You may think there's nothing you can do to help the plight of the homeless, but there is always something you can do. Here are ten ways an individual can help homeless people.

1. Make bologna sandwiches to hand out.
   
2. Hand out your old coats, shoes, and hats.
   
3. Knit or crochet a stash of hats and pass them out.
   
4. Make care packages (baby wipes, toothpaste, nutri-bars). Use your imagination about what would be good to give.
   
5. Give money if you can. It's not what they do with it; it's that you made someone's bleak world a little brighter. Giving money to someone homeless is an act of love.
   
6. Buy a stash of bottled water, serving size; pass them out.
   
7. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
   
8. Collect blankets from friends and family and hand them out.
   
9. When you order a combo at a fast food restaurant, order one for someone on the street.
   
10. This may be number 10, but it's probably the most important tip. Treat the homeless with respect. Look them in the eye and say something like, "Here you go sir, you look thirsty." It's the old adage at work here to treat others as you'd like to be treated.
    

When living conditions are nothing but the mean streets, some homeless folks, in their desperation, will try to take advantage of any opportunity. Have a buddy go out with you on your trips to help the homeless. And certainly, don't do this at night. Always be on the lookout for trouble. Don't walk into a crowd of folks. Stick to the lone one or two homeless standing or sitting alone. Don't flash money or jewels. Dress conservatively. Stay aware at all times — making sure to always be polite and friendly.

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Introduction photograph: Ed Yourdon