Respect, patience urged

Published 1:30 am Thursday, February 24, 2022

PORT TOWNSEND — The Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) and the Port Townsend Police Department offer advice on how to start a conversation with someone who is homeless.

Do:

• Say good morning, good afternoon or good evening, instead of “How are you?”

• Remember that you may be entering into someone’s personal or private space.

• Make eye contact and talk to them as you would anyone else; be yourself.

• Be respectful.

• Be patient, calm and clear.

• Squat down to speak with someone who is sitting or lying down. This can make them feel less threatened.

• Accept “no” for an answer.

• Be aware of your body language and facial expressions.

Don’t:

• Sneak up on someone or corner them.

• Be judgmental.

• Insert yourself into someone’s personal story.

• Say “I’m sorry.” Instead say something like “I will keep you in my thoughts.”