Essential Information and Educational Waiver
Resource Cards are also called Street cards and are informational cards that offer people contact information to access community resources available in their area that can help them to start a new life and to move out of homelessness, or to keep from becoming homeless if they’re in danger of it. People often take to the streets in both kinds of circumstances to get some assistance through panhandling.
Many people may not be aware of the resources in their area that can truly help them, or they may know of one or two resources and not resonate well with those, and give up and take to the streets, for instance. Resources are often spread throughout an area, without one central unifying agency or center. You can find street cards for your area online through government agencies, and sometimes through local libraries. You can also receive non-jurisdictional street cards, which are good in nearly any area in the U.S., through: www.friends-of-the-homeless.com.
When giving out street cards, here are a few essential considerations. First, it is important to realize that you do not need to give the street cards out directly to the homeless in order to reach them and to have an impact. Some people are not comfortable interacting with the homeless directly and prefer to help by offering the street cards to their local church or community center, for example. It is important to find the outlet that you are comfortable with as we are each solely and legally responsible for our own health, safety, well-being, decisions and choices in regards to sharing the street cards and street giving.
Generally speaking, when sharing street cards, it can be preferable to offer them only to those who are holding up signs and actively soliciting help and interest from the public, and only when it is safe to do so. While many homeless people may struggle with challenges that can be supported, some are really not in a good space for social contact and may not want contact and can become agitated if you approach them unsolicited.
For your safety and as a precaution, do not approach anyone who appears to be agitated. Do not give out street cards at night, or with children or minors in your company, and don’t give them out if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any regard. Be aware that people who may appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs can sometimes be unpredictable and may become easily agitated also. It can be helpful to be with a group of people who are participating with you in giving out street cards, so that you are looking out for one another and staying close to one another, as a precaution and for the group’s safety.
If you would like to share our street cards with a friend, please have them contact us directly so that they too can receive this information. Thank you! Here is one example of an approach that may be helpful for sharing the street cards: for someone holding up a sign and who is actively soliciting help in a safe area (say a busy business area during the day that’s well-trafficked with other pedestrians and vehicles so that you are not alone or in danger) you could say something like, “Do you know about these cards? They can help you to find access to many resources in your area that can be helpful if you’re interested.” And if it’s fitting, with a hello and smile, sharing your first name only and asking theirs, wishing them well ~ these gestures are often appreciated.
Those of us who do street giving in groups often create gift bags in ziploc baggies (which are appreciated as they are reusable) with the street cards and some pre-packaged, sealed fresh snacks, such as a granola bar, fruit roll-up, crackers, juice box, trail mix, bottle of water, or box of raisins (soft fruit is good as dental problems can be common.) Then we just say something like, “We have some great stuff, would you like some snacks?” And often you’ll see them going through the bag and looking at the resource cards, which also contain symbols for those who are illiterate at the moment, and many of them may be more inspired to call or reach out for help simply by the kindness and care that you’ve shown them. Download a copy for your records on our website!
Page 1 of 2 ~ Please be sure to read both pages, print, sign and return your signed copy to: [email protected]
Many people who are experiencing homelessness have shared how they just want to be approached as a fellow human being and not looked down upon as a charity (not a one-up, one-down model of giving, but rather a peer-based, we are all in this together and any one of us could end up homeless under the right circumstances) approach.
They have also shared that they don’t want people asking them about their stories unsolicited, pushing resources or an agenda at them, people assuming they’re homeless (even someone who seems to have indicators that they’re homeless could be, for example, already living in a group home that treats those with addictions and/or mental illness.) These kinds of assumptions are often perceived as hurtful and offensive to those who are experiencing homelessness. So a gentle approach is often appreciated.
If you have any questions, please contact Friends of the Homeless National Resource Center or your local crisis center or police department for additional suggestions. You can visit: www.friends-of-the-homeless.com. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM by emailing it to [email protected].
I have read and understood this “Street Cards Information and Release of Liability” form, and I understand that there are risks involved with sharing street cards, street giving and/or volunteering with the homeless, and that these risks can’t be fully known or anticipated by anyone in advance.
By signing this consent form, I am acknowledging that I am aware that there are risks and I am choosing to participate at my own risk. I agree to hold harmless and to not hold liable in any legal and/or non-legal way, fashion or format, in the past, present or future, Friends of the Homeless National Resource Center (FOTHNRC), Fusion Partnerships, Inc. (FPI), Dianne A. Fanti, the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors of FOTHNRC and FPI, and any other affiliated party, person(s) and/or entity or entities involved in any regard.
I am agreeing that I am solely and legally responsible for any and all personal, professional, financial, physical, legal and any other form of liability.
Signature ____________________________ Printed Name _____________________ Date _________
Additional Consents that may apply:
Parent/Guardian and Child: I understand that I have been advised not to bring children and/or minors with me to participate in sharing street cards and/or street giving, so if I do so, it is at my own risk. I am acknowledging and assuming complete responsibility, legally, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially and otherwise, for any children and/or minors that I choose to bring with me. I agree to hold harmless and to not hold liable in any legal and/ or non-legal way, fashion or format, in the past, present or future, Friends of the Homeless National Resource Center (FOTHNRC), Fusion Partnerships, Inc. (FPI), Dianne A. Fanti, the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors of FOTHNRC and FPI, and any other affiliated party, person(s) and/or entity or entities involved in any regard. I am agreeing that I am solely and legally responsible for any and all personal, professional, financial, physical, legal and any other form of liability.
Signature ____________________________ Printed Name _____________________ Date _________
Church and/or Education Center or Community Center Director: As the Director of my church, education center, or community center, I have requested street cards to post and share in my facilities. I understand that I and my church or center are solely and legally responsible for our members, visitors and guests who may obtain and share the street cards from this church or center and share them with the homeless. I will ensure that recipients of these cards are aware of the risks (this form can be posted by the cards, for example, or a talk can be given covering all of these aspects) and agree to the provisions that I am agreeing to here. I agree to hold harmless and to not hold liable in any legal and/or non-legal way, fashion or format, in the past, present or future, Friends of the Homeless National Resource Center (FOTHNRC), Fusion Partnerships, Inc. (FPI), Dianne A. Fanti, the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors of FOTHNRC and FPI, and any other affiliated party, person(s) and/or entity or entities involved in any regard. I am agreeing that I am solely and legally responsible for any and all personal, professional, financial, physical, legal and any other form of liability.
Signature __________________________ Printed Name ______________________ Date _________
Page 2 of 2 ~ Please be sure to read both pages, print, sign and return your signed copy to: [email protected]