We are back again for a little more of How you can help. Today’s tip shouldn’t be a surprise. Since we are creeping into the warmer temps and summer season, we here at Good Samaritan are going to need local support in order to continue to serve our neighbors. We have recently upgraded our donation tools to make it easier than ever to give whatever you can. Fee free to give it a test run and show once again that #SIcares.

Tip 9 – Give monthly to trusted organizations: Smaller, consistent financial donations help nonprofits like ours plan long-term services, such as case management, job training, facility improvements, and overall upgrades more effectively than one-time gifts.

Let’s be consistent! Today’s How Can I Help tip revolves around doing good things repeatedly, both for your own well being and that of the people you are supporting.

Tip 8 – Consistency Changes Lives One-time kindness matters. Consistent kindness transforms. 💙 If you’re able, choose one small action to do regularly—preferably one of the pervious tips we had reviewed such as monthly hygiene donations, a weekly volunteer shift, creating care packages, or sponsoring bus passes. Steady support creates stability, and stability helps people take the next step toward housing, work, and wellness. 

Let’s do some good! Today we step away from the usual tips to dive into volunteerism and it couldn’t be better timed. On top of the huge need for financial support, organizations like ours also need time and caring from good people. If you would like to help in any area, feel free to reach out to support@goodsamcarbondale.com and someone will get back to you.

Tip 7 Volunteer your skills: Shelters often need more than just general labor; they may benefit from professional skills such as IT support, accounting, teaching, construction, or even hair-cutting.

This is a fun activity to do with family or just because you are feeling the love.

Tip 5: Create and distribute “Blessing Bags”. Carry care packages in your car or bags filled with essentials like socks (highly requested), travel-sized toiletries (soap, toothpaste, deodorant), and non-perishable snacks like granola bars or bottled water.

These go hand in hand with the resources info or sheets we mentioned earlier. Let us know if you have your own ideas and keep showing that #SIcares.

Tip 3 – Provide information on local resources: Keep a list or card of nearby shelters, food banks, or medical clinics to share. This helps connect them to long-term support systems they may not be aware of.

We at Good Sam aim to provide insights to better inform and empower the Southern Illinois community, fostering an understanding of the struggles faced by the unhoused, and more importantly, offering them the compassion and support they merit. We continue our journey through educating local residents on the struggles of our unhoused neighbors with How You Can Help – Day 2.

Tip 2 – Treat them with dignity, realize that the loss of self worth can be more painful than the loss of belongings. Smile when engaging with them and take the time to learn their names.