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Metanoia Ministries (https://metanoiaministries.ca/) is a branded organization that ministers to the homeless. Micheal Cooper and Stuart Morton are its Directors.

For those volunteering with this group, for your safety and for that of homeless people to whom we are serving, a number of guidelines are to be kept in mind and followed.

Volunteers need to be aware of what to expect of the homeless, their environment, and guidelines to follow when in their presence.

First, we need to be aware of what following things to expect of homeless people:

Many homeless and street people are financially poor. They may be dressed poorly and look dirty with unkempt hair. So, as a volunteer and their visitor, leave your Sunday best at home and dress in casual clothing with leather or waterproof boots (during harsh weather conditions). If it is raining or snowing, carry an umbrella.
Some will ask or beg you for money—cash. Please don’t give it to them! You might respond with just one word: “Sorry!”
If you are a new person appearing in a camp, the homeless may distrust you and ask: Who are you? Why are you here? You should identify yourselves as Metanoia Ministries! Would you like some food?” Otherwise, some may think that you are spying for the police.
Many have lost things that they value in life or even respect for themselves or for others.
Some are addicted. You may see someone shooting up or taking drugs with a syringe, or smoking pot or other drugs. Others may be high, seated on the ground, slouched/bent over, laying on the ground, speaking with slurred speech, unable to walk in a straight line, not able to look you in the eye.
Others are mentally ill. You may see some wandering like a drunken person or having blank looks on their faces.
At times you will meet people who were in addiction recovery, detoxification, but have lapsed and returned to a life being homeless or living in homeless camps.
Some will use foul language and use God’s name in vain or in a disrespectful way.

Secondly, we need to be aware of the environment of the homeless, such as the following:

Frequently, you will see strewn garbage and miscellaneous items piled up in the camps or on the streets.
Some will live in tents, shacks, trailers, or even in their cars.
Other campsites are burnt down—destroyed by fire.
Since there are no toilets, before you come to the camps, be prepared!
You may see graffiti written on many surfaces.

Thirdly, when in the presence of the homeless, we need to follow guidelines, such as the following:

On the Metanoia Ministries Team, the buddy system principle is strongly stressed, so use it! Go in pairs! This helps ensure your physical safety, and if there is ever a false allegation or accusation against you by a member of the opposite or same sex, you can be witnesses for each other.
When approaching a tent or trailer, one may announce: “Anybody home? Metanoia Ministries here!” If it’s a trailer, knock on the trailer door. If it has a visible external lock that is locked, likely no one is home.
Be kind and respectful to the homeless. (Many express their thanks for what we bring to them. Trust is built among the homeless when volunteers continue to come to serve at their camps and locations.)
If you see something positive about a homeless person or their dwelling or immediate surroundings, don’t hesitate to compliment them!
If you see someone troubled or crying, you might ask, “What’s up? Can we pray for you?”
If someone appears open, you might offer Christian literature to them. E.g. “Do you have a Gospel of John?” Or “Would you like a copy of the Gospel of John? It’s about the life of Jesus and his love for you.”
Or “May I give you a leaflet about the Good News of Jesus?”
Avoid arguments with the homeless.
If you are offered drugs in any form, you can say, “Thank you for your offer, but I’ll pass!” E.g. I’ve been offered marijuana, but I responded: “Thanks, but I’ll pass!”
Don’t be surprised if you witness homeless people venting their anger.
Unfortunately, some of the street people rob from each other.
Also, some physically, verbally, or emotionally abuse one another.

N.B.: Under no circumstances are you to come to the homeless by yourself to hand out food outside of our allotted outreach times. If you have any questions about this or have something special to hand out, please contact Micheal or Stuart directly, Directors, Metanoia Ministries.

Terms of Agreement *

I agree to all of the information above and do not hold Metanoia Ministires or it's directors responsible for any injuries, mental or physical as a result of volunteering.

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