Ask Fred

Former vendor Fred Anderson.

Former vendor Fred Anderson.

Dear Fred,

I see homeless people out on the street. A lot of times, I don’t want to give them money, but I still want to help them somehow. What should I do?

– Conflicted Urbanite

I understand how you feel. When I run into this situation, I follow my heart. First, I would engage in conversation with the individual and listen to what his or her needs are. If it is food, I would offer to buy that person something to eat or bring him or her some clothing if needed. This way you know where your money goes. If he or she insists that you give money, just politely say you don’t give out money on the street.

Dear Fred,

I recently helped serve breakfast at a local soup kitchen. There was quite a large number of men and women lined up for a warm meal that morning, and it made me wonder: Where do these people go during the day? Are there warm places to go with the weather getting colder?

– A Concerned Volunteer

I would like to thank you for the valuable service that you provide to people in need; I wish we had more people like you. Some homeless people seek employment during the day, and others find their way to drop-in centers, since many shelters are closed during the daytime. At these centers, they can find heat and other services such as clothing, transportation, and job listings.

Dear Fred,

After spending one night in the hospital after an auto accident, I was shocked to see my hospital bill. With the price of healthcare so high, where can homeless people go to receive healthcare, and what do they do when accidents occur?

– In Debt in the District

Most homeless people in the city have healthcare coverage through Unity Healthcare. Unity provides treatment and fills prescriptions for the homeless community at facilities throughout the city at no cost to the homeless.


Region |Washington DC

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