home. Families with children that deserve to have a safe place to live are the kinds of people that Habitat for Humanity exists to serve. Due to the cost of housing and high population, families in need are often forced to cram into small and improper living conditions. Habitat for Humanity works with volunteers to build new affordable housing wherever needed.

Carefully selected Habitat homeowners build and buy their very own homes, at a price that is affordable to them. They qualify on the basis of need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and an ability to pay an affordable mortgage. A representative from Habitat for Humanity said, “We call it a ‘hand up, not a handout’.” They do not give homes away, which is a common misconception. They work with local volunteers and are able to provide these homeownership opportunities “because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers,” commented the representative.

Boasting over 5,000 volunteers every year, Habitat for Humanity is able to keep labor costs at a minimum, by providing an opportunity to make such an amazing impact on people’s lives for those who wish to do so. A local volunteer, Brian Bay, told me, “Volunteering for Habitat has brought me close to so many people. I have actually met the family we built a house for, and it was an incredibly humbling moment to see the happiness in their faces”. If this seems like something you would want to get involved in, visit Habitat for Humanity for more information on signing up and making an impact in your community.

For those who don’t want to join an organization, but rather make a difference on their own, their are plenty of ways to do so. One of the dire problems San Diego is faced with is the rising level of homelessness. If you’ve ever driven downtown, you’ll have seen countless of those in need of food, supplies, and a caring person to simply have a conversation with. One of the best things you can do is create little supply kits that contain various essential items that every human being deserves to have. These kits can be placed in a large plastic bag, and could contain items such as: a roll of toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, first-aid kit, snacks, water bottle, grooming kit, chapstick, and other various items that would make everyday life easier. Even if you only want to make a few bags with these items, the feeling of going out into the city and offering these items to those in need will make a world of difference in their lives. A simple and kind gesture goes a very long way, and all it takes is the will and desire to make a difference in your community.

These are just a few ways you can get involved in philanthropy within your community. Whether it be with an organization, or something you put together yourself, there plenty of ways to make a difference. Involved in philanthropy within your community? Comment below with your favorite way to make a positive impact in your community!