Help Me

Persuasive Speech

Specific Purpose: To persuade my class to help the homeless in the Denver metro area by contributing efforts.

Central Idea: Helping an organization like Colfax Community Network can help the less fortunate and

Introduction

Attention I. Someone once asked Mother Teresa how could they make a difference as she had to Calcutta, India. A. She simply said, “Find your own Calcutta.” 1. This meant to make a difference; a person shouldn’t try to change every problem in the world. But by focusing on one problem, a person’s effort could make all the difference. II. Homelessness in Denver is my Calcutta and help is made possible by many organizations, I would like to speak about one in particular A. The Colfax Community Network organization. III. Volunteering with the Colfax Community Network can change someone’s life and ease the pain of homelessness. IV. To change the world we must first change the city we live in. V. I would like to inform everyone of the effect homelessness has and to show the efforts of the non-profit organization, Colfax Community Network.

(Transition: Let’s look at the impact of homelessness in Denver.)

Body

Need I. According to Denver’s Homelessness Plan, we are in the third year of a ten-year plan that will end homelessness in Denver. A. Denver spends 70 million annually on services for the homeless. 1. These services include shelter, healthcare, and other necessities
II. Though, this has made great strides, there are still a large number of homeless in Denver. A. Over 40% of these homeless are women and children. B. Specifically, children make up 50% of homeless on Colfax Avenue. 1. These children have changed schools on average eight times before they’ve reached the fourth grade. 2. As well, the sexual assault rate for girls younger than sixteen on Colfax is three times higher than the national average according to Colfax Community Network. 3. There should be no excuse for these actions, no matter their status. II. The families that live in poverty in Denver live in motels that have unsanitary, crowded, and dangerous conditions. A. This creates bad conditions to for children to grow up. B. Though, this is a better alternative to the streets. III. When someone thinks homeless, they typically don’t think of what’s the reality. A. They are often hard-working people that are homeless due to something like losing their job or a freak healthcare crisis. B. In fact, most of the homeless are working and only around 10% beg for money, or what we think of when we think homeless. 1. This changes the typical view of a begging homeless person 2. The real view looks like a child or woman that are doing their best to make it through life.

Satisfaction IV. Luckily, there is an organization like Colfax Community Network that gives help to those in Denver who are homeless. A. Colfax Community Network gives lives back to those who have been unfortunate. 1. They set up fun activities and even teach children skills, in example basic computer training. 2. This not only gives relief, but also prepares them for a future job and life. B. Colfax Community Network has a “Walk-In” program that allows the homeless to get immediate services. 1. This includes food, personal hygiene products, health services, and referral numbers for shelters. C. The Colfax Community Network can use anyone’s time to volunteer to help make these programs possible. 1. They also take donations of any kind and are very grateful for anything they can receive.

Visualization V. Colfax Community Network would like homelessness to no longer be a problem in the Denver area. A. Denver’s Homelessness Plan is helping and will continue to help, but there is needed support from the people in the Denver area. B. The children that are born into these situations are in need of the skills required to succeed in the world. C. Again, we must help our own community before others.

(Transition: There is a way you can help.)

Action Conclusion

I. Colfax Community Network is always looking for volunteers and anyone willing to spend time in various areas. A. This consists of activities with the homeless children along with teaching them tools for a better life. II. DU has also been getting involved by hosting an event called Project Homeless Connect. a. This is being held at the Ritchie Center on Friday, May 9 from 9AM to 3PM. b. This is a program that allows students at DU to meet a homeless person and connect with that person. 1. It opens the eyes of students, because they see how normal these people are. III. All of these are great ways to help Denver homelessness and help our own community become a better one. IV. I hope each and every one of you finds your Calcutta, and make a difference in someone’s life.

Works Cited

Nevitt, Chris. "Denver 's Homelessness Plan." City Council. Denver Government. 25 Feb 2008 .

"Services." Colfax Community Network. 2008. Colfax Community Network. 20 Feb 2008 .

Cited: Nevitt, Chris. "Denver 's Homelessness Plan." City Council. Denver Government. 25 Feb 2008 . "Services." Colfax Community Network. 2008. Colfax Community Network. 20 Feb 2008 .