What to Do If You See Someone Struggling on the Streets
Let’s Cut the Excuses—Do Something Now
We’ve all been there. You’re walking down the street, and you see someone struggling—sitting on the sidewalk, holding a sign, carrying everything they own in a few plastic bags. Maybe they’re shivering in the cold, maybe they look exhausted, maybe they’re staring at the ground because they’ve learned that people would rather pretend they don’t exist.
And here’s where most people freeze.
Do I give them money?
What if they’re scamming?
Should I call someone?
Is it even my business?
Stop overthinking. Start acting. Because homelessness is not an abstract issue—it’s happening right in front of you. And your response to it, in that moment, matters.
Step One
Acknowledge Their Existence
The easiest, most human thing you can do? Make eye contact. Say hello.
Do you know how many people ignore the homeless every single day? How many times someone reaches out for help and gets treated like they’re invisible?
The first act of kindness is to acknowledge that they are a person, just like you. A simple "Hey, how’s your day going?" can change everything. Because once you see someone—really see them—you start to care. And caring is what moves the needle.
Step Two
Offer Something Tangible
If you have the means, do something. Don’t just walk away wishing you had.
Food & Water – If you’re grabbing lunch, ask if they’d like something to eat. Buy an extra bottle of water. Small acts sustain life.
Money – Yes, giving cash is fine. If someone says they need help, take their word for it. You don’t have to police their survival.
Gift Cards – A $5 gift card to McDonald’s or a gas station can provide a meal, a warm drink, or a place to rest for a moment.
Hygiene Supplies – Keep a few travel-size hygiene kits in your car or bag. Wet wipes, deodorant, socks—things we take for granted but mean the world to someone on the streets.
Step Three
KNow Where to Direct Them
Most people assume, "I don’t know where the shelters are," so they don’t even try. But that’s not an excuse in the age of smartphones.
Look up local resources – Find nearby shelters, food pantries, and outreach organizations.
Save the info in your phone – Next time you see someone in need, you won’t just shrug—you’ll have real help to offer.
Innovoreach Can Help – If you’re in North Alabama, we’ve built The Pathway Program to get people off the streets and back into stability. Share our name, give them our number, or even DM us, and we’ll connect them to services.
Step Four
If They’re in Danger, ACT.
Medical Emergency? Call 911.
Being Harassed? Speak up, if it’s safe. Call for help if it’s not.
Extreme Weather? If it’s freezing or dangerously hot, shelters often have emergency policies. Find out where they can go.
Crisis Situation? If someone appears in distress, ask if they’re okay. Offer to call a local outreach service.
Step Five
Keep the Momentum Going
One moment of kindness is powerful—but consistent action is what changes the world.
Volunteer – Spend time at a shelter, food pantry, or outreach program.
Advocate – Challenge policies that criminalize homelessness. Push for real solutions like affordable housing and mental health services.
Give Regularly – If you can, donate monthly to an organization that’s doing real work in your community. Innovoreach’s housing, health, and digital access programs literally save lives—and you can be part of that.
The Bottom Line? DO SOMETHING.
The next time you see someone struggling on the streets, don’t look away. Don’t freeze up. Don’t make excuses.
Move. Act. Help.
Because the only thing worse than doing nothing is pretending you never saw them in the first place.
