It is not easy seeing someone trying to survive on the streets of the city, and our reactions can range from sympathy, to anger, to choosing not to see the person at all. As hard as it is to witness the suffering of others, we encourage all New Yorkers to exercise empathy – to imagine what it’s like to have no home and no support network, to be cold or hungry or sick, to have hundreds of people walk by you each day and pretend you don’t exist.
The question of how to help a homeless person on the streets is not always an easy one, and while some general answers are outlined below, the best place to start is by remembering the humanity of each person you see in a public place. Treat each and every person with dignity – but also follow your own instincts. And remember that small acts of kindness can have tremendously positive repercussions in the lives of others.
I want to help a homeless person I pass on the streets every day, or who is sleeping in front of my home?
Unless you feel that the situation is unsafe, ask the person if they needs assistance and has visited the Coalition or any other organization that helps homeless people. Additionally, you can print out and offer the person one of the Coalition’s Online Resource Guide PDFs to find the closest service.
I see a homeless person who looks like he or she might be suffering from the cold, heat or other extreme weather?
If you see someone who is experiencing the effects of extreme weather and seem to be in distress, call 911 to ask for emergency services. If the person needs help finding a cooling/warming center or shelter, try to put them in touch with the Coalition’s Crisis Intervention Hotline at 1-888-358-2384.
I see someone who appears to need assistance due to an illness or injury, or might be unconscious?
Call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
I’ve tried to offer help to someone in my neighborhood, but I still see the same person on the street every day. Why is this the case?
Some homeless people have had bad experiences in the shelter system and are afraid, or prefer not, to return. Others have been wrongly denied shelter, even though they have a legal right to shelter. You can refer that person to the Coalition’s Crisis Intervention Program, which specializes in such cases. They should call our Crisis Intervention Hotline at 1-888-358-2384 or come to our offices at 129 Fulton Street, we encourage clients to come in early since in person intake is limited. If you can, offer the person subway fare to get to the Coalition or assistance making the call.
I think one of my child’s classmates is homeless, and I want to help without offending or embarrassing her?
It is extremely important to treat such issues with extreme confidentiality and care, given the stigma attached to homelessness that can significantly impact children. The best thing to do would be to approach school staff to say that you have noticed there are other children in need in the class or school and wonder if there isn’t a way you could contribute to ensure their needs are met.
Someone on the train or on the street asks me for money or food?
Each of us must make our own decisions about whom to help and how, and just because someone is asking for food or money doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is homeless. But it’s safe to assume that person would not be asking for help if help was not needed and if you are in a position to assist, doing so without judgment is always welcome. If you do not feel comfortable handing someone money or food, you can print out and offer the person one of the Coalition’s Online Resource Guide PDFs to find the closest service.
I see a homeless person on the street who is acting erratically, incapacitated or talking to himself or herself?
Call 911 and request medical assistance. Do not intervene directly.
I see a homeless person who is being harassed or attacked by strangers?
Dial 911 immediately.
I see a homeless person being denied service or being asked to leave a store or restaurant by police or others?
Politely ask the store or restaurant manager what the reason is for denying service or ejecting the homeless person, and let him or her know that even those without homes have the same rights as everyone else. If you are comfortable, offer to buy some coffee or food for the person being ejected.
I see a homeless person being told to leave a subway, park or other public place by police or others?
Without becoming intrusive, try to get a badge number while taking notes or video on what is transpiring. Your mere presence as a witness may be helpful. Contact the Coalition with a description of what you have seen. You can also make a report about police misconduct to the Civilian Complaint Review Board by visiting their website.
I see a homeless person collecting bottles from the trash?
Many people rely on the income from bringing recyclables to redemption centers for their survival. Bringing in recyclables is good for the city, and it allows the homeless person to earn some money. You can offer them your own recyclables to help or offer some money if you feel this makes sense for you.
I would like to be able to give homeless people useful information about where to get help?
I want to get more regularly involved in helping homeless people?
Read about the Coalition’s Volunteer opportunities.
