Nobody can help everybody - but everybody can help somebody.

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 Introduce yourself. Sit for a moment. Just like you were at a party. Ask questions. Listen to their story. This simple act of kindness reminds them - they are human, valuable and someone cares. Be safe and smart. Trust your instincts. Do it with a friend. In my experiences of sitting, chatting, and listening I have been better equipped to know a person’s needs so I keep different supplies in my car or bag.

 Most feel invisible. It might feel a bit weird or scary at first, but never in my countless experiences has someone attacked me or gotten angry for smiling. 

 Coffee, meal, gift cards, carry blessing bags in your car. I have seen folks keep zip-lock bags in their cars full of socks, toothpaste/brushes, sunscreen, water, energy bars,     bus ticket. Your gift of kindness gives both something tangible as well as intangible – hope, love, and encouragement. 

 Just like you would with a friend. I sat with a homeless man one morning after coming out of the store. What intrigued me was what he was doing behind his ‘sign’ asking for help: reading. So I introduced myself, asked if I could sit with him, and inquired about his book. That naturally opened a fascinating conversation. He told me he loves to read. I went to my car and grabbed some books I had I felt nudged to slip a $20 in the book. When I gave it to him, he thanked me but quickly said, "I appreciate the money…but I might buy something you may not approve of.” I smiled and said, “not up to me, it’s a gift. Use it as you need.” 

 Homelessness is extremely isolating. Just saying “hello” and smiling can encourage a person - even make their day. 

 Connect with your local homeless shelter to find out who and how they help. Get brochures or cards to give to someone experiencing homelessness. Offer to take them to a shelter I know this is getting into the weeds It could get messy be wise use good judgment steering, inviting, or taking someone to a safe place is very rewarding.

• Volunteer: “Spend your free time where it counts, whether it’s serving meals in a homeless shelter or providing tutoring with homeless youth.”
• Donate to a local nonprofit that serves the homeless, hungry, abused, or addicted. Or, make a tax-deductible gift to the national movement: The Heavenly Orphans People Paws Project. It is the ‘911’ for agencies who serve the homeless all over the country.