How Do You Respond When You Are Approached

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by Hank Rush

When speaking to a group, the question I get asked more than any other Is “should I give money to a homeless person? I want to help but I don’t know the right thing to do.” Well, we are working on a short video to help you with the answer to your questions. It’s sort of a “Homeless 101” course. We’ll pose the questions and show you the answers in a quick and easy tutorial that you’ll want to share with your concerned friends. The working title is “Ways to Help the Homeless” and we begin shooting it on the streets of Houston this week.

Meanwhile I‘d be interested to know how you typically react to homeless people on the streets of Houston. Maybe you have a homeless person that is regularly standing on the intersection asking for money. How do you normally react? If you have a special way of helping a homeless person I would love to know your thoughts. I can’t wait to read your comments.

Comments for How Do You Respond When You Are Approached

Friday, October 30, 2009 by Kathy Carrow:: One way to help them, and to show you care, is to pass out 1 gallon ziploc bags filled with snacks and finger foods, bottled water, a Bible, individual wet wipes and a note with information on the Star of Hope, and encouragement. Depending on the time of year, you can carry your unused sweaters, coats, fresh clothes, socks and shoes. Children can help make the packets and all items in the packet can be purchased at the dollar store.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 by Scott Wesley:: I work for a non-profit that helps formerly homeless people, people in recovery and ex-felons to get jobs. When I see people on the feeder roads begging for money I have mixed reactions. I initially would refrain from giving money to them but when it occurred to me that Jesus asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves he didn't stipulate that we should not love someone because they might be addicted or in need. When something moves inside of me calling to give, I give. That seems to happen more and more these days.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Anita perez:: I always give to anyone who I see has a need. I love helping others. I believe that it is our responsibility to help each other. I love the ziplock idea. The Bible tells us, Faith without works is dead. If we all did a little- together we could accomplish a lot.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Scott McKinley:: Take a look at Because We Care Packages @ http://www.sohmission.org/NetCommunity/carepackages. You'll see suggested items for homeless men and women who are on the streets or who are already in Star of Hope programs.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 by Kathryn:: I respond a little differently each time. Sometimes I ignore the person, other times I do give them something. I respond to the "nudge" if I feel one. When I give them money (anywhere from $1 to $10) I always look them in the eye and ask them their first name, and pray for them later by name.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by Wendy:: Thank you so much for the care package suggestion. My kids and I will make up several this weekend and put in the car to hand out whenever we encounter homeless people.