An Idea: Austin Atheists Helping the Homeless

[julzabro]

Sweet!

[OpenAirAtheist]

So how do i get you on the show to tell my listeners about AAHH?

[kylebh10]

I understand his point, but there are so many more examples of atheists doing the best for human kind versus the religious

[CreationPhotography]

R E P E N T A M E R I C A google that

[aajoeyjo]

CreationPhotography - Dude you are SO blocked. For hate-speech, preaching, and numerous other offensive god-spewings.

[TheRealDarthCosby]

this is absolutely great. its great for the homeless, and its great for atheists.

well done.

[lb10128]

I been volunteering at a christian soup kitchen for years most people there have no Idea I'm an atheist. When I do things for people they say 90% of the time say "God Bless you" its kind of like one step forward and two steps back. I kind of taking the position people need help without the sermon. I just say "I'm an atheist" its up to them if they want be educated about it.

[skyzthelimi7]

Well done, it's great what you're doing. I wish I could help you there on the ground in Austin, but I live in Europe. Anyway bravo. From a brother atheist.

[menareangrynow]

Thanks for the work you're doing to help the homeless.

[niza310]

Wow, excellent idea, P.H.A.S.E. does a similar thing but for just for homeless Youth though... Don't forget, clean socks are amazing things.

[LOLDISNEYLAND]

thanks joe. You are a true, kind and caring human being who does what he does in concern, not image of concern. Many christian funds do so because they try to push christianity as some caring organisation. Everyone knows an organisation can be selfish to the point of oblivion. hahaha

[aajoeyjo]

Thank you! It's nice to be noticed. :o)

[kberka]

I was at HEB last week and a homeless guy offered to buy me up to $100 worth of groceries if I would pay him $30 cash after we check out with the food. He had a welfare card.

[aajoeyjo]

Totally illegal! He could get into real trouble for doing that, plus probably also anyone who helps him.

This is one reason why I don't give homeless folks cash, or money of any kind.

[sdhughes185]

Great idea on many levels, Joe. Atheists get a bad rap, and this is a good example of the fact that we are kind, caring ppl. Have you considered asking a dentist to donate toothbrushes? I'm sure there are some that would be willing to do so. I'd love to help out, but my volunteer job (board president) is so time consuming right now that I can't do it. But, keep up the good work!

[Genkaiman]

You're a great person, Joe.

[Syrinx69]

Joe, if you have "Big Lots" stores in Texas, they have super cheap soap, tp, toothbrushes and other toiletries. Cheaper than Wal Mart but still good stuff.

[aajoeyjo]

I don't know of any Big Lots in Austin, and anyway, isn't that a membership store? Like Sam's Club?

I don't know how anyone can stay in business selling full size tooth brushes for a buck each. I guess I should shop around anyway...

[Syrinx69]

Joe, no Big Lots isn't a membership store. It's a "inventory liquidation" type place.

Anyway go to their website (biglots-dot-com) and use their store locator - it looks like there are several of them in the Austin area

[TXatheist]

Now I know why you said toiletries and not food/water...thanks.

[smashbeans]

you are the greatest

[ShortbusMooner]

I think it's a great idea. You'll be helping atheists earna better rep, and helping our fellow humans, at the same time.

Good job!

[SadhuSatana666]

Just in case you havn't thought of it yet,

Maby do a charity gig with your band and use the proceeds to finance some items.

[aajoeyjo]

Good idea, except that my band is 2/3 not Atheist. I'm calling out Atheists specifically for this project. We all like to help once in a while, but few other groups but Atheists are told that they don't help. So this one is for us, by name.

I'm learning the guitar though! I'll go play Imagine for them. :o)

[agnosticman77]

Awesome man. Thinking about doing this in Colorado as well.

[tbcslayer]

i dont know if somebody mentioned already but i think u forgot some shaving cream so they can use the razor. but the rest is good idea gj

[aajoeyjo]

Well there are some small cheap shaving creams at the store I can buy I suppose. I never use it though. When I was in the Army, I learned that you really don't need shaving cream. It's a sales pitch in a can, and it can be have other uses. lol

I just need to go shopping some more.

[samOFblorx]

I didn't know you were in the Army! That's cool!

[aajoeyjo]

Yep! In my video "Leaving the Quiet Room, Introduction part 1," I talk about it.

[jsgardener]

Ahhh....we need this...and disregard my previous statements. I would want it to come directly from Atheist...that would be very important.

[jsgardener]

Dude...awesome! I have been thinking about the SOCAS violations in our (NW Ga) area, but have needed a more humanitarian value. I am going to use this...

Why not get donations? Just a little more leg work but you could get more stuff for free. Not monetary, but item donations. If I were to buy the stuff, I would be homeless...

best of luck!

[freethinker3161]

are you in the Austin Atheist group that does the atheist experience? nice work with the homeless,

i hope just as a side not here, we will see some more vids with you taking those bullshit signs down.

[aajoeyjo]

I'm not a current paid member of the Atheist Community of Austin, but I helped start that group, and I was the first co-host on the Atheist Experience tv show. That was a lot of fun.

It would be great to be able to talk about this idea on the show, so maybe I'll call in soon.

Yeah, more illegal signs are destined for a dumpster with me around!

[mattkuhl]

Absolutely great idea. I'll be contacting you soon seeing how I can help. Much respect from Houston.

[mario8891]

Really good idea. Feel free to contact me if you need any help, or at the least I would love to donate some stuff.

[mario8891]

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I live in Austin.

[AuntieDiluvian]

I'm a long way from Austin but I hope you go ahead with it. The idea to give away toiletries is terrific - hopefully some supermarkets would give away some of their 'discontinued lines' too. Perhaps you could make up packs and put them in those environmentally friendly bags - reduce packaging and waste. Check with the distributors - maybe they would donate. Maybe talk to the IRS about setting up a charity so you could seek donations more formally.

[java7686]

Joe, another thing we add is a list of homeless services. Clinics, food banks and kitchens.

[java7686]

Great job Joe. FLASH started doing this a month ago. We put kits together with a food food items, soap, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes and such. Try a hotel supplier, you have to get them in bulk, but it's inexpensive.

KenL

[jsgardener]

thanks java...I'm going to try this in NW Ga.

[TheGuardian2100]

Thanks. On behalf of humanity. This is a good diea :)

[pmarie2003]

I think it's a great idea. These items should help boost the morale and dignity of these unfortunate people.

It's amazing that the homeless are being shipped out of Houston. You'd think all the God-fearing, self-righteous Bible thumpers here would be helping. It's what CHRIST would do.

[Brewhahh]

Fantastic idea to help with hygiene and getting people on their feet.

[aleceth]

I'd say check with those Atheist Experience fellas. They might go for something like this and they have a pretty decent fan base.

[SadhuSatana666]

You have a very good idea,

Food is important but they still need other things like you're saying.

Good luck in doing this.

Just a few words of encouragement.

[TheUnmaskedMagician]

I think the t-shirt is a good idea, like you said Atheists do good works too. I think it is a good idea all together. I would help but I live in NY so I will send you a PM