Homeless advice

Armoured

So is America great again yet?
Site Supporter
Aug 31, 2013
34,358
14,061
✟234,967.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
There's this guy I see every day on my way to work. He's an older guy, living in a small park, more of a a vacant lot, at the point of the triangle between two main roads and a commercial building. Every time I pass, he's there, either reading or sleeping. He's surrounded by garbage bags, which I assume hold his possessions, and he shelters from the elements under a tarp and an old golf umbrella. I've spoken to the local police, and they say he won't accept help, but do you think it would be appropriate if I just went there with a small tent, set it up, and left again?
 

Dave-W

Welcoming grandchild #7, Arturus Waggoner!
Site Supporter
Jun 18, 2014
30,521
16,866
Maryland - just north of D.C.
Visit site
✟771,800.00
Country
United States
Faith
Messianic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
If he takes the tent, it could get him arrested; as pitching a tent on public land is illegal in many jurisdictions.
 
Upvote 0

Armoured

So is America great again yet?
Site Supporter
Aug 31, 2013
34,358
14,061
✟234,967.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
If he takes the tent, it could get him arrested; as pitching a tent on public land is illegal in many jurisdictions.
That concern was why I spoke to the police. They said they wouldn't, if it' a small one.
 
Upvote 0

Thir7ySev3n

Psalm 139
Sep 13, 2009
672
417
32
✟58,497.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
There's this guy I see every day on my way to work. He's an older guy, living in a small park, more of a a vacant lot, at the point of the triangle between two main roads and a commercial building. Every time I pass, he's there, either reading or sleeping. He's surrounded by garbage bags, which I assume hold his possessions, and he shelters from the elements under a tarp and an old golf umbrella. I've spoken to the local police, and they say he won't accept help, but do you think it would be appropriate if I just went there with a small tent, set it up, and left again?

About as inappropriate as giving someone an umbrella when it rains.
 
Upvote 0

brinny

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places
Site Supporter
Mar 23, 2004
248,794
114,490
✟1,343,246.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Constitution
While finding out what's available for him, and in the meantime, go up and just begin speaking, keep it brief, get his name, give him yours, find out if he's a vet, offer him a bottle of water, etc.

That's very kind of you, by the way.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

brinny

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places
Site Supporter
Mar 23, 2004
248,794
114,490
✟1,343,246.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Constitution
It's gone. Apparently he took it down. He has a history, it turns out;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziggy_the_bagman

:heart: Thanks for posting about Ziggy.

i hope you don't feel discouraged that he took the tent down, etc. Your kindness will not be forgotten. It's precious that you had a heart for Ziggy. I don't believe anything happens by accident.

I'll be praying for Ziggy. Please keep us updated.

God bless you and your family and your household. (((hug)))
 
  • Like
Reactions: Armoured
Upvote 0

Armoured

So is America great again yet?
Site Supporter
Aug 31, 2013
34,358
14,061
✟234,967.00
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
:heart: Thanks for posting about Ziggy.

i hope you don't feel discouraged that he took the tent down, etc. Your kindness will not be forgotten. It's precious that you had a heart for Ziggy. I don't believe anything happens by accident.

I'll be praying for Ziggy. Please keep us updated.

God bless you and your family and your household. (((hug)))
Thank you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: brinny
Upvote 0

brinny

everlovin' shiner of light in dark places
Site Supporter
Mar 23, 2004
248,794
114,490
✟1,343,246.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
Politics
US-Constitution
Thank you.

You are most welcome.

You may never realize how deeply your kindness from your heart may effect not only Ziggy, but any numbers of others in this world where so many are suffering in a myriad of ways and forgotten or "invisible".

This may sound strange, but i really do believe that verse about "angels unaware". It's ok if you don't, but i believe that when we bless the forgotten (whether their response is expected or not) there's a ripple that happens and that it effects the world powerfully.

Once i stopped by to just say hello to a guy under blankets. He said hello and come to find out, his companion, who was not there at the moment, used to be a student of his. They both became homeless years later and ran into each other. The guy i spoke to used to be a teacher.

What you did is precious.

Keep on keepin' on.
 
Upvote 0

wayfaring man

Veteran
Jan 25, 2004
7,761
1,169
✟20,565.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Willingness to help others is good...but sometimes people don't want the kind of help we have to offer. So in this type of instance, it's probably better to attempt talk to the person a little, and ask first if they'd like what you have in mind to give. Some will welcome such an effort, some will not. Try to read them before approaching, or like mentioned, inquire about them first...some homeless are unstable and unpredictable. Be kind. but exercise caution, and discretion.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums