What Can I Do?
So, you see a homeless person on the street and wonder "what should I do?" Some people feel pity; others feel anger. As compassionate people, we often wonder what to do when we see a panhandler. As a church, we advocate prayer as a wonderful place to start.
We often think that as Christians, we should offer money or food. Our experience is that many times these items tend to become enablers for a less than healthy lifestyle, and it delays a person from getting the help they need to get off the streets. Homelessness is a complicated issue. By directing the homeless to places trained in handling their issues, we can hope to improve their outcomes.
Here is a list of helpful things to consider as you make your decisions:
Do NOT Give Money: You can listen to all their well honed pitches, but the money is likely to go toward drugs, alcohol, or a less than healthy lifestyle. An average panhandler makes $60 per day and a diligent panhandler can make hundreds of dollars a day. That can be over two thousand dollars a month – tax free. As one panhandler told us, “I prey on the benevolence of Christians” [to support his $800 per day drug habit].
Do NOT Give Food: Meals are available at numerous ministries and organizations all around Houston. See the list on the I need help page. Giving food is often a mechanism that enables them to continue their life on the street and apart from real help. If you feel compelled to give something; a bottle of water is generous and healthy. But don't be surprised if they try and sell the water to the next guy.
Do NOT Give a Ride: Please don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
Do NOT judge: You don’t know their story. Many companies won’t hire felons; hence there are a high percentage of ex-offenders on the streets. This is particularly true of sexual offenders who are denied both privately owned and government assisted housing due to their status. Mental health issues and the repercussions from trauma abound in the homeless population.
DO ask their name: If you feel safe and comfortable, ask them their name. One of the first things a homeless person experiences is being ignored. As was once said, “not acknowledging a homeless person not only denies their dignity, but it denies your own dignity.”
DO offer them a LOTS Directory of Homeless Services in central Houston booklet: LOTS has created a booklet that lists the major services that people who are homeless need to know. The directory includes where to find meal services, shelter locations, where to find clothes and medical services. By directing our neighbors to places trained in handling their individual issues, we hope to improve their outcomes. LOTS and others experienced in helping those who are homeless have better, more holistic programs designed to address their physical needs.
Learn about the ministries and organizations helping those who are homeless in your area: Support their work by volunteering time or donating money. Visit LOTShouston.org/volunteer.html to learn how you can volunteer.
We often think that as Christians, we should offer money or food. Our experience is that many times these items tend to become enablers for a less than healthy lifestyle, and it delays a person from getting the help they need to get off the streets. Homelessness is a complicated issue. By directing the homeless to places trained in handling their issues, we can hope to improve their outcomes.
Here is a list of helpful things to consider as you make your decisions:
Do NOT Give Money: You can listen to all their well honed pitches, but the money is likely to go toward drugs, alcohol, or a less than healthy lifestyle. An average panhandler makes $60 per day and a diligent panhandler can make hundreds of dollars a day. That can be over two thousand dollars a month – tax free. As one panhandler told us, “I prey on the benevolence of Christians” [to support his $800 per day drug habit].
Do NOT Give Food: Meals are available at numerous ministries and organizations all around Houston. See the list on the I need help page. Giving food is often a mechanism that enables them to continue their life on the street and apart from real help. If you feel compelled to give something; a bottle of water is generous and healthy. But don't be surprised if they try and sell the water to the next guy.
Do NOT Give a Ride: Please don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.
Do NOT judge: You don’t know their story. Many companies won’t hire felons; hence there are a high percentage of ex-offenders on the streets. This is particularly true of sexual offenders who are denied both privately owned and government assisted housing due to their status. Mental health issues and the repercussions from trauma abound in the homeless population.
DO ask their name: If you feel safe and comfortable, ask them their name. One of the first things a homeless person experiences is being ignored. As was once said, “not acknowledging a homeless person not only denies their dignity, but it denies your own dignity.”
DO offer them a LOTS Directory of Homeless Services in central Houston booklet: LOTS has created a booklet that lists the major services that people who are homeless need to know. The directory includes where to find meal services, shelter locations, where to find clothes and medical services. By directing our neighbors to places trained in handling their individual issues, we hope to improve their outcomes. LOTS and others experienced in helping those who are homeless have better, more holistic programs designed to address their physical needs.
Learn about the ministries and organizations helping those who are homeless in your area: Support their work by volunteering time or donating money. Visit LOTShouston.org/volunteer.html to learn how you can volunteer.