Practically assisting someone you know is or think might be homeless

Our professional experience and many honest conversations with people who have experienced homelessness suggest to us that giving cash to someone on the street is most often not a helpful or sustainable way to assist someone you think might be homeless.

If you feel comfortable buying someone food or a non-alcoholic drink, please do remember to first ask them what they’d like and only buy what you are comfortable paying for.

If you feel safe and confident talking to someone, and won’t feel pressured into giving or promising something you’re not comfortable with, this can be a very good approach.

If people ask for further advice on sources of support, please see Homeless in Cambridge?

For more information about how we believe you can best help people experiencing homelessness in the long-term, we encourage you to explore our Volunteer training course