How to Feed the Homeless in Dayonta Beach, Florida

Organizations in Daytona Beach and throughout the country work to alleviate the issue of hunger.

Homelessness and a hungry population are issues that Daytona Beach and the surrounding Volusia County faces, much like the rest of the nation. One glimpse of a hungry man, woman or child is enough to tear at the heart of most, and make one want to help. There are many ways that this can be done, from packing up leftover lasagna and giving it to the first homeless person you come across, to volunteering time at a Daytona-area shelter.

Instructions

1. Decide how you'd like to help. While a one-time donation of food to an individual is certainly helpful, there are organizations that welcome and appreciate both single and on-going commitments.

2. 

   Consider how much of your schedule can be altered to help, organizations will need assistance around meal time.

   Figure out what your schedule will permit. Think in terms of availability during the week. Rank your time slots in order of preference. Sunday afternoons might work well, but Saturday mornings might be better. Be prepared to discuss these preferences.

3. Visit The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program website. Funded by way of FEMA or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the organization supplements the work of local social service organizations in the United States. They provide a list of funded organizations which can be used as a springboard for searching for volunteer opportunities.

4. Select the link "Funded Organizations." From there, you will be taken to a new page with two drop-down menus. Select Florida for the state and Volusia for the county. A generated list of private and government organizations will generate.

5. Scan the list for organizations that seem to serve the homeless population. Again, this is not a formal volunteer database, but a starting point which will require a little leg work on your part.

6. Jot down the contact information of a few that seem promising.

7. 

   Choose a quiet place and time to make your phone call. You'll likely receive a lot of information.

   Call each and ask about the services they provide to the homeless. When you find one that serves food, ask how you can volunteer for that task. Many programs require an application, background check and orientation, especially if you're seeking an ongoing opportunity. Be prepared to take down this information.

8. Attend any orientations or training programs required of you, and have your background check done in a timely fashion. A lack of response or a delay on your part, might communicate to them that you are no longer interested.

9. 

   For many, the meal you give them will be the only they'll receive that day.

   Dress comfortably when your day to volunteer arrives. Work will be fast-paced and perhaps a little hectic. Be prepared to adapt and more importantly, work hard. Soup kitchens serve large crowds at every meal, and at times, run out.

References

• United Way: Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program
• The Star Family Center