We live in a nice suburban area with a shopping center nearby. A homeless man has set up house under the trees across the road from our house. We know he isn't a threat to us, but what should we do? Do I give him anything? Ignore him? Any suggestions?
By Kimber Ha
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I have the same question. There is a young man that is so kind and so unassuming that I hand some change occasionally if I have it to spare. He recently knocked on my door wanting to know if I could spare a long sleeve sweat shirt and slacks for him to sleep in at night. I gave those to him and an old quilt and a pillow and some thick socks to sleep in. I have actually invited him to stay with us, but he refuses which is expected I guess. My biggest concern with this man is he appears to be anywhere from a young teen to an adult. He has no facial hair and that really bothers me that he is most likely very young. I don't know why I get so upset over him but I do. Just a sense I have about him. I wish I knew an organization to help him.
Hi. Invite him in for some dinner or breakfast sometime. Unless he's too weird or strung out. Just if you're sure he's "safe". Take him to a local Church because they have resources & can help him too. Maybe give him a blanket or other needs. I would not advise giving money. Many Churches feed the homeless and have clothing, etc. Any Catholic Church & the St. Vincent de Paul Society or any Church & other charities are usually not too far away.
If all your neighbors pitch in this guy will be blessed and so will all of you!
The only thing that would make me nervous is him being able to watch the house. I'm not real trusting even of "nice" folks, so maybe vary your routine & get good locks & alarms. Otherwise it would be great of you to help.
We had a homeless couple living around our church and we did everything to get them to get off the streets, to no avail unfortunately. So all we could do was offer them food - and I gave the woman a ski jacket I had to wear when it was cold. There also was a man living in a shelter who did get assistance and is now in an apartment and studying to become a pharmacy assistant - so it can be done.
Being the type person I am, I would offer him some food an see if the neighbor hood could give him a few odd jobs to help him out. After all he is a human being he needs a little kindness in his life he is someones son, father, and with the way things are going today who knows? It might just be one of us that is the HOMELESS person next. I think its time we quit thinking about just ourselves, and think about others in our world starting 1 person at a time is at least a start.
Talk to him. Get to know him. Without being pushy try to find out why he is living on the street. Is it because of a substance abuse problem, a mental issue, a disability or simply lost everything due to lack of a job? And some people just like living on the streets :-( Finding out what the reason is will help greatly to steer him to the right local agency(s) for help whether it's a church, local shelter, food bank, Salvation Army, St. Vincents, Goodwill, etc.
Ask if he needs food, a cup of coffee, clothing, a blanket, a ride somewhere, etc. but to not give money especially if it's a substance abuse problem! I learned that lesson long ago!
Personally, I would not invite a stranger in to your home. It's just too iffy and, sadly, there are too many dishonest people and some with criminal intent and you just can't tell :-( Even the nicest person can steal you blind or hurt you or a loved one. Hope this information helps.
We have a gentleman in our neighborhood. We give him gift cards to the nearby Denny's. He knows how to redeem them. Dignity is important no matter what your circumstances or how you got there.
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