My mom worked with homeless people for several years in Utah. Some are chronically homeless, some drug addicted, some lost a job or can't afford a home, and so

My mom worked with homeless people for several years in Utah. Some are chronically homeless, some drug addicted, some lost a job or can't afford a home, and some are just plain lazy. To get out of homelessness you need 1) a place to live, and 2) a job. Those 2 are a chicken and egg problem. If you can find someone willing, and can provide one of those 2, then you can help. But until they have the desire to get out of it, I hate to say it but it's not going to happen. The best thing you can do is when you see them, treat them as an equal. Don't feel sorry for them, and don't feel like you can rescue them. Nod and say hi like you would anyone else. Don't look away. If you are near them and have a conversation, most of the time they will tell you how they they're just temporarily in a bad position. They will lie to you and say they had a housefire and that's why they're carrying all their stuff. That they plan on giving their kid the bike they are riding on for Christmas. But just smile and listen to them. You can help by helping their life be just a little bit better, because a lot of little things can hopefully lead up to a realization that they are where they are because of their own decisions (most of the time). If you have the extra time, you can volunteer at one of the many organizations that help them. Keep in mind that the homeless people we are talking about are the chronically homeless, not the ones with a family fallen on hard times, living in their car.