Practical Things You Can Do to Help the Unemployed

Unfortunately, the employment picture is still bleak for those without a steady income. It is no doubt sometimes a source of discouragement and hopelessness. Have you ever wondered what you might be able to do in helping them through trying times?

MAKE OR CATER A MEAL

We all need food for sustenance and growth. This would be a welcome diversion from the sometimes all-too-familiar can of soup or Vienna sausages they are forced to eat and feed their family. With proper planning, you could make a meal that is affordable as well as tasty.

OFFER TO SHOVEL SNOW OR MOW THEIR LAWN

Of course, this should be free. It is sure to be appreciated and one less thing for them to be concerned with.

PAY A UTILITY BILL OR PART OF IT

It is staggering the number of utilities that have to be cut off for lack of payment. All too often companies are not willing to work with those that are unemployed. Bottom line, they want their money. The funds are not always available for someone not working.

FILL THE GAS TANK

I know that gas prices are rising. We all feel the pinch of it. They feel it even more.

GIVE THEM A GIFT CARD

Send a personal and encouraging note with a gift card to their favorite store. It's not too often that they can indulge in any such luxuries.

GIVE A LISTENING EAR AND WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

You don't have to offer solutions. Allow yourself to be a sounding-board in which they can vent their frustrations. Don't be judgmental. Put yourselves in their shoes. While there may be some who would gladly receive an unemployment check on an ongoing basis, most people want to earn a decent living the old fashion way. It's called a job. And by no means accuse them of being lazy.

CONCLUSION

These are just a few suggestions. Be creative and let your mind soar with things that you can do to help someone in this situation. Remember, that could be you someday.

If you are blessed to be gainfully employed, you should definitely be counting your blessings. Having a job today is not always a given for tomorrow.

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and application