Random Homeless Etiquette: How To Not Be A Jerk To Homeless People (14 items)

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  (#4) Don’t Try To Make Any Weird Jokes

  If you are trying to initiate a conversation with a homeless person, it's best to not start it off with a weird joke. They’ve definitely heard all the weird jokes before and, news flash, they aren’t that funny. One homeless man recounted his experiences with jokesters, describing how they would say, "Can't get a job, mate?" and laugh. 

  Even if your joke if lighthearted, don’t make any jokes that can be taken the wrong way.
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  (#5) Do Talk About Sports Games

  Jokes don't always work out well, but talking about sports is great. Starting a conversation off with, "Did you catch the game last night?" may feel odd, but it's an excellent question. Many homeless shelters play sports games on their televisions, so the likelihood of a homeless person having caught the game is fairly high.

  Talking about sports also creates common ground. Like talking about the weather, talking about sports is a great way to neutralize a situation, as people of all classes witness the same game. 
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  (#9) Don’t Automatically Assume They Are Hungry

  On the note of food, you shouldn’t just assume all homeless people are hungry. In fact, some homeless people eat incredibly well on the streets. If a homeless person finds the right street, they may benefit greatly off of leftovers. One homeless man even explains that this is why he plants himself at a McDonald’s in a touristy area, as he is often given leftovers. This man also notes that tourists sometimes don't understand the value of the currency and so he’ll make out well in donations, too. 

  It’s best to ask if the homeless person is actually hungry. Don’t just force your leftovers on them. They may not need them.
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  (#13) Don’t Tell Them That They Should Get A Job

  One of the most common phrases homeless people hear is something like, "Why don’t you get a job?" This can drive homeless people crazy because most homeless people have tried to get or hold down a job, but can’t. Many homeless people may be unable to work due to a mental illness or PTSD. One man tells of an on-the-job injury that put him out of work during the recession. Unable to find a job for three years, he finally became homeless.

  Many homeless people understand the value of having a job, but simply cannot hold one down. They don’t need to be reminded of that. 
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  (#2) Do Acknowledge Their Presence, Make Eye Contact, And Smile

  So, now you know that you shouldn’t straight-up ignore homeless people, even if they make you uncomfortable. But what should you do? Well, treat them like you would any other human being: acknowledge their presence. Look their way and nod your head, maybe even smile. Yes, smile. Offering a warm smile to a person living on the streets can make their day. Greeting people on the street is a normal and healthy societal behavior that shouldn't exclude homeless people. 
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  (#3) Do Initiate Conversation Through Questions

  If you have time to have a short conversation with a homeless person, it’s suggested that you initiate conversation through polite questions as opposed to assuming they want to talk to you. Contrary to popular belief, not every homeless person will be completely up for chit chat. It’s best to approach the situation through questions, which allow you to gage just how much this person actually wants you to talk to them.

  Of course, there are some questions that work better for others. You could start with an open-ended, "How are you today?" "Lovely weather, isn't it?" or simply, "Would you like to talk?"

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