US Volunteer Training Event: What To Do When Someone Asks You for Money on the Street

HOPE worldwide • February 23, 2021

Update 3.19.21:

If you missed this live event, fear not, it is now available here:

The training had amazing guest speakers like Ben Barnett, Chief Evangelist of HOPEww, and PJ McCreanor, Trauma Recovery Specialist Case Manager for the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services. There was even a poetry segment by David Brown, an LA-based author and poet. Here are some key takeaways from the event:

We should seek to honor the dignity of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and reject indifference by having a spirit of generosity.
We can always give time, love, respect -- and maybe even build a relationship -- by engaging in a way that acknowledges humanity, whether or not you are able or choose to give money.
Keeping resources on hand, like 211.org or gift cards to local restaurants, is a great way to be prepared to support a neighbor who is unhoused.
We should strive to learn more about factors that contribute to homelessness and make sure we do not judge someone based on their life situation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

You can get involved with your local HOPEww Chapter or Campus Club and/or community support organizations that seek to interrupt cycles that contribute to housing insecurity.

ADDITIONAL GROUP OUTREACH IDEAS

Update 2.23.21:
Imagine yourself walking down the street and someone stops and asks you, “Do you have any spare change?” For some this is a simple question; for others it produces strong, conflicting answers. HOPE worldwide is excited to announce our first ever online US training for all volunteers, supporters and friends titled “Lazarus the Beggar My Neighbor: What To Do When Someone Asks You for Money on the Street.” The goal of this webinar is to further learn how to respectfully and responsibly love our neighbors.

There will be teaching from Fern Blackburn from the HOPEww San Diego Chapter, Dr. Ben Barnett, Chief Evangelist of HOPEww, and PJ McCreanor, Trauma Recovery Specialist Case Manager for the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services! The event will be facilitated by evangelist Reese Neyland, and there will also be optional breakout discussion rooms where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and share your own insight in smaller groups.

This online training session will take place virtually Thursday, March 11, 8p EST / 5p PST.