The Homeless Need More Than Blankets

In this land of plenty and this land of opportunity, [more than] 600,000 Americans experience homelessness on any given night, [including] 138,000 […] under the age of 18. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the national rate of homeless persons is 19 [in every] 10,000 people, with the highest [rate] in Washington, D.C., [at] 106 [for every 10,000]. Veterans are homeless at the rate of 27 for every 10,000, with [our nation’s capital] again [rating] the highest at 156.

[L]ack of affordable housing is considered the primary cause of homelessness. The government agency HUD […] has seen its budget slashed by over 50%, resulting in the loss of 10,000 units each year of subsidized low-income housing. Thirteen percent of the nation’s low-income housing has been lost since 2001. This country needs 7 million more affordable apartments for low-income families, but, because we don’t have enough, 11 million families spend over half of their monthly income on rent. Add on top of this the over 5 million homes that have been foreclosed on since 2008, and it easy to understand why this country is where it is with our [inability] to help the homeless.

Homeless children, as defined by the federal “No Child Left Behind” program, include not just those living in shelters or transitional housing, but also those sharing housing [with others] due to economic hardships; living in cars, parks, bus or train stations; or awaiting foster care placement. Using this definition, the National Center for Homeless Education reported in September 2014 [that there are] 1,258,182 homeless children in [our country’s] public school [system], an 8% jump from 2013. Youth homelessness has increased 72% in the last seven years, [and] many of these youths exchange sex for food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs. Seventy-five percent of [our nation’s] homeless youth have either dropped out or will drop out of school.

As a caring society, what can we do about this?

Sports Illustrated (SI) just published a fascinating article on how more than 100,000 students on school teams are homeless. In the Mobile, Ala., county school system, 27.6% of homeless students competed for middle- and high-school teams. In Kansas City, Kan., 20% of homeless students competed. SI concludes that athletic programs are keeping homeless athletes away from outside factors that derail their chances for a successful future. Coaches often become mentors and surrogate parents, and pregame and post-game meals provide essential nourishment, while kids benefit from the exercise and structure in sports. […]

Homeless veterans are another story. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reports that 1.4 million veterans are considered at risk for homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks and substandard housing. [Approximately] 49,933 of these veterans are homeless on any given night. America’s homeless veterans served in World War II, the Korean War, [the] Cold War, [the] Vietnam War, [the] Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. Half of our current homeless veterans served during the Vietnam era. [Eight] percent are female, while 40% are African-American or Hispanic.

The Washington Post reported our new Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary, Bob McDonald, […] announced an additional $207 million in funding for rapid-assistance grants to help 70,000 veterans keep their homes or return to permanent housing. [Another] $62 million will be dedicated to a rental-assistance program that would bring more than 9,000 chronically homeless veterans off the streets. [In total], the VA has committed more than $1 billion in 2014 to strengthen programs that prevent and end homelessness among veterans. They have changed their approach to a “housing-first strategy” where they are focusing on providing veterans a place to live first and then help[ing] them with drug abuse, job searches and mental health. Previously, the VA insisted on health services first before offering housing.

Homelessness cannot be solved by the government alone, especially in times of government gridlock and lack of funds. This is a major problem that affects all of us, whether it involves the classmates of our kids or the war hero who was dedicated to protecting our country. There are many ways the average citizen can help by donating or volunteering. The Covenant House opens up its doors to help homeless youth. Stand Up For Kids helps homeless street kids. Move for Hunger helps collect food for those in need. Support Homeless Veterans works to get these forgotten heroes off the streets. […]

We all suffer when we allow our neighbors to go homeless, even for just one night. Our society suffers when we deny any of our children a good night’s sleep and a nourishing meal. With the limitless potential that many homeless youth have to make a lasting positive contribution to our communities, whether it is in science, humanities or sports, we cheat not only them but ourselves by not allocating dollars, either in the taxes we collect or the disposable income we can spare. Every child, veteran or family in need should have a shot at attaining our American dream, and, with a little help from all of us, America can help those 600,000 a night who suffer. This is one issue that is not political.

Original article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-joseph/the-homeless-need-more-th_b_6064668.html

Disaster Creates Huge Demand for Survival Supplies for DollarDays

“We had orders for survival supplies even before [Hurricane] Sandy hit the East Coast as people prepared for the worst, and they are still pouring in. The demand for our wholesale Marc Gold fleece blankets is incredible—we continue to ship thousands.

“In addition to stay-warm supplies such as jackets, hats and gloves, [items like] flashlights, personal hygiene kits and food are selling fast. Businesses, nonprofits and consumers are buying in bulk to be well prepared for the long road to recovery. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to be in such a horrible disaster. We are happy to be able to provide some relief to the victims of Sandy.

“Read the Huffington Post article, ‘Holes in the Safety Net,’ to see why DollarDays recommends that people partner up with The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Gospel Rescue Mission and other nonprofits equipped to help with disasters,” says Marc Joseph, President and CEO of DollarDays, a subsidiary of America’s Suppliers, Inc. (AASL), the premier Internet-based wholesaler to small businesses, nonprofits and local distributors.

You can help, too, by participating in DollarDays’ Facebook merchandise giveaway by nominating any nonprofit organization to share $5,000 in merchandise through November. Additionally, visit DollarDays’ site, where designer Marc Gold is […] giving away 100 cases of toys to 100 different community toy drives, and nominate your favorite organization. It’s an easy and free way to help others at the time of year that giving is so important.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Snuggies Are the New Birth Control—Buy Fleece Blankets Instead!

That’s right, you’ve watched the Snuggie commercials on TV. You may have probably heard coworkers, friends and even family members making fun of them. So do yourself a favor and save yourself from the ridicule and go with something more traditional.

Marc Gold fleece blankets are 100% polyester fleece, offering maximum warmth through the winter months. You cannot find these blankets anyplace else other than DollarDays.

Our exclusive blanket is a warm and cuddly fleece blanket in a generous size of 50″x60.” [It’s] packed in six assorted solid colors—royal blue, hot pink, gray, red, tan and light blue—[and] 24 pieces per case. Our blanket is a 300 GSM weight—not too heavy, not too light, just right for a cuddle on the couch or your favorite chair. […] The tight whip-stitch on the edges will keep your blanket from losing its shape throughout the cold winter season.

Winter is here and nothing says warm and comfy like a nice fleece blanket. Get them while you’re cold and start shopping now!

Product of the Week: Fleece Blankets

It seems like only yesterday that you were sweating in front of the air conditioner or splashing in the pool under the blazing summer skies. But, believe it or not, we’ve already official entered autumn and are rushing full speed ahead toward the chilly days of winter, when all you will want to do is curl up in a cozy fleece blanket in front of the fireplace with a good book.

And, speaking of fleece blankets, DollarDays has some amazing deals going on right now in our […] blanket[s] section.

We’re offering our best fleece blanket value of the season on lightweight fleece blankets—marked down from a regular price of $4.29 each to the sale price of just $2.79 per blanket when you buy in volume. Available in assorted colors, these stretchy 100% polyester fleece throws are generously sized at 50″x60″, just the right size for snuggling on the sofa.

Cold days ahead could have your customers clamoring for cozy fleece blankets. Make sure you have yours in stock and ready to sell!