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Original poster

What to give to homeless people?

36 replies

Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 07:06

Every morning, I walk past a man who is sleeping in the station in a sleeping bag. He is always asleep when I walk past. The weather is freezing where I am (not UK), and is going down to -12 tonight.

I go to the corner shop every morning to buy milk etc for work and I always buy him some biscuits and leave them beside him. I also bought some of those hand warmer things and I left some tangerines this morning.

Is there anyone who works with the homeless or has been homeless themselves that can recommend what else is a good thing to give? I am in two minds about leaving money, I know there are pros and cons. I would ask him what he needs, but as I said, he's always sleeping when I go past.

He does seem to have a decent sleeping bag, at the very least.

OP posts:
Xiaoxiong · 11/12/2018 07:24

In freezing weather a hot drink can never hurt, but for his sake set up a direct debit to St Mungos, The Connection at St Martins, Centrepoint, Shelter, etc.

Homeless charities can do so much more with a regular stream of income than one-off donations directly to someone homeless and can help break the cycle of homelessness, mental illness and addiction which unfortunately giving money will only perpetuate.

Xiaoxiong · 11/12/2018 07:26

Sorry just saw that you are not in the UK - there must be homeless charities where you are, or a street angels service, I'd get googling and find one and ask. The needs of the homeless population may be different where you are, they will be best placed to advise.

Original poster
Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 07:26

xiao like I said, not in the UK, and there's very little homeless support here sadly.

I read that a lot of homeless people are suspicious of hot drinks etc as people could put anything in there. Also, since he's always sleeping, I don't really know when he wakes up and if it would still be warm when he sees it.

OP posts:
Xiaoxiong · 11/12/2018 07:27

I was also going to say, write to your MP about austerity, cuts to mental health support, UC, etc!! But obv not relevant if you're not in the UK!

Weezol · 11/12/2018 07:33

Socks! Living rough is hell on the feet - keeping your feet warm and dry is vital.

Original poster
Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 07:35

Socks is a good idea! Thanks!

OP posts:
Xiaoxiong · 11/12/2018 07:37

I'm guessing from your username you're in JP? There used to be a group called Second Harvest that works with feeding the homeless, if they are still around they might have some ideas? I grew up in Asia and I know homelessness often has a different pattern there.

Otherwise I think all you can do is check on him each day and alert the station staff (if any) if you think anything is amiss. They probably know him well. The rough sleepers here are always very happy for a hot drink but point taken about him being asleep when you pass by.

Other ideas, maybe socks, hat, gloves, mattress pad, hand warmer idea was a good one.

GrandmaSharksDentures · 11/12/2018 07:41

Socks
Pants
Thermal underwear
Waterproof over bag for his stuff (camping equipment)

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 11/12/2018 07:42

Why not ask him? I do try and ask the person before purchasing, as sometimes they have needs I haven't considered. One man asked for candles as that's how he heated his tent in winter; he assured me he had a candle holder to keep it from falling over and I bought the wide based ones...

Original poster
Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 07:42

Not in Japan, no.

Station staff are more likely to throw him out than help him.

Thank you for suggestions!

OP posts:
Roystonv · 11/12/2018 07:42

You could make up a self care pack for him; some first aid items, toothbrush and paste, flannel, soap, bag to keep them in etc etc, gloves, pack of cards as a 'fun' item. If you have pound shops (or equivalent) where you live doesn't have to be expensive.

allthingsred · 11/12/2018 07:42

I work with homeless people & would recommend Sock's, thick good quality socks, hats gloves. Toiletries, most homeless people know where to go to have a shower & freshen up, but can't afford things like shower gel/toothpaste. Likewise sanitary products if a lady who is homeless.
Maybe pay for a drink in a coffee shop ( you'd have to check shop policy I will say in my experience macdonalds are excellent ) so he could go in & order what he likes. If you can afford a bit more or have a spare one in a shed maybe a one man tent & a mini padlock That way he will have some form of shelter, for the upcoming months & can keep his things fairly safe.

Original poster
Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 07:43

avocados as I said, he is sleeping when I walk past, I'm sure he doesn't want a stranger waking him up and asking him poorly-accented questions as to his needs when he's in the middle of a nice sleep!

OP posts:
captainprincess · 11/12/2018 07:45

I know people are cautious of giving money and rightly so but sometimes I do, if I was living on the streets and getting high was my only way of escape and getting through the night, why not.
More practically Socks is a brilliant idea, also maybe more long term but a back pack to keep their stuff in, it's so sad when you see people surrounded by carrier bags full of their entire lives. But maybe they are more likely to be stolen then, it's so hard.
Good for you OP for helping at all.

allthingsred · 11/12/2018 07:46

Maybe a food package, but try to get stuff he won't have to cook or have difficulty opening Bread, milk, fruit, crisps etc.

Birdsgottafly · 11/12/2018 08:09

I agree with asking him. My local homeless man has an egg allergy.

I do give money. When I often have a drink at home and when camping, it's a bit twatty to think someone homeless shouldn't have a drink.

But access to hot food in this weather is important. Having money can provide that.

But I agree that you should see what charities are doing in the area and see if he's on their radar and give that way.

Original poster
Hisaishi · 11/12/2018 08:57

birds like I said, he's sleeping so can't ask him.

And there are very few (if any) charities working in this area and the ones I did look into are very poorly organised, mostly through the incredibly corrupt churches here.

OP posts:
Extrastout · 11/12/2018 09:04

He'd probably appreciate money, tobacco (if he's a smoker) and alcohol (if he's a drinker). Socks and underwear definitely. I know someone mentioned homeless people having places to shower, but they normally don't. Get him a three pack of boxers. He'll feel fresh as a daisy. Maybe something frivolous like deodorant might cheer him up, as often homeless people get asked to leave places like libraries due to the smell. Chewing gum might be an idea, as apart from filthy public toilets, he may have nowhere to brush his teeth. Wet wipes to half clean himself may also help. Hats, you can't go wrong - get one that has the ear muff bits too. Socks, again, a blessing for him.
Just maybe buy him one thing every week. Be aware that other homeless often rob each other, so try to leave anything you get him close to his face, unless he's somewhere with a lot of foot traffic.

Sarahjconnor · 11/12/2018 09:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Extrastout · 11/12/2018 09:13

Also, if he looks thin, something tasty to eat, in a very small portion would be welcome. Just a sandwich. If he's begging, he probably has his priorities on what he spends his money on, with food being a little far down the list if he is drug or alcohol dependent. So, at least he won't have to spend his begging money on food I suppose.
I know people hate to 'fund' a drug or drink habit, but homeless people will beg until they have enough to fund their particular vice for the day, be that taking 1 hour or 8 hours. You'll be saving him a quid by buying him food if you don't want to feed his habit.
I don't know why people have this idea, but I know that a lot of people do. If I was on the streets, I'd knock myself out with 10 bottles of wine if I could. Don't judge his choices.
Also, if you're religious, a small inexpensive prayer card or something might mean something to him. Even if he's not religious. Just don't try to convert him lol.
I had a miraculous medal someone gave me in my purse for a long time. There was a lady who I always passed and sometimes gave money to. One day I gave her a pound and the miraculous medal. She seemed happier with the pound to be honest, but I hope the medal helped her a little.

Extrastout · 11/12/2018 09:21

And the reason I say don't try to convert him is because, when homeless, even if a previous believer, you question God's existence. And people can be conditional in their kindness. 'Come to our church and we'll give you a hot meal afterwards'. No. I'd rather die hungry thank you very much.

Btw I know all this as I was homeless, living on the streets for 3 months, 3 years ago. In London.

Theoryofmould · 11/12/2018 09:25

I often give money, what they spend it onis their business not mine. I also give cigarettes if they want them.

TheGirlWhoLived · 11/12/2018 09:25

I would get some books or magazines, obviously in the native language but I work with homeless and they really appreciate something to read

Beaverhausen · 11/12/2018 09:25

Thermal socks, gloves, a hat and a fleece would probably be welcomed. I also tend to make them sandwiches and give them a pint of milk or a bottle of water.

If they arexawake I tend to buy them a pie or sausage roll.

Whyislarryhappy · 11/12/2018 09:27

Socks, gloves, an extra blanket, jumper or hoody. Dry food even cereal they will be greatful for! Hot drinks.
And as always toiletries! Toothbrush toothpaste soap and deoderant.
What about packets of dry soup (cup a soup), pot noodle, hot chocolate sachets - most hospitals welcome the homeless for check ups and use of hot water if he asks. Even if you ask the local hospital about it and leave him a note

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