Q&A for How to Help the Homeless

Make sure that you're spreading truthful information instead of misconceptions. A lot of people assume that all homeless people are the same, which couldn't be further from the truth. Some people are more functional than others, and not every solution to homelessness will work for every type of homeless person.

Everyone needs a purpose in life, including homeless people. If you give a homeless person everything they need, that isn't necessarily going to be a fix. If you give them a purpose (like a job), a lot of other things in their life can come together as they start to feel some self-respect.

It depends on how much younger, but there is no real age limit. Find something small that you're able to do, possibly with parental assistance.

Money can be useful. But since many homeless people may have an addiction, food and basic supplies are sometimes a better option.

Homeless people are not crazy, however, many homeless people do have mental illnesses. It is difficult, if not impossible, for many of them to get treatment while living on the streets.

If you have the time, volunteering is a great idea, as you can directly help homeless people. Rather than throwing out old things, donate them to charity shops or personally box them up, buy a few small things (like a toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, etc.), and give the box to a homeless person.

Teens can participate in donations and food drives; they usually take place at churches, schools, stores, and cafes. Teens can also volunteer in soup kitchens as well.

That is a BIG question that the greatest minds are still trying to figure out. Even if homelessness cannot be stopped entirely, we can devote our lives to helping those in need. If not your money, donate your time and volunteer...just help however you can.

You would probably be able to tell by their clothing, physical hygiene, what they are carrying around, and where they sleep. Once you have recognized majority of these attributes, try to talk to them. Ask them different investigative questions that could probably lead to your answer but don't be a nuisance -- be kind and genuinely interested.

At some places you can be between 10-15 years old, but to prepare and serve food you have to be at least 16.

You would have to start by establishing a 501(c)3 status with the government. You would need a board of directors, mission statement, articles of incorporation, etc. An easier route would be to start a homeless advocacy group; however, getting donors would be challenging, as you would not be able to write them a tax deduction letter without the 501(c)3 status.

Look at what the group will be focusing on. Nine times out of 10, the group names itself.

To find homeless people, contact local nonprofits that serve the homeless population.

Giving money directly to the homeless is not recommended. If you give a homeless person (or a housed person) a job, you have no control over how they spend their salary.

You have to be old enough to rent or buy a building and apply for several licenses and permits. It is unlikely these documents would be granted to someone under the age of 25. If you are a child and you want to help now, you can make sack lunches for the homeless in your area, or volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry.

In many nations, local and federal governments collaborate to provide homeless people with jobs, housing, and treatment, if necessary. To find out what the government of your nation or locality is doing to help the homeless, contact your housing and/or urban development department.

You can ask your parents/ neighbors, teachers for help, and you can do a clothing or a food drive for starters.

You could help by persuading other people to not think of homeless people as less or unimportant. You could help to change people's attitudes, which can be very important.

You could give them hot drinks, like coffee or hot chocolate. Supply them with food and things to keep them warm: jackets, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. And yes, it doesn’t matter whether clothing donations are yours or purchased for them.

Yes, gathering canned goods and non-perishable food items for a homeless shelter would be very helpful for the community.

They likely do go to those places. The problem is that those places are not permanent and they're often full. The best method to solve homelessness is to give them a permanent place to live so they can get their lives back together again.

Homelessness affects everyone. Everyone has the potential to become homeless. Helping the homeless become productive members of society removes the strain of donation and allows them to work to help the economy.

Offer to take them to a homeless shelter and offer to negotiate longer term accommodation on their behalf, as this is ultimately what will help them. You might also have people in the congregation who are able to offer them work, help with making CVs or job applications, giving them clothes and food, etc., so put your heads together to see what you can all work out as a caring group.

It has actually been proven that giving them houses first shows the greatest potential. After that, when they feel stable, they can begin with education and training.

A homeless person always needs something, mostly shelter and food, but also understanding, trust and support. Be sensitive, thoughtful and caring when trying help a homeless person.

If you are just talking with them, maybe, but I would advise against it. Some homeless people have difficult or traumatic pasts (domestic abuse, mental health issues, rejection from family), and may dislike talking about it. If they feel comfortable bringing it up, listen to their story, but be sensitive.

Giving certain items to homeless individuals is a great idea, and does not have to be expensive (and helping others is never a waste of money!). You can thrift clean clothing and blankets, and safety vests can be found cheaply at many places (although they may not be the most helpful item). I suggest including snacks and toiletries.

Toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, deodorant, hand sanitizer, sanitary products (for homeless women), wet wipes, snacks (trail mix, snack bars, etc.), water bottle, fruit, sandwich.

Address them as you would non-homeless people; it may help to ask something along the lines of ‘Hi, is there anything I could get for you that you need, like a warm meal or any toiletries?’ If they speak a different language, you could try learning a few basic phrases in their language (hello, would you like food, how are you, do you need anything) or give them something nonspecific but helpful (snacks, toothbrush, hot drink, etc.). Even just smiling at someone may help with their loneliness, as they are often ignored--a smile is universal, regardless of language!

If you don’t have money, direct him toward services for the homeless or give him things he may need but cannot get - for example, you could wash some clothes and blankets your home doesn’t use often, and give them to him. Or you could prepare him a packed lunch from things in your kitchen.