Supporting the less fortunate with a smile, a cold drink, a little bit of time, a thermos, and a sandwich—that’s what outreach activities are about. Because no one is immune to a reversal of fortune.
A stroke of bad luck such as a bitter divorce, job loss, health issue, or family conflict can trigger a downward spiral.
Thus, an individual who was socially integrated and educated can find themselves homeless overnight. Managers, business owners, technicians, or freelancers—anyone can be struck by poverty one day or another. Traditionally conducted during the cold season, outreach activities are now increasingly carried out during the summer.
Indeed, many associations have decided to take the plunge and try the experience. Why Organize Outreach Activities During the Summer? Outreach workers are at the forefront in the fight against individual degradation.
Initially imagined to combat hunger and cold that can endanger the homeless, the practice has shown that the benefits of outreach activities go far beyond food and warmth.
More than just providing food or drink, they restore the two essential virtues that the homeless lose when they end up on the streets: human warmth and dignity. Outreach workers take the time to interact, to show individuals who have mostly given up hope of getting back on their feet that all is not lost, that there are people concerned about their fate and willing to help them recover.
And such an immeasurable benefit knows no seasonality. The health crisis had already pushed associations to continue outreach activities during the summer to distribute hand sanitizers and masks. This summer, with scorching temperatures, outreach activities are even more necessary than in winter. The need for hydration has become vital.
Thus, instead of blankets and hot meals, wet gloves and drinking water will be distributed along with the usual food supplies. Moreover, high temperatures exacerbate certain conditions, especially respiratory ones like asthma.
The problem is further complicated as, like outreach activities, shelters also tend to close during the summer. It's worth noting that during a cold spell, enclosed spaces can serve as refuges because the temperature is more moderate.
This is not the case during heatwaves where, regardless of location, the homeless will continue to suffer from high temperatures.
For all these reasons, outreach activities have become a necessity. We recommend this thermos for your summer and winter outreach activities: https://amzn.to/3RrrU6S You can also offer this fan during your outreach activities: https://amzn.to/3yTqwll
Blog written Asde.S