There is a certain depersonalization in examining the data around the homeless when we are dealing with a mammoth problem that diminishes the intrinsic dignity and value that is inherent in every human being. Then when we see the homeless up close, we often don’t know what to do. “Oh, it’s tragic,” you might say and you can look away, but many of us are not able to turn away. How can we help? Here are few tips from Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown:
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Never underestimate the power of human kindness. One of the most powerful things is treating individuals with respect, compassion and dignity. It’s more damaging to treat people as though they are invisible or to fling money as if you’re buying them off. One of the most important things is for us to look at each other with the humanity that we share in common. Treat people with compassion, love and empathy.
How can
we help?