Eight Ways You Can Truly Help!

What do you do when you see someone holding up a sign, "Will Work for Food"? Do you roll down your window and give them money? Do you pretend you didn't see them? Nobody likes to be confronted by the homeless - their needs often seem too overwhelming - but we all want to treat them fairly and justly. Here are some simple guidelines to equip you to truly help the homeless people you meet:

1. Other than Badged Vendors of The Salt Lake Street News - Never give cash to a homeless person: Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the "hard luck" stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage. 2. Talk to the person with respect: Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner, can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face. 3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same: The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills...the list goes on. 4. Share God's love whenever you can: If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him. 5. Pray for the homeless: Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person's life. God can use your prayers, along with the harsh brutality and futility of street life to bring many of the broken to Himself. 6. Take precautions for your own safety: Some homeless living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don't take unnecessary chances. 7. Encourage the homeless to get help through The Salt Lake City Mission: We offer food and shelter and most importantly “A Way Out” to the homeless through two long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homeless. We also have a wide range of resources and referrals to properly identify and address all the issues and needs of the homeless. 8. Support Salt Lake City Mission: Salt Lake City Mission is supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate and we receive no government funding. We are audited annually by an independent out of state auditor. We are very good stewards of the funds entrusted to us as our G&A Expenses are under 3%. Click on our Facts At A Glance to learn more or Click Here to Help Now!