How would you address a homeless family?

[kman]

These are families that have no drug or alcohol issues.

I found out this evening ..That I am volunteered to to spend some time with them.

I'm open!..Decoy? Kate? ...Rat Pack?

What would you say...looking in their eyes...I have to...so whatever you can contribute..is accepted

[comokate]

You know Kman, I do a lot of volunteering since the job market here took a tumble.
The best thing you can do is to treat them with dignity and let them talk without judging...there seems to be a need to tell "their story" ( there is emotional trauma involved when they've played by the rules their whole lives yet their world gets turned upside down anyway).
If you can get together a list of organizations that can help with different aspects of needs: places for donated medical/dental ( <---that's where I mainly volunteer) services, retraining programs, food banks, sometimes you can find tech schools that will donate a used car they've worked on to poor/single parent families, etc. Print copies and be ready to hand it out. What they need most is hope, and to know people care.
Karma to you for this-

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

I don't know.. Seems to me though that a bit of consistency and a bit of mood lightening might help as well.. They know they are in trouble.. It's always nice to be treaded as equal...

[neohguy]

Imo, with the exception of relatives and close friends, I think the best way is to contribute (when possible) to local homeless shelters and food banks. Every dollar donated will buy 7-10x what an individual can buy. This is important. That's why I avoid giving individuals money. Donating to legitimate non-profits also helps to provide some assurance that the money is actually used for food and emergency shelter. The staff at these institutions will also provide valuable help in helping people find some sort of employment, medical care, clothing, and eventually a home.
Being homeless or unable to buy food is a very humbling experience. The quicker the person starts to take advantage of these safety nets the faster they can get back on their feet.

[Deleted]

"Hello, homeless family" is a good opening address.

[kman]

Thanks kate, Frank. This is going to be way different than helping behind the scenes at a food prep situation. Be a good listener is good advice. I appreciate every ones experience on this.