Have you asked yourself recently if there’s anything you can do to help the homeless? It’s been blistery cold in the Northeast so far in 2019! And as news of homelessness across the country has perked up my ears, I’ve also seen what appears to be more homeless people on the streets of Philadelphia. My heart’s been heavy for them and my kids want to help too. So, how can I teach my kids compassion and take action to make a small difference in a homeless person’s day?
Tips for Helping
- Recognize that there’s not much difference between yourself and the person on the street. That might seem obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to forget the obvious. I was sad to hear friends making wide-sweeping, condescending, empathy-lacking comments about the homeless at a dinner party. Let’s check our hearts and be sure to speak in ways that convey shared humanity and experiences of loss/hardship/struggle. Maybe you’re living paycheck to paycheck or can remember a time that you were. Someone said to me, “We’re all just one paycheck away from being where they are.”
- When we teach empathy and then act on social issues, it teaches our kids (and other adults, too) a caring activism that spreads hope. Especially on issues that seem far too big for my little effort to make a difference, that’s exactly where I need to pause and ask myself if there’s anything at all that I can do, then do it! Of course be safe and inform yourself, but don’t forget to follow through.
- Make eye contact and say, “Hello.” If you have the opportunity, show you care by hearing their story. Each person has their own unique story and you honor the person in front of you by setting aside your assumptions and listening well. According the the Bowery Mission, “Homelessness brings a sense of loneliness that erodes the core of a person’s self-value.”
- If you don’t have the opportunity to say, “Hi” because maybe you’re driving your car, say a quick prayer – and if your kids are in the car, say it aloud – for that person and for others who are homeless. Remember that God loves that homeless person as much as he loves you, that God knows his or her name and has plans for that person. Does that thought surprise you?
- Sign up with a group that feeds the homeless. My sister’s church has a couple events throughout the year where they assemble bagged lunches and distribute them. What a pro-active and practical act of service!
- Make a gift bag or “blessing bag.” Consider going to the Dollar Tree and grabbing items like gloves and hat, thermal socks, beef sticks, crackers, power bars, toothpaste, toothbrush, wipes, deodorant, snacks and other items that may help someone who is homeless or on the street for a day. Mine was inspired by Amy Verder over here.
Give a $10 Now and Then
Back in January it was bitterly cold, a sudden drop in temperature (apparently called a Polar Vortex). Just before we pulled out of the driveway, I remembered a ‘blessing bag’ I’d made and that had been bouncing around in my husband’s car. In the chaos of getting kids buckled into car seats, I grabbed the bag with a prayer in my heart that we’d cross paths with someone who needed it. What unfolded still moves me to tears as I reflect on it.
We were getting off of 95 on an exit ramp where we usually see someone holding a sign, asking for help. Stopped at the red light, we saw a young man with his head bent down, holding his piece of cardboard and hoping for a window to roll down. I spontaneously grabbed a bill from my wallet and shoved it into the bag. “Quick, honey, roll down the window, here’s the blessing bag!” I urged my husband. The man was not too sure at first what was happening as a gallon sized ziplock bag was passed through the window. He said, “Thank you” and started to walk away. Then he spun around, his face lit up, and he came walking back toward us. “All of my clothes got wet last night – this is so helpful. Thanks again!” Tears were now grabbing my eyes. I didn’t know when I put socks, a clean cotton T-shirt, a hat and HotHands Instant Warmers in the bag that I’d meet a man whose clothes were damp. But our interaction wasn’t done. The $10 bill (that I’m ashamed to say I hesitated to put in there) caught his eye. Again he turned back, face completely transformed, “There’s a ten in here!” he said with exuberance that’s hard to describe.
We choked back tears and said, “God bless you.” Then I broke down in tears, for I was the one who was changed by this exchange. I can’t articulate what I expected exactly, but I can say that this man’s gratitude and what a difference this little package made to his countenance impacted me deeply. I won’t forget this man ever. And I share this story because I’m just an ordinary person who was inspired by someone else’s “Blessing Bag” idea. My hope is that the man was able to get to a laundromat to dry his clothes or get a hot meal. My hope is that my family won’t forget the lessons we learned about keeping a tender heart and looking out for others, even in small ways along life’s journey.
