Do you ever see someone who might need help, want to do something, but aren’t sure what to say? You’re not alone. That’s a normal human moment, not a rare one.
We all can do something. Here are a few tools to meet people right where you’re comfortable. This isn’t a full training. Just a start.
1. Make sure the environment is safe and that the person can see you coming. Nobody likes being startled by a stranger.
2. If they’re sleeping, just check that their chest is moving and let them rest. You never know when they last got real sleep. If you’re worried about their wellbeing, call the non-emergency line, 785-832-7509, give the location, and ask for a welfare check.
3. Offer your name if you’re comfortable, say you’re trying to help people in need, and ask if they’ve seen anyone who could use some help. That way you’re not profiling anyone, and it gives them the choice to say “that’s me” if they want to.
4. Offer a bottle of water and a soft snack if you’re comfortable. It’s a small bridge when there’s no relationship yet. A $5 gift card to somewhere like McDonald’s, Dunkin, or Starbucks works too. It turns into a receipt in hand and a few minutes as a customer, not just someone being handed something on the street.
5. Say you’re a concerned neighbor and wanted to make sure they knew about resources that might help. Under promise, always.
6. Point them to a local organization with walk-in services. HRC is at 944 Kentucky St., open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2 to 6pm and Wednesday from 3 to 5pm. LINK serves a free lunch at 1000 Kentucky St. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 to 2pm.
7. If you’re the praying type, offer to pray with them or for them after you leave. Skip any touch without permission or an earned relationship.
8. Wish them well. Mean it. It’s okay to stop there. Further resources, cash, a ride somewhere: that takes a relationship you may not have yet.
This isn’t the whole list. It’s a start, something to carry with you so you can do something. We’re all part of this community, and that includes our neighbors who are struggling right now.
Maybe this is outside your comfort zone, and that’s fine. Bring a friend if that makes it easier. Or maybe this isn’t for you at all. Also fine. You can still help: donate, volunteer, drop off items, or send an encouraging word to the people and organizations doing this work every day.