Homeless support organizations fight hunger in Tokyo

Homelessness is a difficult situation anywhere. Many people who lose their homes have problems getting their life back on track. Far from being a problem of individual responsibility, homeless people are often those who have been laid off from their job or have otherwise fallen into hard times.

While the homeless rate in Japan is low overall compared to other nations, homelessness is still an issue, especially in major cities such as Tokyo. In addition, the coronavirus crisis has led to severe economic impacts, particularly on non-permanent workers, some of whom have ended up homeless as a result.

Organizations tackling hunger on streets

Some organizations support those without homes in various ways. Homeless people don’t have consistent access to food, and NPOs and other volunteer organizations step in to help. Gohan Plus is a Shinjuku-based organization that provides free food and consultation services to people without homes and others who may need it.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the organization has even increased the frequency of their services to once every week. They have specialist organizations and individuals at these events to provide support, including general and even medical consultations. Gohan Plus has volunteer seminars for people who want to get involved, though their website is only in Japanese.

For English speakers, there is Second Harvest, a food bank established in 2002 that aims to combat food insecurity in Japan. While their activities are nationwide, they are active in Tokyo and the Kanto area, and they provide English support and volunteer opportunities.

Housing is a basic human right

Providing food is one simple and effective way to help people in need. It is also an accessible activity for those interested in volunteering and making a difference. Other organizations go even further, and many of them accept donations and other support.

The Housing First Tokyo Project believes securing housing is the first step for homeless people to rebuild their lives. While they also provide food and do night patrols and outreach programs, they mainly focus on housing. The project is led by the international organization Médecins du Monde, or Doctors of the World, and several other organizations. The concept of housing first is not unique to this project, but it is the idea that housing is a basic human right and the foundation on which all other support is based.

The non-profit organization Moyai also takes big steps regarding housing, offering guarantor services for homeless people who need a place to stay. Japanese apartments often require guarantors, individuals or organizations who take responsibility in case any problems arise, such as the tenant not paying. This can be a barrier for homeless people who might not have anyone to rely on. Moyai also has social events to help people build these connections. These events and the support offered are not only for homeless people but also for others facing difficulties, such as people recently released from prison and domestic violence victims.

Helping those in need

Not all organizations helping the homeless have English information or support. However, there are numerous options for foreign residents who wish to volunteer or donate to these organizations or other groups. Tokyo has the most prominent organizations helping people without homes, though other big cities may have opportunities. This includes Osaka in particular, which has an even higher number of homeless than Tokyo.

People without homes are especially vulnerable and need the support of individuals and society to get their lives back. While the root causes of homelessness need to be addressed, these organizations provide food services and other necessary support for homeless people and groups facing hardships in life.