My co-worker at Peet’s today was frustrated with our regular homeless customer (who, by the way, pays for his coffee every time). The guy “smelled so bad” that he was to be banned from sitting in front of our store. I thought, well, he’s outside, we’re inside- why does it matter? I then pictured him, slouching, half-asleep, belly hanging out, taking up the entire table, all day. What image would that give to our coffee shop? Maybe she’s right, I thought. He shouldn’t hang out in front of here. But, then my familiar, homeless-pitying self returned, and I remembered that this guy must be having the hardest time just getting through each day. How could I argue that he didn’t deserve a break to relax at our tables? (Not that his break would be the least bit relaxing. The majority of the morning he probably worries that we’ll shoo him away or wonders where he’s sleeping that night.)

Most people (at least not me until recently) don’t think about the physical, legitimate struggles homeless people deal with every day. Our thoughts regarding the homeless are often skewed and a bit ignorant. It’s easy to look at the guy sleeping on the bench and think he’s just, you know, basking in the sun, waiting for the next person to give him change.

Okay, surely few people would actually deny that these people are unhappy. But I, for one, never considered all the other emotions involved with living on the streets. Stress, fear, resentment and sadness undoubtedly occupy their thoughts.

Stress, because they know that no bench or corner is a permanent home, and moving immediately could be necessary at any time.

Fear, not only of the police and passers-by, but also other homeless, who at times steal each other’s stuff. (Most of this information I learned from a homeless man who spoke to us a couple years ago at an Amnesty International meeting, if you’re wondering.)

Resentment, because who wouldn’t feel a bit of bitterness or regret when comparing this quality of life with that of others, or when comparing life right now with life before homelessness?

Sadness, because, well, there’s a lot to miss: a warm bed, good (or any) food, family, friends,

The point is, no matter the cause, no matter whose fault it is, no matter if the homeless person is lazy or unfortunate or whatever, being homeless is hard one a person. So attempting to help it can’t be wrong, regardless of your stance on the issue. We know ways to help: serving in soup kitchens, donating to shelters, giving the hungry your extra food (money, on the other hand is generally agreed upon as a bad idea, because it’s impossible to see how it will be used), or participating in canned foods drives. These are, however, things we always hope to do, but don’t always remember or have time to do. But a few small changes in your daily habits can help people, as well. If this sounds like a public service announcement or old news to you, then that’s okay- you probably already do your part. But if not, then do consider the following:

1. Acknowledge homeless as people, not simply numbers.
2. Look them in the eye when you respond to them, even if you are saying no to their request (obviously, like with any person, if someone seems unstable, than use your discretion.)
3. Remind yourself, every day, of what you have. Be thankful for it, note how much they don’t have.
4. Don’t insult someone by, offering your half-eaten sandwich. But do take a risk and offer then food or drinks: chances are, a good part of the time people will be thankful to receive food or things. Some won’t, but, hey, you tried!
5. Talk with others about experiences you’ve had with homeless people. Make sure others realize that they are people too.
6. Picture yourself in their shoes.
7. Give yourself a reality check by driving through Skid Row (something I have yet to do, so this is as much of a to-do list for me as for you!) or even walking down the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica: you’ll be surprised how many homeless, logically, flock to this pretty beachside area.
8. Take the bus. That’s where I’ve had some of my most eye-opening experiences.

I apologize for the somberness, but this can be a positive thing if people work to change their views toward the homeless!

Photo by St Stev via flickr.

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