EASY TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN
HELP THE HOMELESS
(download the MS Word version of thes tips)
- Recognize
their value as a person no matter what they may look like. But also
realize that many homeless do look like everyone else.
- Be willing to stop, rather than pass them by.
- Greet them as you would a family member—no “us and them” mentality.
- Keep Ziplock packs of personal items, socks, snack food and fast
food coupons in your car. In the winter, add gloves. Keep an extra blanket
or sleeping bag in the trunk.
- It
is usually better to hand them practical items, than giving cash. They
will appreciate it so much! It’s terrible not to be able to afford
basic items. Keep sizes small as they must travel light.
- Spend a little time to listen and to encourage them. Let them know someone cares.
- Don’t
talk down to them or give any pity. They may already feel bad about
themselves. Respect is one of their greatest needs. Circumstances
have beaten them down. Your encouragement will restore their hope and
help allay their fears. It’s scary to be on the street and not know
where you will sleep.
- If your homeless friend is not near a meal program, you may want to bring some food, from time to time.
- Some
will be very appreciative, others will be so broken, they may not be able
to even treat you kindly. Even if this is the case, you will know that
you did a kindness for someone.
- Pray
for them and take them with you to church, or tell them where a bus will
pick them up for services. (For instance, Cary Church of God picks up every
Sunday morning in front of the Salvation Army Building on Person St, and
at the S. Wilmington St Center.)
- Volunteer at homeless ministries & programs, and support them financially.
- Join a “search & rescue” team with Church in the Woods. Help map the woods, to find isolated homeless persons.
- Give
them your patience and don’t give up on them. Expect that for some,
it will take time to heal enough to take a step off the street or out of
the woods.
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