Practical answers to common housing and homelessness questions—whether you need help, want to help, or don’t know where to start. What should I do if…
I Want to Help a Person I Pass on the Street Every Day, or Who Is Sleeping Outside Near My Home?
If you feel unsafe, please reach out to any coalition member and ask if someone is able to check in with the individual. Please ask the person if they need assistance and if they have connected with any service providers in the community. If you would like to learn more about Service Providers in our community, please contact us.
I See a Person Who Looks to Be Suffering From the Heat, Cold or Other Extreme Weather and Is Living Outside?
Unless you feel unsafe doing so, ask if the person is ok. If they are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. If the person is ok, ask if they have a place to go or need help and offer to connect them to a service provider's resources. To learn more about Service Providers in our community, please contact us.
I’ve Tried to Offer Help to Someone in My Neighborhood, but I Still See the Same Person on the Street Every Day. Why Is This the Case?
There are several reasons why each individual in crisis faces challenges. Some people have had bad experiences and are afraid, or prefer not to seek services. Others experience unmet mental health concerns. You can reach out to any coalition member and ask whether someone can check in with the individual. If you would like to learn more about Service Providers in our community, please contact us.
I Think One of My Child’s Classmates Is Experiencing Homelessness, and I Want to Help Without Offending or Embarrassing Them?
It is important to treat such issues with extreme confidentiality and care, given the stigma attached to homelessness. Approach school staff to say that you have noticed there are other children in need in the class or school and wonder if there isn’t a way you could contribute to ensure their needs are met. You can also contact the local youth hotline: 920-458-7100.
Someone Asks Me for Money or Food?
Each of us must make our own decisions about whom to help and how, and just because someone is asking for food or money doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is experiencing homelessness. It’s safe to assume that the person would not be asking for help if help was not needed, and if you are in a position to assist, doing so without judgment is always welcome.
How Can I Get More Regularly Involved in Helping People Experiencing Homelessness?
There are many ways to get involved through volunteering, donating, or advocacy. Visit the How to Help page to explore the options, or feel free to contact us if you are looking for something else.
I See Someone Who Appears to Need Assistance Due to an Illness, Injury, or Might Be Unconscious?
If the person needs medical attention, please dial 911 immediately.