Eight Ways to Truly Help the Homeless
I ran across this piece on helping the homeless in the Twin City Mission Newsletter (Winter 2008). I thought it was helpful. I would love to hear what others think. How do you help those who are without a home?
- jf
You might also check out Twin City’s website where they announce a “save the date” of March 9th. They will be hosting a couple of great speakers as part of a capital campaign who will be sharing about their book Same Kind of Different as Me. Has anyone read this? What can you tell us about it?
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What do you do when you see someone holding up a sign, “Will Work for Food”? Do you roll down your window and give them money? Do you pretend you didn’t see them? Nobody likes to be confronted by the homeless – their needs often seem too overwhelming – but we all want to treat them fairly and justly. )
Here are some simple guidelines to equip you to truly help the homeless people you meet:
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Too often, the homeless convert well-intended gifts into drugs or alcohol – even when the “hard luck” stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran; someone who is lacking job skills . . . the list goes on.
4. Share God’s love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.
5. Pray for the homeless. -
Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person’s life. God can use your prayers, the brutality, and the futility of life of the street to bring many of the broken to Himself.
6. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some who live on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don’t take unnecessary chances.
7. Encourage the homeless to get help through your local
Rescue missions that are members of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions offer immediate food and shelter to the homelessness through their emergency shelters. Many offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homeless. Many also offer a nutrious meal and safe overnight lodging.
8. Support your local
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Donate food to a local agency. Food is usually in short supply, especially items like Juices, meats, & stews.
Donate clothes such as jackets, sweatshirts, new underwear, socks, shoes, knit hats and gloves (for both men and women).
Because the fastest growing groups of homeless people is children and women with children, there is a need for disposable diapers, baby food and formula, clothing, and blankets
Homeless children dream of new toys such as dolls, trucks, and games. These donations may be the only gifts they receive for a birthday or Christmas.
