What's your reason?

What’s your reason?
Even the day after dental surgery, Bob was engagingly funny as we chatted in the Emergency Shelter where he temporarily stays. He shared a little of his life. “Yeah, I slept outside for a long time now. Years probably. Then Dave came across the street one day and asked if I had any income at all, at least welfare or disability or pension, and why not. And that he’d help. He got me here, and we’re taking care of my health. He’s a great guy.”

Do you ever look at a ragged looking person on the street corner and experience a flash of emotions tumbling together?
• Fear. (Will I be robbed or attacked? Will I be made to feel uncomfortable because I have stuff and they don’t seem to?)
• Superiority. (I would never have let myself get like this.)
• Impatience. (I don’t have time for this!)
• Anger. (I shouldn’t have to deal with this.)
• Indifference. (They chose this, they’ll figure it out. Just as long as they leave me alone!)
• Judgment. (They made bad choices and now they’re living with them.)
Or... compassion?

Would you cross the street to ask if someone needed help?

The most effective ways to offer help are to assist in connecting the hurting with the people and organizations that are best equipped to address their needs. The staff in sheltering organizations are experienced in addressing people’s needs, whether the issue is housing, ill health, addiction, or another. Google and find out how you can refer people, how you can volunteer, how you can make a difference.