Creating bags for the homeless

0 comments

Posted on 2nd September 2010 by admin in Helping |Homeless

CasaRush is in the process of creating bags for the homeless. Here is an ongoing list of some items we are collecting to add to the bags.

*Toothbrush, toothpaste, body soaps, shampoos, razors, finger nail clippers, tampons/pads, bandaids/small first aid kit, toilet paper, sunblock!, sponges (cleaning supplies and themselves), deodorant, hairbands

*Socks, extra clothing, washcloths, cheap pocket watches (they’ll need the time if looking for a job), ponchos, travel packs of detergent (get some change, do some laundry)

*Granola bars, healthy snacks (let’s think of some things that will give people nutrition), nuts, sunflower seeds, small cans of V8, ramen noodles, juice boxes, rice cakes, peanut butter, water bottles

We also want to include messages, specifically encouragement and information. If we want to help change the situation, it’s important that we offer a strategy for change. This is our chance to help let them know THEY are special and one of God’s children.

It would be great to type up and include: how to apply for food stamps, addresses of local shelters, food pantries, survival guides and tips, job tips and information, do’s / don’ts and ‘things to remember’ etc., where and how to get bus passes (for if you’re homeless), and perhaps a note about how to reuse the items. We could even include a flower or something else that will make them FEEL nice!

Let’s also include personalized messages encouraging them and letting them know that we are here for them, there IS hope, and things CAN change. Include encouraging scripture with explanations and why it applies to them! Even a few pages would be good. Don’t make it overwhelming- have some extra time before dinner? Think about some people that might not eat tonight and write a few notes out. Do you have an old book laying around you enjoyed or that really changed your life? Maybe you could throw it in a bag, encourage some reading, and give them something different to do at night. Get creative! :) Things like COUPONS are great for encouraging them to spend money on food instead of distractions.

If you would like to simply donate and we will put the money towards filling these bags, please click the link to the right and the money will go towards a great cause. If you want to buy any of the items, contact us and we will tell you where to drop off the items. You can also help create the bags too!

Homelessness

0 comments

Posted on 23rd August 2010 by admin in Helping |Homeless

While trolling around on Twitter, I found a post that I was interested in. It was from a ministry called Invisible People where they talk with homeless people all over the nation and get their personal story on how they got on the streets and what they’re currently doing.

Guido from Sicily:: Passing out the bags

0 comments

Posted on 17th June 2010 by admin in Helping |Homeless

, , ,

This is Guido from Sicily. I didn’t have enough time to talk to him and find out why he’s on the street but I’ll ask him the next time I see him. I’m sitting at the light for a little bit when I see him making funny faces to a kid in a backseat. I’m thinking I’m gonna lose my opportunity when he finally looks up.

I give him the bag and he says, “Better than anything.” You see the look of hurt in his eyes for a second, then he turns to the car next to me and joking around says, “Gimme your money!” then slaps my arm. Pray for him that he isn’t cooked by the sun and loses sanity but that he maintains his mind and is able to go out and find work.

I shot this video on my cell phone sitting on my lap so that’s why it’s pointing at the ceiling of my car.

Helping the homeless of Tampa with bags of food

0 comments

Posted on 15th June 2010 by admin in Helping |Homeless

, , ,

CasaRush has been talking about how to help the homeless without breaking the bank and without housing them on our couches. A couple of us have been traveling to and from work with an extra piece of fruit or a can of Slim Jims to give out rather than money. Recently, we got the idea of giving a bag of items that they can really benefit from: water, granola bar, soap, shampoo, socks, chips, toothbrush, toothpaste, slim jim and a few other items.

We made enough bags for each vehicle to keep 2 with them. Our goal is not just to throw a bag out the window and drive off but to genuinely show these people being cooked by the 95 degree / 75% humidity weather that there are people that care about them, understand the hard times and are doing the best that they can instead of just finding something leftover in their car to give them.

What can you do to make a difference? We will be creating more bags after all of these are gone. It won’t take long for these bags to be gone either. Only 2 per car isn’t a lot but we can’t afford to make these bags weekly for these men and women that stand on the side of the road.

If you feel like you can assist, we are accepting donations and 100% of the money will go into buying supplies. “Is CasaRush a 501C3?” No, we’re just a group of people trying to help less fortunate people. We’re not looking to make money through this, we’re looking to assist people through this.

You can either stop by with some supplies, use the donate button or pray for provision to come through. Thank you.