- Tell a trusted adult: Encourage your friend to talk to a school counselor, teacher, or another trusted adult who can help. You can also reach out to a trusted adult on their behalf.
- Be a good friend: Listen to them and spend time with them. Let them know they’re not alone. Just a friendly conversation or a smile can make a big difference!
- Share useful info: Help them find local shelters, food banks, and services for homeless teens. Your school, library,or church may advertise these services, or you could also search for them online.
- Invite them to safe places: Include them in activities at school or community centers where they can feel supported. Church youth group or free community sports may also be good options.
- Help with basic needs: If you can, offer small items like food, clothing, or hygiene products, but do it respectfully. They may feel uncomfortable receiving handouts from a friend.
- Encourage school: School can provide meals and other resources, so help them stay in school if they can. Remind them that education is a very powerful tool in the present and future.
- Build a support team: Introduce them to other trusted friends who can also offer support. But be discreet, as they may be embarrassed if you tell the whole school about their situation.
- Stay safe: Make sure you’re safe when helping. And remember that you alone won’t be able to fix everything. Professionals most likely need to step in to offer comprehensive support and resources. But your kindness can still make a big difference!
By being a good friend and connecting a homeless friend to help, you can make a lasting impact on his or her life.