Some Tips on Ministering to the Homeless Downtown

  It takes a little learning curve to work with the homeless on the streets. One thing I learned quickly, years ago, was to not bring any money with me when I went downtown. In fact, last time we were downtown, a young man's wallet was stolen and his bank account was emptied. Don't ever bring money downtown (I have brought change, but keep it in a belt that is attached to me). Also, I never bring a purse either. I take my driver's license and put it somewhere safe. Everything else goes in my pockets or bags (they carry tracts and Bibles).
  Dress appropriately. Be sure to talk to the people on the streets. They feel honored when you take time to talk to them.
  Don't feel obligated to solve all their problems. If they know you are new, they could try to hit you up for money or things, but over time, they will learn to be your friend if they can become acquainted with you. It is good for you to see them often. This is an open door for ministering to them.
  Don't go off with anyone! Be careful of the area you are in and make sure that you stay in a place where there are other people.
   The first time I went downtown, was to go to the library while waiting for my daughter who was taking a class. The first time I went, I was hit up for money, and a homeless person asked me for food. That's when I decided I wanted to help out, but didn't really know where to begin. I would fix a plate of food before I left and would leave it on a bench when I got there. Sometimes, I would put Bible verses on the bottom of the plate. But I am very happy to report that there are several ministries now that serve the homeless in the downtown area. This type of ministry is becoming popular now. Check in your area to see if there is a ministry to the homeless. They certainly can use your help.
   There is a web page designed by two men who experimented in living with the homeless for several months. They wrote a book and have a web site with information on serving the homeless. The url is www.undertheoverpass.com  There also is a forum where you can ask questions and get more information. Amazon.com carries the book by the same name.

Book Recommendations on Homeless Ministering

I have two books in particular, that I will be using as a framework for ministering to the homeless and suffering. One is 'When Helping Hurts' by Steve Corbett and the other is 'When God Weeps' by Joni Eareckson Tada. I am reading through both of them and they are excellent. Both are based upon Scriptural principles. We have to have a Biblical mindset when ministering to people who are homeless. I have a lot of questions I want to ask, and perhaps they will be answered as I read these books. There is a third book I just received called, 'Not a One Night Stand' which talks about homeless people and how to minister to them. I will give updates as I read it.