It is often difficult to help people who are currently homeless because not all homeless people are the same, just as not all housed people are the same. However, the lack of understanding often leaves us frustrated and unsure of what exactly what we should be doing to help. Not only are we frustrated, but also the person we are trying to help is often frustrated. The problem is not only are people different, but depending on what phase of homelessness they are in requires di

When new volunteers come to PiN, they meekly approach me, and begin to dance around a question; I already know what they are going to say. They ask things like, “How is it that he can afford a phone? I mean, how do you even pay a bill when you live on the streets.” Sometimes they ask, “Where do they take showers? Where do they sleep exactly?” Or they say, “I’m sort of struggling being here. How do you know who really needs help and who is looking for a handout?” I guess I cou