How to help someone who's sleeping rough? I started a new job recently and over the last couple of weeks I've noticed a man sleeping rough outside the office building. He's not there every day, but is there fairly regularly. I am very well aware that there are homelessness services and that I can't solve all of this man's issues, but I feel awful that so many people just walk on by this man every morning, as if he is invisible, and I can't help thinking how de-humanising that would be. Not to mention it's winter, cold, uncomfortable and life can be damn hard even for those of us with a home. I want to let this fellow know that he's not invisible, that he's not just a piece of trash on the footpath, but to be brutally honest I'm also a bit wary of becoming entangled in problems that aren't mine to solve. It's been raining today and I saw him this afternoon as I left work - I thought he was getting set up to bed down for the night - so I was thinking maybe a waterproof bed roll might be useful to him. I've thought about just buying him a coffee in the morning, or taking him in a thermos of soup.... I kind of feel a bit awkward about approaching him, maybe he'd think I'm interfering or a tokenistic do-gooder. So what do you all think?
3 Replies
You’re overthinking this.
First thing, as sad as it is, a lot of these people don’t want to get off the streets as they’re not ready yet (to face whatever demons put them there in the first place) and aren’t willing to accept too much help.
Buying a coffee or giving him a thermos of hot soup will be much appreciated. Even some fruits and cans of food. Also some warm socks, many pairs and some light and easy to roll up that is warm.
Saying hello daily is enough to make him feel seen and like he isn’t forgotten!
I think food/drink is a good offering if you're going to approach him in person. Do keep in mind that sleeping rough often goes hand in hand with mental illness and/or addiction, which means unpredictable or erratic behaviour is a possibility. So if you do plan on doing this, I suggest you take someone with you and get them to hang back so he's less likely to become overwhelmed or feel crowded but you're still protecting yourself too. Chances are that he'll be extremely grateful and entirely harmless but better safe than sorry!
Another option if you don't quite feel right about approaching him directly, perhaps you could leave a warm coat, jumper or some form of bedding in his "spot". I've seen loads of warm coats, beanie and scarves left out on trees and lamp posts in my city, it's such a simple way to be able to help someone who's doing it tough.
Good on you for wanting to help him though, it breaks my heart that sleeping rough is so many people's reality, especially in winter.
You have a. Beautiful caring heart. I am the same. I feel for these people and I would grab a coffee and something hot to eat.Let him know he isn’t alone and there are caring people out there. It maybe be the best thing anyone has ever done for him. The poor man. It’s all so sad seeing people like this in the cold at night. Some like to be live like this and that is ok but they also like to know that people care. They may not have any family and it could mean the world to him.I would definitely get him a hot coffee and meal. If he likes it, you could do it once a week or something if you can afford it. They take turns at shelters so he may have accomodation some nights and then has to sleep there on the other nights.