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Homeless People
Tomorrow morning, my best friend, and my two teen age boys with me....are going with a group of volunteers to feed homeless people. I, in no way, want to offend anybody. A church (that Im not affiliated with), has organized this and expect 500 people to be there. These are the people that live under the viaducts and bridges, and the cardboard boxes in Kansas City. The church said, and I understand this, that it's just important to talk to the people as it is to feed them. I guess my question is.....what can be good subject to talk about?
I, and my boys are concerned about upsetting someone, if we ask or say the wrong thing---like family talk---what if it's a bad situation that their family situation was bad? I guess I sound pretty stupid, but I do want to help the people, not hurt them.....
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03-20-2009 07:31 PM
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Just do general conversation... like you would any stranger that you meet... How are you...ect.... it will be fine... don't worry.. thats a wonderful thing you guys are doing.
I ain't from the south... but I got here as fast as I could!
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Than,k you. I know I sound really stupid. My oldest son is so shy its horrible for him, and he wants to go do this but he has stressed enough over it, lol, that finally Im stressing now.
I (totally different story) am barely keeping my head above water, mentally and emotionally, and just really cant take the thought of making things harder for someone else now.
I thank you very much for your reply. :-)
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You, your boys, and your friend are absolutely wonderful for doing this!
Please don't feel stupid for worrying about what to say. I think you should say whatever comes from the heart. Just giving them a warm smile and a little small talk is probably all thats needed. I was just thinking, you may not have to worry much, as if there are going to be that many people there going through a line, there may not be a lot of time for chatting. As dangerousfem said...you will be fine. Im sure when its over you and your son will see you worried for nothing. 
s for all of you.
One Big Ass Mistake, America!
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I think it's great you guys are doing this. As others have said, just simple general talk/questions will work fine. For your son, a smile and a "hi" would probably do until he got more comfortable.
The first time I ever volunteered with the homeless was the Thanksgiving before I turned 17. I signed my friend and myself up and we helped cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner to them. We served them, like had them pick a place to sit and took their order (they could choose from turkey, ham, both and then various sides and drinks) and brought it to them. When I was serving this one guy, I remember thinking to myself that he seems normal, just like any other person (I know that sounds bad but that was my first experience with a homeless person and I guess I just figured they were "odd"). Some people just wanted their food and to be left alone and others just wanted to talk and talk and talk.
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As amazing as it is, homeless people are just like us. About 10 yrs ago my son and I were out somewhere and he ran into an old school friend of his and they talked a minute.
They were about 26 at that time. After we walked away he said he lives under the via duct under I 65. I was so shocked. He was clean and educated!
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That's great that you and your sons are doing this. I'd say the best way to talk to them is, when you can, be in areas where you're approachable (not behind a counter or serving food). I am a little quiet like your son so trust me, people will talk to you. There are great stories and interesting people from every walk of life.
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We have the Lord's Diner here where anyone who is on hard times can come each day for a free meal. I was too busy passing out the salad behind the counter when they came through to talk to them.
They really want the food to eat so helping them with that is the most important. The volunteers out on the floor who were refilling cups of coffee and the drinks probably had the most opportunity to talk to them.
Just saying hi and hope you are enjoying your meal is a good starter. Some may want to talk and some probably won't want to. I would leave it up to them. Talking about the food is a good subject and it's a neutral subject. Good luck and it's great you are doing this, especially with your sons.
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My kids did this years ago,they will be grateful!
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Because we are homeschoolers -- opportunities for community service are much greater than if we were public or parochial schoolers.
We just worked at Gleaners Food Bank in Ann Arbor for a day... feeding the homeless and giving out food (boxed and uncooked) to low income families.
At first it is stressful, but you get the hang of it quickly.
Remember that they were not always homeless -- that at some point in their lives, they had roofs over their heads and jobs and families to both take care of and take care of them.
Questions that would be appropriate are those you would ask a stranger in a public setting (like getting on a bus or train).
Blessings to you and your children -- it is a wonderful service experience, and one that will provide a lasting impression.
*Almost EVERY family today is 1 paycheck away from being homeless*
*Every homeless person "has a story" -- listen, you may be very impressed*
2 days from now, tomorrow will be yesterday.
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I'm just not good....I have thought about a few things to say however......it's hard......you're not stupid.....I'm just as stumped as you......but I'll give you 
Mrs Pepperpot is a lady who always copes with the tricky situations that she finds herself in....
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