Were you ever homeless? What is one kind thing someone could have said as they passed you on the street?

Question

Sometimes when I see a homless person, I want to say something kind to brighten their day. But other than hello, how are you, and other general comments, what could I say without coming across as if I feel pity for them? Something that would uplift and encourage them. Or remind them that they are still important and worthy just like everyone else? What are some general items that would be very helpful to a homeless person, other than food and money? Something they might be able to use often?

I disagree. Many people are homless because they were living paycheck to paycheck, and lost their job. Perhaps a spouse died unexpected, a woman may have left an abusive relationship, and other reasons. Even for those who are homeless due to careless decisions, that doesn't mean they're less deserving of a kind comment. Everyone makes mistakes.

Answer 1

a person is a person and should be treated as such no matter what. when you treat others such as a person above me answered as scum because they did it to themselves, you are devaluing all of mankind. i would say just treat them like people, don't pity because that's another form of devaluing a person. usually i just give them as much change as i have (i'm addicted to my debit card so rarely have cash) or as much as i can afford to give them and when they say thanks i say you're welcome, when they say god bless i say god bless you, even though i'm an atheist hahaha.
i know that if i were in that situation i would just want to feel like a human being, nothing special.

Answer 2

1. Sasha, sometimes. And that liar Miss Bliss. 2. Documentary on the last surviving tribes of South America. 3. I wouldn't be. I don't lead well; I'm too emotional. 4. Now why would I give that away? ;) 5. I don't believe in those. You're supposed to learn from your mistakes. 6. Been there, done that. 7. My best friend's grandma's house was totally haunted. We would hear laughing, clanging, footsteps...it was just creepy. 8. I was already homeless, and it sucked, and God-willing I'll never go through that again. I lived on top of a parking structure, stole food from a grocery store, and had to eat out of the garbage and seal money from strangers. It blew. 9. Yeah. My life. LOL :) 10. *my butt itches* LOL, J/K 11. Faith, the one who keeps harassing me through email (finally blocked that c-u-n-t). 12. Me, you, BB, Tae Young, Habibee, and Panda. Serenity, too :) 13. Our first girl will be Beth, NOT short for Elizabeth or Bethany. Just Beth. For a boy, he will be Wyatt...that's such a badass name! 14. Son-of-a-BYTCH...Yeah, and I'm at work, LOL :)> 15. Sure! Let's make a day of it :) 16. Moist panties....EWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 17. The night of, well...let's just say it was a bad night. 18. Meh...maybe. 19. Faith. She needs to get a life. She's not on here often, but she's such a snatch. 20. FuPoo. I think it would just bother the crap out of him. 21. You're thinking of seeing me naked. Pervert! 22. Its indigenous peoples are the Aborigines who had more than 250 language groups and some tribes believed that people sprang up from holes in the ground (I was in Anthropology for a time), the Europeans used it as a criminal junk yard for a time, the dodo bird went instinct there because of hunting it for food, in 1901, the six states came together, koalas come from there and are cute as hell, and didgeridoos are frickin' epic and I want one. :) 23. You're so needy today! Sure :) 24. Been There's...then she'd mom slap me... 25. "Sunset in July" by 311 and "Sail" by AWOL Nation. 26. Just as long as you cook enough for me and clean up :) 27. Sometimes, but my policy is fake it till you make it. 28. No. You made me remember things about Australia, so that was a plus. :)

Answer 3

1. get a card with a picture of something happy (like a sunflower) on the front

2. write this in it :

THE SUNSHINE OF A SMILE
Have you ever noticed
The brilliance of a smile?
A smile that’s meant for only you
Can make your day worthwhile.

It doesn’t cost you anything
To smile at someone who
Could get a little sunshine from
A smile that comes from you.

And when you smile at someone else
It makes them happy too,
You’ll find the smile you gave to them
Will come right back to you.

- Gail Grierson

3. seek out a homeless person who looks like he/she needs a lot of cheer

4. part those lips and show your pearly whites

5. give them the card

then they can keep it, treasure it, re-read it, share it with their friends...

i think this is a lovely gesture (although i've never been homeless)

Answer 4

From personal experience, my dad left my mom and all seven of us kids with no real explanation. He was the breadwinner after that she slipped into a deep depression. She stopped paying bills cuz she couldn't afford to and we ended up evicted.She had no family to go to so all of us became homeless. The shelter we stayed at let us in as an exception. Through much hard work and dedicated staff at the shelter she was able to find a job, lift herself from depression and find a home for all of us. The one thing a social worker said to my mom was you have to love yourself enough to change your situation look at all your kids they're counting on you it's time for you to step up.

Answer 5

I was homeless for a while I would have to say just having someone acknowledge you as a human being goes a long way
It's really hard to start over when it seems like everyone is trying to sweep you under the rug

Answer 6

There is something in the Bible, that tells us to be good to the poor, ....and if you think it is safe, as some of them are very mentally ill....I always like to give them a little transistor radio...with extra batteries, and some cash...so what if they buy a beer,..I know that may not sound nice,...but maybe the actual act of kindness,...like that someone didn't forget them in spite of how they got there, can go a long way...many of them are drunks and cons, yes i know, but I cannot forget the passage in the Bible that tells us to give, as it Might be Jesus himself asking you for help...and you will be judged for your actions..they LOVE the radios, as it gives them something to listen to all day and is a contact to the outside world...some of them just love to listen to old music, it seem to sooth their souls.....just a nice hi, and maybe a couple of bucks, or if you think they need a jacket to keep warm, or even a blanket, at this freezing time of the year...but I love giving the little radios and you can buy them for under five bucks or so now...God Bless you hon, email me and I will tell you my experiences..

Answer 7

Yes, I was homeless for awhile in the early 90's. Just to be looked in the eye and acknowledged was a start, to remind me that I wasn't invisible. I usually slept in the day,though... didn't feel safe sleeping at night in L.A.

Answer 8

late one night i stopped outside a chinese fast food joint. an old homeless man (no he wasn't drunk) was sitting in a freezing doorway. i bought him supper and gave it to him. he refused to accept it without cleaning my car windscreen with his shirt, as he said he felt he had to earn it. he was about 70. i let him. he then sat down next to my car and ate his food. he just wanted to feel valued, not pitied. if i was in a position to take him home and give him a room i would have. not all homeless ppl are drunks and bums. for the grace of god, there go i.

Answer 9

what is your name?

Answer 10

Most,(but not all) people that are homeless are homeless for a reason that can be directly traced back to themselves. Don't waste your breath. If you want to give them words of encouragement, try this. "Put down the bottle/pipe, get a haircut, take a shower, and get a job".