Neenah, Wis. 54956.

For many who reside here, not much about Neenah stands out in comparison to many other places around the nation and especially around the globe. As a town of almost 9.6 miles square, how can Neenah compare with the energy and chaos of big cities in any way?

Well, one answer is overlooked by many: homelessness.

As a society, we forget that people in our local communities can struggle as much as those in a booming metropolis. Additionally, as a northern community, we must also realize that while most people can hide in their homes from the brutal, deadly cold, those without homes of their own can be left stranded and thus in mortal danger. Many people fill the homeless shelters around the Fox Valley each night in addition to the many residents who find themselves attempting to hide from the elements in cars or under the shelter of overpasses. No matter where these people end up, homelessness is not something to be overlooked, despite our habitual ignorance of the folks who might find themselves on busy street corners. People are struggling for a variety of reasons, whether attempting to escape dangerous situations or trying to find their way in life, assistance help can make the difference on the path to their future.

It is important to recognize the presence of this issue even when it might not be the most visible to the more fortunate of people every day. As many high school students and community members are constantly looking for ways to get involved with helping our community, here are some simple ways to help the homeless and struggling.

First, within NHS itself, there is already an organization in place that is set to help students in need. The Orbit, a secret closet within the walls of NHS, can provide necessary resources such as hygiene solutions, non-perishable foods, and even basic school supplies to students. To learn more about the NHS Orbit and for ways to help this resource in particular, visit  https://www.neenah.k12.wi.us/community/nhsorbit.cfm

Second, with a more specific focus, Full Stop Club is a newer club at NHS that focuses on getting feminine hygiene products to homeless women around the valley. Often this category of donations, despite being just as crucial as things like soap and toothbrushes, is scarce. This club welcomes new members at any time in the year and typically meets every other Friday. To join this club, learn more, or donate to this mission one can e-mail Rachel Blank [email protected] or Kara Cowell at [email protected] follow them on Instagram @fullstopneenah.

Finally, there are always direct ways to get involved with the homeless services around the Fox Valley. Many of these locations are always taking volunteers for various activities, as well as donations to help to provide for the many people who seek shelter each night.

To get involved with shelters in the valley  . . . http://homelessconnections.net/

To get involved with Feeding America’s Eastern Wisconsin distribution center visit this website.

https://feedingamericawi.org/

No matter how big or how small the actions are, they will make more of a difference to someone. Get out there and change the world — one person at a time.