Tent for Homeless man

CATS

Hi All,

I have a quick question. Every day I walk pass this homeless man with a dog and I feel really bad, especially when it is cold and raining. I was thinking about buying a tent and a sleeping bag and giving it to him. I am just a bit worried that I might offend him. I also wanted to buy a pop up tent but not sure if these still need to be pitched? I just dont want to cause him more problem of having to carry it around, packing it having to pitch it etc.

Any opinions?

RichGold

CATS wrote: »

I just dont want to cause him more problem of having to carry it around, packing it having to pitch it etc.

Without wanting to sound mean, I think the problem you'll cause him is that if you buy him a tent plus sleeping bag he'll simply end up being robbed by another homeless person.

AlexAdamson1

Yeah I think the last thing you should worry about is offending them. Think of it the other way round, would you rather have some help and sacrifice a bit of pride..or freeze

ankspon

He could also be very grateful and appreciate your kindness

Lotus-eater

The sort of sleeping bag you would have to buy him, waterproof, tiny, light, would be very expensive and as Rich says, there is a chance it would get stolen at some point.
I shouldn't think he would want a tent.

halight

I would not bother with buying him a tent. But a sleeping bag could be a good idea. How about also takeing him a warm drink on the cold days. That would be a gift that lasts, Also dont forget the dog! A few dog treats would go down well.

MummyMummy_2

could you contact a homeless charity and ask their advice about what might help him most? the way the weather is right now (and will no doubt be for the coming months!) then surely like another poster said he's willing to sacrifice a bit of pride?

i think it's a really nice thing you are wanting to do!
edited to add i also agree about not forgetting his dog!

CATS

umm I didnt even think about the possibility of it being stolen. The tent idea was more because I feel really sorry for him when it rains and it gets really cold.

jess1974

I was in Rome about 18 months ago, there was a homeless man with a couple of dogs, most mornings he was in the local shop buying food for the dogs out of the small change people were chucking in his hat as they went past, i would buy dog food, and a hot pasty or sausage roll or hot drink for the man, i think you are a very kind person.....

Treed

I think this is a great idea! If your worried now about his things being stolen, how about buying him some things which would be harder to steal.. such as some extra thick socks some new gloves, a scalf etc. Possibly an extra warm hat, or even a coat with extra padding. Simple things such as thermal trousers and top would be great. Im sure whatever you decide he will be made up.
I often give the homeless man in my town books which i no longer need, i used to always see him reading the same book. So now instead of simply putting them on the shelf never to read again i give them to him. Small gestures go a long way. Whatever you do for the homeless person your refering to im sure will go a long way. Its nice to know people care, especially at christmas!

Buttonmoons

I will say though, that a lot of the homeless people (in aberdeen anyways) do actually have places to stay, they just make a fortune on the street......I've seen them "Swap" prime positions too, and a lot of them have dogs, because they get more money from people who feel sorry for the dog but not really for the person!

Im cynical though, but warm clothing would be better I think, as a tent and whatnot might be cumbersome to carry around.

Gloves/Scarf/thick cosy jumper? You could probably pick up bits in a charity shop for quite cheap!