Meeting On The Street
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? Or, do you pretend you didn’t see them?
Nobody really likes being confronted by the homeless. Often, their needs simply overwhelm us or we are paralyzed with fear or ignorance of the best way to really help them. However, most of us want to treat them fairly and justly.
Since most people are not trained social workers, the following suggestions may help you know how to react when approached or confronted by the homeless.

1. Never give cash to a homeless person. Many times, well-intended gifts are used for drugs or alcohol. If the person is hungry, buy them a meal or carry gift certificates from a local fast food restaurant and give them out when approached.
2. Talk to the person with respect. Take time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner. This type of exchange can give them a sense of civility and dignity. It also combats the loneliness and depression that many of the homeless feel. Maintain eye contact and treat them like you would anyone else.
3. Recognize that a homeless person and their problems are not the same. The person you meet may be suffering from a wide variety of life circumstances and cannot be judged as a group.
4. Do not act afraid or ashamed to be around them. Most homeless people are people just like you except they, at some point, have hit a rough spot and may have failed to recover thus far.
5. Encourage the person to seek help through a local shelter or church program. Know where to refer people. Keep a list of emergency shelters and housing programs, as well as local food pantries and clothes closets so that you can point the person in the right direction.
6. Pray for the person. This may seem uncomfortable at first, but if you are willing to really listen to the person and his or her situation, sincerely praying for them may let them know you really care.
7. Always be careful. Though most homeless people are harmless, some are criminals or fugitives so you should always be respectful, but cautious.
8. Learn about the homeless, not just as a people group, but as people. Remember, they belong to God as well.

Ways You Can Help The Homeless

1. Give food, clothing, trial size toiletries, detergent, sleeping bags, blankets, and other items to the Community Missions program for distribution to those in need.
2. Volunteer your time in a local church based homeless program, shelter or feeding program.
3. Research agencies and churches that minister to the homeless in Richmond and the surrounding area and find out what their needs are.
4. Adopt a homeless family for the holidays by contacting a family shelter or housing program.
5. Pray for those living on the street that they might find safety and stability.

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