Homeless Donation Initiative

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: John Ames Birch <amesbirch403@gmail.com> Date: Wed., Sep. 15, 2021, 4:43 p.m. Subject: Homeless Donation Initiative (Opinion) To: <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>, <chrystia.freeland@parl.gc.ca>, <dujarric@un.org>, <aclupreferences@aclu.org>, <antonio.ferrari@un.org>, <actso@naacpnet.org>, <assistance@liberal.ca>, <anthony.rota.c1@parl.gc.ca>, <carolyn.bennett@parl.gc.ca>, <calgary@globalnews.ca>, <chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov.cn>, <cnn.feedback@cnn.com>, <cbcpr@cbc.ca>, <dir_enq@cso.gov.hk>, <edmonton@globalnews.ca>, <eonline@bellmedia.ca>, <editor@japantoday.com>, <egypt@ad.gov.eg>, <newstips@globaltv.com>, <Francois-Philippe.Champagne@parl.gc.ca>, <GlobalBarrie@globalnews.ca>, <haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk>, <info@ccla.org>, <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, <media@aclu.com>, <msnbctvinfo@nbcuni.com>, <newschannel@ctv.ca>, <newsonline@ctv.ca>, <premier@gov.ab.ca>, <premier@gov.bc.ca>, <jsavikataaq@gov.nu.ca>, <reportit@kxan.com>, <tips@thetexan.news>, <tonews@cbc.ca>, <ViewerContactCalgary@globalnews.ca>, <ViewerContactToronto@globalnews.ca>, <washingtonbureau@naacpnet.org>, <w5@ctv.ca>, <weekend@cbsnews.com>

Hey Everyone, As we know there are many homeless individuals on the streets in our nation and are there through no fault of their own. Homelessness is indicative of a society in need of repair. Homelessness is a growing concern for people all across the globe and many are made homeless because of society's limitations. As such we need to take actionable steps in order to combat homelessness by not just treating the symptom but curing the disease. We need to create more affordable housing initiatives across the globe to ensure we prevent homelessness before it can begin. We need better pay to create savings and we need equal opportunities to improve our life as well. Furthermore, we need to support organizations and charities that build affordable housing. I am hopeful however that while we tackle these problems with our governors and governments we look to the immediate needs of the homeless population. I have been homeless a few times in my life, most recently I was made homeless during the height of the pandemic. As such I have visibility on the needs of the homeless population and I am hopeful that we can help combat this through a donation drive. If we can work with our local, regional and national organizations to create a number of donation efforts we will be making people's lives better. Firstly, people who are homeless have more challenges than the everyday person. Finding food, shelter and a place to rest are more complex for people on the streets. There are many great organizations out there that help people and if we help support them then they will become far more effective. As follows is a list of goods that are needed for the homeless population: - Clothes (Socks, shoes and gloves are always scarce) - Backpacks (To carry their belongings) - Stationary - Old or used Phones - Phone time cards or long distance calling cards. - Soap and Toiletries (Towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste are in demand) - Laptops (for finding a job or upgrading skills) - Steeltoe boots - Water Bottles - Gently used furniture for the shelters including new beds. - Memory Foam Mattress toppers - Blankets and sheet for the shelters - Medical grade masks and hand sanitizer - Wheelchairs and scooters for disabled individuals - Umbrellas and tents (For those scared of shelters or had a bad exp prior) If any person or corporation is able to help with some of these supplies I implore you to reach out to your closest homeless shelter and donate what you can. Each gift will not only improve their quality of life but might even save a life. As such if you can help, please do, they need you. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2