There are often stereotypes that a lot of people think of those experiencing homelessness, such as those with addictions or mental illness. The tragic thing is, some are just one tough experience away.

Things that can lead to experiencing homelessness:

single mom’s with low paying jobs that don’t have family support
veterans with PTSD
people with high student loans
large medical bills

This is called the slow spiral. An event happens and before you know it, one thing leads to another and finally it’s one thing too many and it pushes them over the edge. There is a feeling of hopelessness and no where to go.

Our guest, Author and lifelong homeless advocate Leigh Lincoln, is giving us lots of great information of how we can help those in need.

Listen below or in your favorite podcast app!

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Show Notes:

A little about our guest leigh Lincoln…

Leigh is an advocate for people experiencing homelessness. As a single mom, she raised and homeschooled her son who is now in his twenties. Leigh herself was adopted. Through the example, and from the love and care she received from her adopted parents, she always knew she wanted to help those less fortunate than she.

“As an adopted child, I had been given the gift of a home. I was literally chosen by someone to be their child. It’s beautiful and special and you know that YOU were PICKED.”

How can we help????

volunteer in soup kitchens
serve or donate to shelters
participate in a street feed (when groups get together and bring food to the camps of those experiencing homelessness
hop on Facebook or another social app to find groups in your community that are helping and get involved there
participate in prevention programs with a community development organization or a church that helps people get jobs or into their own homes

From Leigh’s experience, she has found that going on welfare tends to be a trap, not a help. She has see that neighbors helping each other builds a better sense of accountability and community.

Want to know some other ways you can Light The World this season? check out this resource for 50 ways to serve.

Another resource I really love year round, is JustServe.Org . Find service projects near you by putting in your zip code. There are also remote service options listed.

Another fun way to help!! Giving Machines - Where are they?!!

Melissa McKneely, Area Public Relations and Collin County Director for the Texas Dallas East Communications Council, came on our podcast to tell us about these amazing Giving Machines that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has created.

How do these machines work? They are a service vending machine:

“Give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more to those in need through a unique giving experience. Your donations go directly to global and local charities to help change lives around the world.”

Find a machine near you!!

Some machines are traveling machines and are only at a location for a short amount of time. Look closely at the dates as well as the location so you don’t miss it!

Where you can find more from Author leigh Lincoln & her books:

Website: leighlincolnauthor.com

Helping of Happiness YouTube Channel:

Make sure you check out our YouTube Channel!! We have just started sharing our podcast on there. We also have lots of new food and travel videos posted! You can even take a peek at a bunch of the recipes in our Best Ever Babysitter Cookbook. (find it on Amazon!).

YouTube: @HelpingOfHappiness