A Role for Everyone
Homelessness, trauma, and mental health are often struggles hidden in plain sight. “Simple” advocacy for those struggling can make a powerful difference. How? Being present by listening, encouraging, and offering a hand when someone needs it can make you an effective advocate through authentic human connection.
Homelessness and mental health challenges can arise from experiences of trauma and isolation. Mentorship, kindness, and advocacy help rebuild trust and spark hope in those battered and feeling hopeless. Federal, state, and local government systems can meet certain mostly physical and material needs, but it often takes real human interaction and advocacy to heal the hurting. Being an advocate doesn’t require perfection; it only requires the human connection – compassion, patience, and the willingness to stand beside someone during their hardest moments in life. By fostering resiliency and showing people they are not invisible, we can help them find their own inner strength.
Empowering vulnerable youth through education and the arts is one powerful way to cultivate hope and healing. Organizations like the Stan Deen Foundation (SDF) champion this mission by helping young people find their talents, build self-confidence, and realize their potential beyond their immediate circumstances. Education opens doors to opportunity, while the arts give a voice to expression, healing, and the opportunity to use imagination to forge ahead and build a new future. When we support efforts such as these, we aren’t only addressing individuals’ immediate needs – we help foster lasting personal transformation.
Everyone can be a champion for change by connecting someone to resources, volunteering with a local coalition, participating in community education efforts, or simply offering a consistent, supportive presence to someone in need. As Mother Teresa reminded us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy, urges Proverbs 31:8-9, a gentle reminder that sometimes what someone needs most is just one person who believes in them – someone to plant a seed of hope in their life during a time of need.
A final reminder about dignity and personhood for all of us as we try to be faithful advocates. It is crucial to recognize that some individuals experiencing homelessness (even if related to trauma and mental health challenges) may choose their current circumstances. In such circumstances offering dignity, a listening ear, or a warm smile can be more effective than attempting to change their material situation. In your advocacy understand, respect, and accept each person’s unique journey and their right to self-determination.
If you are ready to make a difference, the list below offers practical ways to get involved and resources to expand your understanding of homelessness and mental health conditions.
Community Engagement & Direct Outreach
Be a Good Human: Treat all individuals with respect and dignity, especially those experiencing homelessness, trauma, or mental health challenges. See the person first by focusing on their unique personal needs, rather than their material circumstances. Help break down the stigma and harmful stereotypes surrounding homelessness and mental health disorders by promoting greater understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Engage with those experiencing homelessness by offering support and connecting them to resources that may help them both spiritually and materially.
Volunteer: Dedicate your time to local shelters, fundraisers, food banks, and other organizations that support homeless individuals.
Tangible Donations: Offer food, restaurant gift cards ($5.00 can go along way), and hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness, either on the street or at drop off locations for local shelters in your neighborhood.
Business Owners: Consider collaborative partnerships with local homeless service providers, and those providers who specialize in youth (such as Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Cincinnati, Ohio) to identify needs and develop solutions.
Organize Events: Host workshops, presentations, fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and community get togethers to raise awareness and build community support.
Targeted Advocacy:
Contact Your Elected Officials: Use tools like the National Coalition for the Homeless to find your local and state representatives and advocate for policies that address homelessness (i.e., affordable housing, access to services, and increased funding for programs focused on homelessness).
Support Legislation: Identify and support state and federal legislation that aim to prevent and end homeless. (i.e., Congress.gov or state government specific search tools).
Raise Awareness: Educate your family, friends, neighbors, and policymakers about root causes of homelessness and the needs of individuals of all ages experiencing problems with homelessness and mental health.
Donate: Consider contributing financially to organizations that support homeless populations and mental health organizations.
National Homeless Organizations and Coalitions:
Educating yourself about homelessness and mental health conditions is a powerful first step toward meaningful advocacy. National Homeless Organizations and Coalitions offer resources, statistics, training, and other real-world insights that can help you deepen your understanding and arm you with the tools to make a difference. Many of the websites listed below offer sections dedicated to youth homelessness.
National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH)
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV)
National Homelessness Law Center
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Family & Youth Services Bureau)
About the Author:
Michelle R. Lewis is a licensed independent social worker, advocate, and change management professional with a passion for empowering individuals through education, mentorship, and strategic engagement. With experience in both government and community-based settings, Michelle brings a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to her work – especially with vulnerable populations. To connect with Michelle, email her at MichelleLewis.LISW@gmail.com.
Posted 06/03/2025