Helping someone who is homeless

A smile, a nod or “Good morning” costs nothing. You can be kind even if you are not able to give anything.

If someone tells you their name, use it next time. Remembering a name is a small act of dignity.

Homelessness is a situation, not an identity. Words like “people experiencing homelessness” or “unhoused neighbours” keep the person first.

Try: “Is there anything that would help today?” Someone may need socks, a phone charge, or directions more than food.

If someone says no thanks, respect that. Their choice is part of their dignity.

Do not wake someone who is sleeping unless you are worried about their health. Keep a comfortable distance and let them see you coming.

If you feel unsafe, it is fine to move on and call an outreach team or 211 instead.

Ideas

• A list of local services and 211
• Bottled water
• Lip balm and sunscreen
• New socks
• Snacks that are soft and easy to eat
• Tissues and wipes

Keep a couple of kits in your bag or car so you are ready when you meet someone.

Some people give cash, some give gift cards or food, and some donate to local services instead. All can help.

Whatever you decide, you can still offer a kind word and information about 211.

211 connects people to local shelter, food and housing help. You can also help someone find their local Continuum of Care, which runs homelessness services.

Free health centres serve people with low or no income. The Find a Health Center tool lists them.

Housing programs often need ID, Social Security cards and income records, and agencies remove people from waiting lists if they cannot be reached.

Offering a phone charge, help filling forms, or a safe address for mail can be real support.

211 can tell you about local shelters and outreach teams, including during disasters and extreme weather.

Stay with the person if it is safe, and tell them who you are calling and why.

A bottle of water, a blanket, gloves or a hat can make a hard night safer. Ask first, and let the person choose.

Introduce yourself and ask simple questions: “Are you okay?” “Is there someone I can call for you?” Listen more than you talk.

Do not argue with what someone is seeing or believing. Focus on safety and on how they feel.

Crisis experts advise being direct and calm. It is okay to ask: “Are you thinking about ending your life?”

Offer to call or text 988 together. The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential and open 24/7, and you can contact it when a friend is struggling.

Ask 988 or 211 whether there is a mobile crisis or outreach team in your area that can come to the person.

Try: “I’m not here to judge. I want to understand what’s happening and help where I can.”

Health problems, job loss and rising costs often lead to homelessness. Avoid blaming language, even if you are worried or upset.

• Agree a rough time frame and check in regularly
• Be clear about house rules and sharing costs
• Give them some private space if you can
• Talk about next steps, like housing applications

Staying with others counts as homelessness for many programs, so your loved one may still qualify for help while living with you.

Offer to help with calls, forms or appointments. Housing voucher waiting lists can be long, so applying early and to several agencies can help.

Veterans can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838, and family or friends can call for them.

You can gently encourage someone to see a clinical provider or a health centre while still staying connected.

The guides “Substance Use” and “Homelessness & mental health” have more on these challenges.

Ask local services what they actually need. Sometimes it is time, sometimes specific items, sometimes skills like tutoring or translation.

Joining an existing effort is often easier and more helpful than starting something new on your own.

More than 1.3 million public school students experienced homelessness in the 2022–23 school year. School districts have liaisons who may welcome donations of supplies or clothing.

Health problems and housing costs are major drivers of homelessness. Sharing that understanding helps people see neighbours, not stereotypes.

Free, confidential and available 24/7 in most places.

For anyone in emotional distress, or anyone worried about someone else. Free, confidential, 24/7.

Free and available 24/7 in the United States.

Free, confidential and open 24/7. Family members and friends can call too.

Confidential support for young people who are homeless or at risk, with chat at 1800runaway.org.

Confidential help with safety planning and safe places to stay.

Local councils and housing charities usually run outreach and advice services.