I was homeless in my teens, I fell out with my family and found myself on the streets when I was 15yrs old. I have every respect for people who are sleeping rough on the streets, I don't ignore any of them, they already feel invisible so why make them feel worse.
Recently I was visiting family and friends in London, we were out having a few drinks in Soho, when we come across a homeless guy asking people for any spare change. He was funny and made us laugh with his jokes and impromptu dancing so we were quite happy to give him some change. It's no different than giving money to a busker if you find them entertaining!! We had a quick chat with him, he introduced himself as Lawrence and wished us a good night, what a nice guy!!
I was standing outside the pub having a cigarette with friends when we spotted Lawrence again, he was singing away asking people if they had any spare change. Most people were having a laugh with him, he really was putting people in a party mood!
Lawrence wasn't hurting anybody, then out of nowhere this young guy ran up to him, karate kicking him into the road, he then spat on him and called him a freeloading scumbag who should do the world a favour and die!!! Quite a lot of us ran over to help Lawrence, one guy called the police, another guy grabbed the lad and slammed him against the wall, holding him until the police arrived. We helped Lawrence to his feet and took him into the pub, we got him a brandy for the shock, he drank it, still visibly shaking.
The police came in to speak to him, asked him a few questions and asked him if he was OK. The only think Lawrence was concerned about was being too late to try and get a bed at the shelter, he asked the police if they could give him a lift to the hostel in North London, they said they couldn't as they had to escort the prisoner back to the station. Lawrence got quite upset, we understood why, it was below zero outside, if he didn't get a bed, he would be sleeping rough. Suddenly this guy jumped up on the table, took his hat off and shouted "Any Spare Change" in the space of 15 minutes he had collect about £108, that night Lawrence stayed in a hotel and had about £40 left to fill his belly :)
Karma is a bitch and I believe the guy who attacked Lawrence that night, will get payback in time. It was pointless and totally unprovoked!! So the next time you see a homeless person, don't pass by like they don't exist, sometimes all it takes is a smile and a "Hello" to make that persons day and make them feel worthwhile. I would much rather be friends with a man like Lawrence, than the SCUMBAG who attacked him. Just remember, we are ALL one paycheck away from homelessness!!
Image Source:-
Image 1 - https://pixabay.com/en/people-men-man-homeless-person-1495855/
Image 2 - https://pixabay.com/en/human-art-portrait-face-glasses-3106206/
Image 3 - https://pixabay.com/en/smiley-laugh-funny-emotions-2989144/