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? Do you
pretend you didn't see them?
Nobody likes to be confronted by the homeless-their needs
often seem too overwhelming-
but we all want to treat them fairly and justly.
Here are some simple guidelines to equip you to truly help
the homeless people you meet:
1. Never give cash to a homeless person.
Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or
alcohol-even when the "hard luck" stories are true. If the
person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage. Or,
print our "meal tickets" and distribute those in lieu of cash.
We can provide food and many other services to the homeless by
building an ongoing relationship and plugging them into the
resources they need.
2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly,
respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility
and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the
person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and
paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are
not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The
person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran,
someone who is lacking job skills-the list goes on.
4. Share God's love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly
spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal
them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through
those who believe and follow Him.
5. Pray for the homeless.
Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack
of purpose all drain years from a person's life. God can use
your prayers and the brutality and the futility of life of the
street to bring many of the broken to Himself. View our Prayer
Request list for specific prayer needs we have.
6. Take precautions for your safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running
from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street
people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don't
take unnecessary chances.
7. How Backstreet is helping the community.
Backstreet Missions, Inc. is helping the community by
providing space to shelter the homeless through the "Upper
Room" men's mission by providing 28 beds each night. The
"Agape House" women's shelter can house up to 11 women and 20
children at a time. A Food Pantry/Assistance
outreach provides canned food items, clothing, household and
furniture for those in destitute situations. Geno's Cafeteria
"soup kitchen" served 38,000 prepared meals in 2008.
Thanksgiving food baskets were given to 500 families and over
200 children received Christmas gifts last year.
8. Support your local Mission.
Most missions receive little or no government funding. They
are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses and
civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with
the less fortunate. There are several ways you can help
Backstreet - visit our Gift Opportunities page to learn more.
Visit our How to Help page for more ideas on how you can
support the homeless in your community. |
