FAQ

How can I help a person experiencing homelessness?

6 Ways You Can Help People Experiencing Homelessness:

1. Give food, coupons, gift certificates or refer to a local social service agency.

If a person is hungry, give food, coupons or gift certificates to restaurants or grocery stores, or refer him or her to an agency that can provide food and shelter. Never give cash.

2. Talk to them with respect.

Taking time to talk with someone experiencing homelessness in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of dignity. If you can, spend time building a friendship with them, like over a meal. Experiencing homelessness can be very isolating, discouraging, and embarrassing, and we all need the consistent love and encouragement of friends to help us make healthy choices for our lives.

3. Recognize that people experiencing homelessness (and their problems) are not all the same.

The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills, and the list goes on. Encourage the person to get help through a mission, but remember its ultimately their decision. Rescue missions offer immediate food and shelter, and many, like us, offer long-term rehabilitation programs that deal with the root causes of homelessness.

4. Support ministries, like the Union Rescue Mission, through your donations.

Most missions receive little or no government funding. They are supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with those in need.

Donations of food, clothing, personal items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, combs), diapers, toys, etc. are always appreciated and very needed.

5. Volunteer your time at a mission.

This will not only help support the work of the ministry, but also allow you the opportunity to get to know the people in need, which will impact you as well.

  •  Find out how to you can volunteer your time and talents at Union Rescue Mission. You can also call our volunteer office at (213) 673-4814.

6. Pray for people who are struggling or experiencing homelessness in your community, as well as the guests, residents, and staff at Union Rescue Mission. 

  • Email prayers@urm.org with your prayers or to find out how you can be praying specifically for our ministry, our staff, and the thousands of people experiencing  homelessness, that God would touch them in special ways.