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Some easy ways to help the homeless

With all the talk about panhandling ordinances and the stress for downtown business owners, I would like to offer a few suggestions. If I am approached on Durango’s Main Avenue for money, I make sure the individual knows the location of Manna Soup Kitchen. (Across the Ninth Street bridge, take a right and then it’s on your left). The conversation ends as they realize there are options in town, and I’m trying to help but won’t be handing out money.

Manna has many wonderful services, plus gas and food vouchers paid for with the money dropped into the red kettles during the holidays. In my car, I carry large zipper plastic bags filled with granola bars and other ready-to-eat goodies, plus personal-hygiene items. These get handed out to folks working the medians. Any of us can easily stock one or two of these today with items in our home.

A group of us outfitted a local man last year with a backpack filled with two complete changes of clothing, food, personal items, warm socks, a headlamp, hats and gloves. You can also pick up food or a gift card to give to that person in the median. A roast chicken, some potato salad, a drink and a candy bar are an affordable way to help out. If a dog is with them, I’ll add dog food.

Don’t forget to grab plasticware and napkins from the deli. Being homeless is emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s not like someone rolled off the couch one day, with a roof over their head and decided to panhandle. The last thing a person has is their dignity. Please, preserve that with compassion and common sense. You will feel better, too.

If any of this is outside your comfort zone, opt instead to make generous contributions to Manna, P.O. Box 1196, Durango, CO 81302. Durango is often called a caring community. Let’s keep it that way.

Beth Lamberson Warren

Durango



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