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Giving Unhoused People Water
(slrpnk.net)
"Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them." -Tim Snyder
A community for sharing information about ways to get involved with real world activism to make the world a better place.
Spend less time arguing about politics on the internet. The world is in trouble. Get out there and try to help.
just go right up to them and ask them if they have had enough water today? Wear what you normally would wear.
don't ask them a normal question that gives them an easy yes or no, they are going to be paranoid of you most of the time (no matter what!). If you want to build trust, don't mention anything religious. so don't wear a church thing, unless you want to represent all the bad religion someone might have experienced.
so just approach them with all honesty and tell them you want to make sure they have some water and that you hope you can do just a little something to make their day easier
I live in a town with lots of homeless. I also lived in downtown Seattle right near lots of homeless. I always have a rule that if I see someone that needs the basic life requirements, I will ask them and provide what they need. But I will never give them money. I have purchased shoes, coats, and lots of meals.
One day I was speaking with a guy and another one guy that I have helped in the past came and told this guy, maybe his friend?, "don't mess with him, he feeds people"
and it was something I will never forget
other regulars don't ask you for change when you get that kind of reputation
if you don't give them money that's because you don't see them as full human beings capable of making the best choice for themselves given the circumstances
that's cute how you judge me by creating something out of nothing
Your post was very helpful and insightful, thanks for that. I struggle with the feeling of wanting to help and not knowing what to do (other than helping larger orgs). Ignore the other person.