You'd like to help the woman who's on the corner every day...the man who always asks you for change. But how? A handout doesn't seem to help. Isn't there something you can do to make a real difference in the lives of homeless people? YES. Here are ideas from the experts-from outreach workers, service providers and people who themselves have lived on the streets. Above all, say our experts, homeless men and women need concerned neighbors, who will learn their needs and help them connect with local resources. Perhaps you can be that first contact with services that will enable someone to move off the street. Should you give panhandlers money? Giving money often supports the substance abuse that contributes to homelessness. Instead of a handout, tell the person about the agencies listed here. Print the list and carry it with you. Then you can say, "I don't have any change now, but you might contact these people; they can help out." What can you do if a street person's behavior frightens you? When you see someone whose actions are very bizarre or who is passed out in the street, it's time to call for help-both for your sake and for the individual's, whose life you might save. Note the exact location before calling. If the person is clearly drunk or drugged or abusive, call 911 and inform the police. They will send a team to evaluate the person. However, if someone you see all the time suddenly begins to act very differently, please call our outreach team at (202) 364-1419. In the face of such human tragedy, it's easy to shift our anger to homeless people. Yet we know that's not helpful-to them, to us, and to our community. The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place offers practical ways for you to assist men and women who are homeless. |
