[custom_adv] Always offer help first, rather than giving someone something they may not actually want or need. Many of your neighbors in need will be grateful for your offer of food or water. [custom_adv] But you may also encounter someone who is having a really rough time and may be unable to appreciate your help. Please, don’t be discouraged. Just smile and keep on your way. You may find someone else to help. [custom_adv] Check in your closet for simple winter gear that you are not using anymore (or that you don’t use that often): a pair of winter gloves, a scarf in a color you don’t like anymore, a knit hat that you got for free at a game or event. [custom_adv] Instead of keeping these in your closet, carry one at a time and give it away to someone you see living on the streets. [custom_adv] One of the biggest problems with homelessness is misunderstanding who are the homeless. Stereotypes and stigmatization make it hard for us to help others. [custom_adv] Homelessness is very complex and, many times, generates vicious circles that are hard to break. However, there is hope! The Bowery Mission has been providing immediate help as well as long-lasting recovery programs since 1879. [custom_adv] If you want to help a homeless person get back on their feet, you can point them to The Bowery Mission and invite them to get help there. [custom_adv] The easiest way is to carry with you at all times a resource card with information on how to get to the Mission and what type of help they can find there. [custom_adv] Finally, pray for your homeless neighbors. You can pray by yourself, or with friends and family. Pray that their physical needs are met. But also pray for their emotional and spiritual needs. Pray that they find the motivation to join a recovery program and seek for the help they need.