I always go on about helping people in need, but I have to be honest with you I am very, very shy. It took me years to reveal my real name to you guys. So when you want to help strangers in need often times there can be a barrier there, not knowing what to say, will they accept, is what I’m doing safe or responsible? These are questions we all struggle with and hopefully this guide should help those of you like me who are shy, nervous and apprehensive about helping the homeless.

1. Striking Up a Conversation

I do believe that talking to someone who is homeless is not just a kind thing to do but can help tremendously. It’s amazing how somebody can be surrounded by people and be completely ignored. Last year, I had a conversation with a man down on his luck in the town centre, he asked me for some change and others on the street yelled at him and said “he’s only using it to buy alcohol!” despite that I told him that I too used to be homeless and he was shocked saying but you’re so young… I was happy to talk to him, it may have no effect on his life and may just be so I can get a fuzzy feeling but I still did it and I think it’s important to at least try. A conversation is free and priceless.

2. Giving your time and money.

I never really understood the power homeless charities, shelters and organisations had to help others. I was quite judgemental because I had personally not been able to access certain services but after looking up ad connecting on twitter with some charities the work they do is amazing. St. Mungo’s here in the U.K is a perfect example of that. They know how to help those in need, how to treat the underlying problems that lead to homelessness. So if you are somebody who is not comfortable with approaching strangers or generally do not know how to help, then the first and easiest stage is to donate your cash or your time to your local organisations.

3. Writing and bothering your elected officials.

Politicians are very short-sighted and have self interests, doesn’t matter what side of the fence they sit on and unless you tell them it will not be brought to their attention. You can write letters and emails asking what they are doing to help the homeless situation or even how it is affecting your area. Sign and start petitions. Change.org is a good place to start. Obviously some times it could go wrong with people complaining about rough sleepers in their area and anti social behaviour, which leads to reactionary policies that do nothing but make the problem worse. Writing and petitioning can have an effect and you can use the power you have to make your village, town, city or country a better place for everyone.

4. Publicising the cause

Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr are all incredible tools that gives everyone a voice, follow charities and non profits and see what they are up to and what help they need. Tell your friends on Facebook about charities and upcoming events and spread the word. You can also email local newspapers to tell them about story ideas or comment on blogs and articles that talk about the issues. This always keeps the conversation going. The #homeless hash tag on twitter is a good resource.

5. Creative Giving

If you really are shy to go by yourself get a couple of friend for support and grab some socks, toothpaste and toothbrush, winter clothing, comb, soap, antibacterial gel, toilet paper, nail clippers and some warm clothing or whatever else you can think of that will helps . Go around your local area handing them out and that could really make a difference. I think every person could find at least one thing they can do here and a free thing you could do is to be more understanding and less judgemental, then the world will already begin to be a better place. Thanks, and let me know if you are also shy and how you deal with it in regards to helping.