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I've recently noticed a man who appears to be homeless hanging about the village. He catches the bus from town (my son says he's seen him in town). I have said hello to him each time I've seen him as it's what I do when I pass people (usually the same people). I was thinking that next time I see him I would invite him round to my house for some food and a hot drink (not a proper meal, maybe something warm like a toastie or some soup). I wouldn't invite him in but I would explain why (like I've got children and I don't know you from a hole in the road) - there's a bench outside so he could sit down. I know I could buy him something from the shop but I thought this would be nicer - good idea or bad idea?
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Please don't. You could put your family at risk. But help. Chat. Get him something to eat. Say something like: "I'm getting a sandwich from the supermarket. Would you like one? He might ask for a brolly. Learn something about him. You might be able to help in other ways. Be Christian (or Sikh/ Muslim/ Buddist/ Humanist) but that doesn't mean taking unecessary risks with your family or your home.
Too much too soon in my opinion as your opening line says "recently". Not long ago there was a case in the papers where a family was murdered by a homeless person they had tried to help. I would keep him as far away from my home and children as posssible until I knew more about him and his circumstances.
I would initially say it's a great idea, assistance for the man and a lesson in compassion for you're children., but on reflection you really know nothing about this mans situation/background,by all means continue to converse with him but best not to give details of you're home/ family. Sorry , haven't we all become so wary now :-(
Because I live in a small bubble I forget that horrible stuff does happen, I think that's why I asked on here (we seem to have a skewed view of things that lean towards the positive). He is probably perfectly fine but he could also have issues that I don't want near my children. I will continue to acknowledge his existence and I might, in the future, if I find out where he hangs out send himself out with some home cooked food for him. Thank you for being sensible when my heart had taken ove my head (usually I'm a hard hearted cow - maybe I'm coming down with something?).
Yes, Naomi - I had considered that. I was torn between doing something nice and protecting my kids, I can see now that I hadn't thought it through at all. I wasn't considering doing anything to make me feel better, I just wanted to do something nice that might make him feel better for a little while but I am aware that anything I do might be patronising. Consequently, I will now do jack *** and will pretend he doesn't exist, I will say hello to him when he gets off the bus and carry on with my day. I just wanted to treat him the way I would want someone to treat one of my children if they found themselves in the same situation.