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You are here: Home > Learn > 12 Ways to Help Homeless People12 Ways to Help Homeless People
12. Respect homeless people as individuals
Respond to them with a smile or hello. Talking to a homeless person like you would to anyone else gives them a sense of dignity and helps them to feel valued --- something homelessness robs them of.
11. Recognize that causes of homelessness vary from individual to individual
Many homeless individuals have experienced excruciating pain in their lives at the hands of parents, spouses, or other people. Others struggle with mental illness, lack of job skills, or addiction. Alcohol and drugs are often used to dull or medicate their pain.
10. Support organizations that are building additional housing or social services in your neighborhood instead of petitioning organizations to stop building a program in your neighborhood.
9. Never give cash to a homeless person
There are many ways to help homeless individuals, but giving them money is not recommended. Carrying sack lunches, restaurant gift cards or buying them a sandwich are a few ways to help. You can also purchase "meal tickets" which can be exchanged at the Mission for a warm meal, safe overnight lodging and an invitation to join our rehab program.
8. Get involved
Educate yourself and your family about the issue of homelessness. Here are some sites to help you get started:
7. Buy or subscribe to Real Change newspaper
Real Change newspapers are sold by over 200 of Seattle's homeless men and women and help them earn money they need to get ahead.
6. Contact government representatives and let them know you are concerned with the issue of homelessness
5. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper supporting housing and assistance for homeless people (links to local news organizations)
4. Encourage the homeless to get help
Many local organizations offer support services that help homeless individuals break the cycle of homelessness. (Click here to log on to the Crisis Clinic).
3. Involve your congregation
2. Employ homeless people at livable wages
A living wage is defined as earnings that "cover basic housing, utilities, child care, health care, transportation, food, taxes and a small emergency." In King County the living wage is $11.89 an hour for a single adult, and $25.35 an hour for a family with one parent and two children. (See link)
1. Support a local organization helping to change the lives of homeless men, women and children, such as Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
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