Homelessness is a pressing social concern that affects people from all walks of life. In a world where no one should have to walk alone, being a friend and a beacon of hope is crucial.
Compassion goes beyond being a mere bandage; it acts as a remedy for the soul. When we reach out to those experiencing homelessness, we not only address their immediate needs but also begin to break down the barriers of loneliness, addiction, and despair.
When you encounter someone sitting on the street, lying under a pathway, or even standing in front of a store, it becomes evident that they need help. However, as responsible citizens, it can be challenging to intervene. Some individuals may be unsure of how to assist, while others may be afraid to approach the person in question.
Often we simply do not have enough information to fully understand the situation, leading us to pass them by. These individuals could be escaping an abusive situation, have been evicted from their home, struggling with substance abuse issues, or have recently been released from jail. There are countless reasons that could explain their predicament.
Show respect and kindness by approaching with a friendly attitude. Display a smile, establish eye contact, and offer a polite greeting. Minor acts of kindness can have a significant impact. Many homeless individuals feel lonely and simply crave attention.
Ask for permission. Before offering help or starting a conversation, ask if it’s okay to talk. Respect their space and boundaries.
Practice active listening: by giving others the opportunity to speak without passing judgment. Demonstrate sincere curiosity about their narrative and experiences. If you have any insights or recommendations, please share them.
Offer Practical help. Items like food, water, clothing, or hygiene products. If they need something specific, ask if you can help get it for them.
Provide Information: Share information about local resources such as shelters, food banks, and healthcare services. Carrying a list of these resources can be very helpful. There are individuals who have recently become homeless, and they are experiencing feelings of shame, hurt, anger, loss, and fear and have not found their community to help them navigate their situation.
Respect Their Autonomy: Understand that not everyone will accept help, and that’s okay. Respect their decisions and continue to treat them with dignity.
Stay Safe: Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, it’s okay to leave and seek help from professionals.
Followup: If possible, check in on them later. Building a relationship can provide ongoing support and show that you care. Knowing that someone is thinking about them during their difficult times can make a tremendous impact.
Stay safe. If need be, call for help.
If you feel unsafe or someone is at risk of hurting themselves or others, call for help.
If someone is agitated or having a mental health crisis, and you feel comfortable doing so, attempt to de-escalate the situation. Lower the volume of your voice. Fewer words are better. If you don’t feel comfortable, walk away and call for help. When calling the police, you can ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) officer, who is specially trained in de-escalating persons in crisis. Explain the situation carefully to avoid endangering yourself, the person, or others.
Reflect Ponder Consider
When assessing your biases, it is important to reflect on situations where someone acted differently than expected. Take a moment to consider what you were expecting and why you had those expectations. It is possible that your expectations are based on assumptions or beliefs that may be true for you, but not for the other person. Ask yourself if the person felt comfortable enough to share their story with you. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights and learn from their perspective.
Think about the interaction: Is there something you could have done differently? Could you have given more of your time or shown more presence in the moments you spent with the person?
Engaging with people experiencing homelessness affirms the humanity of others and can teach us a great deal about who we are and the world. We hope these practical suggestions will empower you to navigate such encounters with an open mind and heart.
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