During this holiday season, we’re encouraging you to take steps to help people who are currently experiencing homelessness. We hope you will be the change you want to see in this world. Each challenge lasts for one week and we invite you to share your experience with us on Twitter and Facebook.
All of us are guilty of ignoring someone on the street. I know that I’ve ignored salespeople, tourists asking for directions and people experiencing homelessness. In the past year, I have made a conscious effort to say hello to a person who is currently experiencing homelessness and I have tried to learn their name. I have been amazed by two things:
- A lot of people on the street are reluctant to talk to you because they are used to being ignored.
- Asking someone for their name brings a sense of dignity. I wish I could share some of the facial expressions I have seen when I've asked a person for their name.
For our first challenge, we would like to encourage all of you to say hello to a person who is currently experiencing homelessness. If your schedule allows, ask them for their name. Our hope is that you start to recognize the “invisible” people around you and start to put name(s) to those who you pass on a regular basis.
Good luck completing this week’s challenge. Once you're done, be sure to share your experience with us on Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag #KNOvember.
Comments
I met Sam at the train station. He was quiet at first but after a few minutes of conversation, after he knew I was truly interested in hearing him, he smiled and said “Thank you”, “I needed that”.
In the past week, I have noticed an older gentleman who hangs out a block away from my office. For the past two days, I have made it a point to slow down when I walk past him. I’ve tried to establish eye contact and that in itself changed the man’s facial expression. I’ve said hello to him and he has responded to me as well. I hope that I continue to see him and get the opportunity to hear his story.