|
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.
Get your church or group to “adopt” a homeless
person or two. Then take turns being a friend; a
bridge to community resources and a ride to doctor appointments.
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.
Be willing to stop and talk. Greet them as
a family member. Pray for them. Take them to church.
Recognize their value as a person. Respect
is one of their greatest needs. Encourage them.
Don't talk down to them or give them pity.
They already feel bad enough about themselves.
You don't have to give cash. Keep Ziploc
bags of personal items such as:
socks, snacks, toiletries,
and fast food coupons or cards.
Keep an extra blanket or sleeping bag in
the trunk of your car. Gloves,
hats, scarves and warm items of clothing in the winter.
|
