A Safe Haven Foundation’s Post

🤲 The Importance of giving 🍚 As we welcome the new year, I wanted to share a tradition close to my heart. Around Christmas and New Year’s each year, I take time to walk the streets with my kids, handing out care packages to people experiencing homelessness. This year, I was also joined by my nephew Chris. In each care package is a handwritten card from my kids, some food, and cash—small gestures we hope can make a big difference to those we meet. It’s a humbling experience that reminds us of the challenges faced by so many in our community, especially during the holiday season. This tradition was actually what led to me joining the Vinnies CEO Sleepout almost eight years ago. A friend who learned about what I do every Christmas suggested I get involved, and the rest is history. As I prepare for my 8th Sleepout this year, I’m reminded that homelessness cannot be solved with one night of generosity or a single act of kindness. Real change comes from ongoing efforts—raising awareness, giving back, and showing up for our community every day. As CEO of Reventon and a proud Vinnies Victoria ambassador, giving back isn’t just something I do—it’s one of the key values I live by. It’s so important to lead by example, especially for my children, just as my parents showed me, something that I want to pass on - the importance of empathy, kindness, and service to others. We filmed this video together over the break in the hope that these small acts inspire others to take action. Remember that kindness is contagious. Let’s pass it on. We’d love to hear your stories of kindness to our fellow human beings 👇 #GivingBack #VinniesCEOSleepout #HomelessnessAwareness #Leadership #FamilyValues

Umbrella of Compassion ☔️🌼😊 It's 5.30 am and I got up due to heavy rainy sound and I wonder, the people who sit comfortably in warm, dry home, but think about those who aren't as fortunate. For the homeless, rainy days bring a harsh reminder of their vulnerability and the urgent need for compassionate action. CTA <Call to Action> : -Clothing drives -Food service -Fiest aid kit -Offer a hand (local place where altogether can stay) -Raise awareness on this serious issue For most of us, rain means cozying up indoors. For those without a home, it means braving the elements with little protection. Let’s shine a light on how we can help.👥️😇🙏 #HomelessSupport #CommunityAction #RainyDays #Volunteerism #SocialGood

As the weather turns colder, the challenges faced by the homeless population grow more urgent—both nationally and here in Warren and Washington Counties. This crisis touches our community deeply, and now, more than ever, we need to act. Many individuals experiencing homelessness are hesitant to seek help due to shame, judgment, misinformation, or lack of access to essential services. Our outreach specialists are tirelessly working every day to provide critical support—whether it’s finding shelter, accessing food, or staying warm during these frigid months. To help meet these urgent needs, we are seeking: - Blankets - Water bottles, - HotHands Hand Warmers - Wipes - Granola/cereal bars We need the community’s support to ensure these efforts succeed. Visit our Walmart Wishlist today to help make an impact. Giving a little helps a lot. https://lnkd.in/egCCn7mx Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. #CommunitySupport #Outreach #Homelessness #CommunityImpact #EndofYear #Contribute #GiveBack #SeasonofGiving #Gratitude #CommunityInvolvement #Wishlist #MakeADifference #MentalHealth

Support Stability, Foster Hope with Jesse Tree In the heart of the Treasure Valley, Jesse Tree leads the charge against eviction and homelessness. Since its establishment in 1999, its commitment transcends mere financial aid. They provide holistic support through financial assistance, case management, landlord mediation, and budgeting help, ensuring our neighbors live in safe, stable homes. At Jesse Tree, compassion, reliability, and a solutions-oriented approach are more than values; they are the pillars of their action. Their mission weaves a vital community network where diverse backgrounds and unique stories find respect, understanding, and support. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are the cornerstones of our work. Jesse Tree actively breaks down barriers, offering a lifeline to those facing housing insecurity. Their focus is clear: everyone deserves a safe place to call home, regardless of their journey. Your involvement can spark significant change. Support Jesse Tree in empowering Treasure Valley residents. A donation, a volunteer hour, or even spreading the word contributes to a broader impact. 🌳 Join the mission for housing security. 🏠 Be a part of creating a community where safety and stability are a right, not a privilege. ➡️ Discover more, contribute, or join us as a volunteer at Jesse Tree's website, found in this post's comments. 📞 (208) 383-9486 | ✉️ office@jessetreeidaho.org   📍 1121 W Miller St. Boise, ID 83702 #Empowerment #CommunityCare #HousingRights  #JonathanFrank

Behind the smile... I as recently told I look sad even when I’m smiling. The truth is, I'm not sad, but I am hurt. Every day, I hurt for this broken world we're living in and how I just want so badly to help everyone I can. I hurt for the children in foster care, for the homeless, and for the countless broken people. Last summer, I met an incredible girl at a foster care camp. She was smart, funny, and had this amazing smile. But the thing is, she rarely smiled. She had been complaining about her mouth hurting. When I asked her why her mouth hurt, she didn’t know at first. Eventually, we realized it was from smiling so much! It was a heartbreaking moment, a stark reminder of the challenges these kids face. It’s stories like hers that keep me going. I believe in the power of small acts of kindness. Every day, I strive to make a difference, no matter how small. Even the smallest gesture can have a profound impact. Let’s commit to spreading kindness and making the world a better place, one act at a time. 💖 "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." - Proverbs 3:27 #Compassion #Kindness #HelpingOthers #FosterCare #Homelessness #Community #Hope #Volunteer #MakeADifference #SocialImpact #GiveBack #HopeDealer

Compassion for the homeless This morning, I had the privilege of helping out at Truro Homeless Action Group for Veggie Friday, alongside the brilliant Nigel Unwin and Sarah Wetherill. It’s always heartening to see familiar faces and be part of something that makes a tangible difference in the community. Every morning, the team of volunteers provide a cooked breakfast to those in need - a small gesture, but one that means so much. Whilst serving today, I had the chance to hear Nigel’s inspiring vision for his CIC, Garden Share - which aims at maintaining volunteered gardens in the community and the plan going forward is to grow enough local food to help feed those in need. His determination to create sustainable change is truly inspiring. At the breakfast club today, we welcomed a mix of clients. One gentleman came in soaking wet, his sleeping bag and clothes drenched, yet he remained in good spirits. Another arrived stressed after liquids spilt in his rucksack, but found a moment of respite with us. Many came into the kitchen to personally thank us, their vulnerability and gratitude shining through. It was humbling to witness. Moments like these remind me that we must approach others with compassion, even when they’re angry or frustrated. Sometimes, their actions reflect the immense challenges they face rather than who they are. A bit of understanding, a kind word, or simply listening can make an enormous difference to someone at their lowest. For most of us, having a roof over our heads is something we take for granted. Let’s practise gratitude for what we have and reserve judgement for those who don’t. You never know the battles someone might be fighting. If we all extend a little more compassion, imagine how much brighter the world could be. #Compassion #Community #Gratitude #TruroHomelessActionGroup #endingfoodpoverty #volunteers

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Street and Homeless Children for a Better Tomorrow! On this International Street Children Day, let's shed light on the realities faced by these resilient young souls. While 'street children' and 'homeless children' are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two. Not all homeless children live openly on the streets; many find themselves in hidden circumstances, such as sleeping on floors or in temporary accommodations like hostels. Shockingly, in 2018, around 9,500 children in the UK spent Christmas in hostels or temporary housing, often facing cramped living conditions and sharing facilities with strangers. Join us in raising awareness about this issue and providing essential support to empower street and homeless children. Together, we can break barriers, create equal opportunities, and build a brighter future for every child in need. #StreetChildrenDay #HomelessChildren #BreakingBarriers #RaisingAwareness #SupportingChildren #BuildingABetterFuture #EmpoweringYouth #MakingADifference #ChildrensRights #EqualOpportunities #SocialImpact #EndChildHomelessness #CharityWork

🎄 The True Spirit of Christmas: Giving, Caring, and Sharing 🎄 Just because someone doesn’t have a home doesn’t mean they aren’t someone’s parent, child, or friend.✨ Yesterday, I was reminded of the magic of Christmas from my own childhood. Like many of you, I grew up watching Kevin Home Alone 2: Kevin lost in New York. Do you remember the kind-hearted pigeon lady in Central Park? She helped Kevin when he needed it most, and what did he do? He shared his Christmas joy with her—a simple act of kindness that brought tears to her eyes. It’s a powerful reminder: the world around us is our world. It’s our responsibility to care, to notice, and to act. Some people don’t have a family, a home, or friends. But they’re still human—just like you and me—and they deserve love and respect. That’s why I’m so proud that I had the chance to join, with 12 partners from UPS an amazing community involvement to support the #WeihnachtenZuhause initiative led by Daniel-John Riedl 🦋 , founder of #TUES. Together, we created over 170 heartfelt postcards to bring warmth and hope to those experiencing homelessness this season.🙏 Let’s be the change we want to see. Let’s make this world a better one—for everyone. 🌟 How will you spread kindness this holiday season? Share your ideas below. 💌👇🏾 #CommunityInvolvement #SocialImpact #GivingBack #TogetherWeCan #OneUPS #BeTheChange #logistics

“What does this say about our priorities, and what does it say about how we treat people who are experiencing one of the hardest things they’ve ever had to go through in life.” Ben Smith, CEO Mornington Community Support Centre. Almost 4,000 people are on a waiting list for public housing on the Mornington Peninsula. A third of our residents are experiencing some form of rental stress. Too many in our community are sleeping rough on our foreshores or in their cars. There is one crisis accommodation facility on the Mornington Peninsula - The Ranch. The Ranch is entirely community-funded and managed by @MorningtonCommunitySupportCentre, @SouthernPeninsulaCommunitySupportCentre and @WesternPortCommunitySupportCentre. The future of The Ranch is uncertain. We are very proud to be working with @Peninsula Films to tell the story of the people for whom The Ranch is home. And we’d love to see you at the premiere screening of The Ranch - at Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud on Monday August 5th at 7pm, as part of Homelessness Week. There’ll be a Q&A to follow the screening that will unpack some of the issues uncovered in the film, and what you can do to be part of the solution. Our hope is that the film will help inform conversations locally, and provide a sense of urgency to policy makers, to create change. See the preview and to purchase tickets, head to https://lnkd.in/g_8VnUrA The film was made possible with financial support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Creative Economy Grant and the Mornington Rotary Club. #communitysupportingcommunity #morningtoncommunitysupportcentre #volunteer #homelessnessawareness #homlessnessonthepeninsula #sleepingrough #crisis #crisisaccomodation #morningtonpeninsula

This year’s Solidarity Journey was truly unforgettable! From Tijuana to Oceanside, we came together as a community—walking, biking, and connecting with staff, neighbors, partners, and policymakers. It was a week filled with camaraderie, hope, and a shared commitment to ending youth homelessness in San Diego County. Together, we showed love, listened to young people, and reminded them that they are at the heart of the solution. ❤️ But this journey wasn’t just about walking—it was about making real, tangible progress. At the YMCA of San Diego County’s Youth & Family Services, we’re helping to create a lasting impact: ➡︎ Over 1,000 young people supported with housing, case management, and resources last year. ➡︎ 147 young people found stable housing through our transitional programs. ➡︎ And with the support of our community, funders, and partners, we’re expanding services every day. When we focus on supporting young people, the impact goes far beyond today. Half of all adults who’ve experienced homelessness faced it before age 25. By helping young people build stability early, we can reduce homelessness and build stronger communities for everyone. And our work isn’t done yet. Ending youth homelessness takes all of us—and YOU can be part of the solution. Advocate for policies that support young people, get involved in community action, or consider giving. Let’s keep this momentum going and make sure every young person has a safe place to call home. 🏡 Visit sojocali.com for more information. #SolidarityJourney #EndYouthHomelessness #YMCA #SanDiego #CommunityImpact #StrongerTogether Todd Tibbits Krysta Esquivel, MSW David Baker Justin C. Lipford Erin Esposit