How can we prevent homelessness?

Last update: March 2, 1996

Prevention is better than any cure.

If the person at risk is you:

Ask for help.

• Borrow the rent money.
• Seek mental health counseling.
• Overcome substance abuse addictions.
• Expand your safety net.
  • Restore good family relations.
  • Surround yourself with good friends.
• Build your job skills.
• Build your people skills.
• Build your savings account.
• Stay out of debt.
  • Cut up your cards.
  • Contact a consumer credit counselling agency.
  • Recognize the influence of your childhood models and hurts on your spending.

One contributor towards homelessness is entirely within our control: Pride. Please don't let pride stand between you and safe shelter -- the street is NO PLACE for a precious soul like you!

If the person at risk is someone you know:

• Be gracious when they ask for help.
• Be patient with their shortcomings.
• Set clear limits and consequences for their destructive behavior.
• Practice intervention with the help of a counselling agency, if necessary.
• Express your love and concern for the person.
• Be forgiving.

One contributor towards homelessness is entirely within our control: Pride. Please don't let pride stand between you and your loved one -- the street is NO SAFE PLACE for such a precious soul!