How do I approach a random homeless person without offending them to ask if they'd like to go out to lunch?

Question

And say if I go to like McDonald's and buy a meal then try to find a homeless person to give it to outside, how should I decide who to give it to?

I dont want to donate to an organization. I want to be able to personally see the look on the person's face when they are full from a Golden Coral Buffet!

Answer 1

Drive by and sling a Big mac at them.

Answer 2

That's a nice gesture, but if was homeless, I wouldn't trust someone asking me if I'd like to "do lunch". As far as taking the homeless person to church, I feel that just because someone is homeless, doesn't mean that person should be subject to something as deep as a church service. What if the person is a homeless atheist?

I'm a Christian and have seen homeless people on the street and gone to get them something to eat. When I take them the meal I've bought them, I just smile and say something like, "...hi, I wanted to give you this. God bless you." I've heard of charity organizations that make homeless and/or needy people sit through a church service before they're fed. I don't agree with that. To me, the message is, "...we know it's probably been a long time since you had a meal, but you have to listen to what we have to say first."

Answer 3

I was homeless for a season. It is hard for people to approach a person when they are dirty, smell bad, are unkempt, of questionable sanity and even more questionable honor or morality. I learned quickly who I could approach and who I should just let alone. Homeless people don't need a hand out. They need an opportunity. Those who want to will take any opportunity to grow. Those who don't have reasons they don't. Some are homeless because that is who they are. They have grown to accept that station in life. I did not. I am still indebted to those who gave me an opportunity. It isn't what we wear on the outside that makes us detestable or unapproachable. It is what we wear on the inside, in our hearts. Help those who will accept help. But do be careful, there are some people I wouldn't give bread for who they have chosen to be.

Answer 4

In a small part I do agree with the response about "Don't do this"..from the homeless shelter worker. I agree that many are mentally ill,drug or similar problems. You certain do not want to acquire new problems or endanger yourself.
However, be wise, but be compassionate. The big mac idea sounds quick and convenient, but something of some acceptable nutrition (poor dental health is very common though, so no tough stuff !) may be better.
I must agree that it is so unwise to gather up the person and actually go somewhere with them. If the location is very public, a street bench, not a park or somewhere even less safe, then share what you have at that location.
Homeless people get very territorial about "their spot"...it's like someone telling you they hate your home if you suggest they move out....even for lunch.
My brother is homeless and he accepts food, both graciously and ungraciously. The ungraciousness is his clumsy way because he has mental health problems.
To share your sandwiches is one thing, but I strongly advise you not to fall into the stories they might tell unless you are a fully backed up, professional. To the nicest person who wants to care, advantage is often taken of them.
Certainly no money.
My homeless brother became homeless because he helped out another one. She was a drug addict the wanted to help. He kidded himself (and he is mentally unwell and lonely) thta he was jhelping by allowing her to withdraw his pension from the bank, instead of him. He now begs, he's still trapped with her abuse...but she's living the high life with 2 illegitimates from 2 different men, collecting child support,a single mother's pension, my brother's money, cheap housing and there's my brother, no drugs,no wild women.no alcohol, just his delusions and a blanket to collect a few coins he collects from begging in his favourite spot he won't budge from no matter how constructive my assistance can be.
Be careful.

Answer 5

As a homeless person I would not accept a meal... some of those crazy people spit and do worse to the food first...

Here's a crazy thought... ask! If I am hungry then I will accept... but sometimes the food is for someone or something else...

Donate time or money to Salvation Army or local homeless shelter!

Answer 6

Be careful. I know you mean well, but the homeless are usually there for a reason. About half are mentally ill in some way shape or form. These poor souls have run out of money to afford care, or the state institution ran out of space. You can get hurt, badly. As a former officer, trust me.

Instead, please consider giving a set donation to a local food bank. It will still get to the same people, and the local police won't find your lifeless corpse stripped and stuffed in a dumpster. (I've seen it) Consider a set donation, start small at $5.00 a week.

God Bless, but stay smart.

Answer 7

Either go up to someone and ask them what they like to eat or go out and get something and ask if they'd like it. They'll tell you. Don't be too surprised if they tell you to f off or something. Just the way it goes. For the most part you should be ok, though. It's nerve racking to go up to any stranger, so you just gotta step out of your comfort zone and do it. The more you do stuff like that, the more comfortable you get.
Sometimes all you gotta do is walk by them and say hi with a smile or start a conversation. Just be nice. No matter what they say to you. I've had some doozies who grumble, threaten, and yell at me. I just keep at em. Kill 'em with kindness. Ya' know?

Answer 8

I think any homeless person would greatly appreciate u asking him/her something like, "I'm going 2 go 2 Denny's now 2 eat. Would u like 2 join me?"

Note: DO NOT object 2 their choice of edibles EVEN if it's a bit pricy (who knows how long he/she has been w/o a good hot meal)?

I applaud ur compassion, u should be proud of urself and the fact that ur asking how 2 not offend the homeless is noble.

Answer 9

Brian's answer had me laughing! That would be one way! Another would be to proceed with caution. Yes, he/she is homeless...but, still a stranger! Do not let him/her get in the car with you!! Just approach this person, and try "hi' and get the feel of this person, see if they want to have conversation with you, are open to you. If so, have a bit of idle chit chat w/them, and then say you're hungry, do you want to go grab a bite to eat with me at so and so place, my treat! I hope it works out well for you, thats very kind and generous of you. Random acts of kindness brighten anyone's day. We as a society need to do our part, and you are! Kudos to you!

Answer 10

Good on ya' mate. I would caution you to not invite them into a restaurant with you, though. Only bad experience I've ever had trying to help in this way. Best to pre-buy then offer. If they were to be offended, don't be discouraged. Most understand that you're just trying to be a good un'

http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 11

To be perfectly honest, food is usually one of the only things that homeless people already have enough of. If you really want to make a homless person's day buy them a nice 20 dollar backpack at Target or even a box of sturdy outdoor garbage bags, or give them a few bucks so they can buy what they need. I'm serious about the garbage bags they use them for all kinds of stuff!