3 Impactful Things You Can Do When You Encounter a Homeless Person.

I have been actively involved with the local homeless community since 2017. Recently, I had the opportunity to work as a Case Manager for a small non-profit that helps people in crisis situations. I was so excited to get paid to do work I absolutely loved. The work was often difficult, sometimes heartbreaking, but also extremely rewarding.

I ended up leaving that job for many reasons related to poor management of the non-profit, however, I miss connecting with our underserved communities and look forward to getting back into that world soon.

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When I mention my joy for working with our homeless community to others, I often get a mixed bag of reactions.

Wait… you like working with homeless people?

 Aren't they scary? 

Aren't they lazy?

Aren't they all drug addicts? 

Or, I want to do something to help, I just don't know what the right thing to do is.

The last statement is what I hear the most (thank goodness!)

Honestly, I think we as humans overcomplicate what it means to 'do something.' We don't have to try to save the world or be heroes. Doing something can actually be quite simple.

So the next time you encounter a homeless person, here are 3 impactful ways you can make a difference.

1. Say Hello

It's that easy. There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding homelessness, but please don't let any preconceived notions come before this fact: The person in front of you is as human as you are. This person has a name and a story. A simple 'hello' with a smile can go a long way.

One of my homeless friends tells me it makes her day when someone simply rolls down their window and acknowledges her.

Take it a step further: If you feel comfortable enough to further engage, ask the person his or her name. No matter the path that led a person to a crisis situation, there is a sense of feeling invisible that overtakes each one of them. Simply being acknowledged as a person who has a name can be a bright spot in that person's day.

You might even walk away feeling a bit uplifted, too.

2. Offer a Simple Act of Kindness

There are a number of other ways you can offer simple acts of kindness. A pair of socks, a $5 bus pass, or a quick snack are all items that can be beneficial. Keep extra items in your car that can easily be handed out.

Keep in Mind: Try to give with no expectations. Even with the best of intentions, not everyone will be ready to receive at the same time you are ready to give. Many who are experiencing homelessness are in a state of high alert, fearful, and untrusting of the world around them. Can you imagine being in survival mode 24 hours a day? If someone's reaction to you isn't pleasant, simply smile and move on. Do not let an encounter that doesn't go smoothly detour you from future acts of kindness.

3. Offer a Kind Word

You would be amazed at how many hateful comments are hurled at people experiencing homelessness every day. They are treated with disdain and disgust. I've watched this happen so many times right in front of me. I can't imagine what people must say to them when I'm not around. Hateful, judgmental comments only further chip away at any sense of worth someone experiencing homeless has left (which I can assure you is not much.)

Say something kind. "I'm glad to have met you today." or, my favorite, "You are worthy of good things." Your paths have crossed so why not leave that person a little better than you found them? You never know if that one interaction may become a turning point, or at least a starting point, for a new beginning.

A little bit of hope goes a long way.

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There are so many ways we make big differences for our underserved communities if we all commit to digging in. I will be writing more about my dreams of creating inclusive communities in the future.

But for now, let's not forget that small things add up to be big things.

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Little by little, a little becomes a lot.

-Tanzanian Proverb