What's One Thing Homeless Have In Common?

Yesterday, we hit the streets of San Francisco with a big bag full of necessities for the homeless. The bag included bowls of spatzle, pastries, cakes and snow boots. Within 20 minutes, the spatzles were handed out to extremely grateful street dwellers, who's hungry dogs were already nose deep in the pasta. A few blocks later, we came across a teenager. She was barefoot, wearing one thin sweater and obviously needed help. We handed her the snow boots, she tried them on and they fitted perfectly. We continued our walk and within the next hour, gave away all the pastries and cakes. 

What's one thing that all these homeless people have in common? Yes, they live on the street. Yes, they have no cash. Yes, they have fallen on their luck. Yes, they have no warmth in winter. Yes, they worry they'll be robbed, beaten or verbally attacked. But what else do they have in common? Every single one of them said thank you, in gratitude, as they looked us in the eye.

When we placed the last cake at the side of a man, sleeping in the park, we accidentally woke him up. He started to yell, assuming his possessions were about to be stolen. When he realized we were offering him food, he instantly apologized. And then thanked us a dozen times.

The homeless are the most polite people and relentlessly thank anyone that provides food, shelter, clothing or bedding. They have a fantastic, kooky sense of humor and always ready to offer a quip, are forever chomping for a banter and are amazing misfits that deserve so much more in life.

En-route home with an empty bag, we passed by a block full of al fresco diners. When the food was served, customers barely glanced at the waiter/waitress. Thank you's were sparse. The contrast between the dismissive diners versus the grateful homeless were worlds apart.

This Thanksgiving week, please find three items at home that you don't want and offer them to the homeless. Whether it's old sweaters, sneakers, mittens, hats, food items, take a few of these out on the street and pay forward to someone sitting on the corner. Give thanks for all you have this Thanksgiving and in return, you'll be looked right in the eye as someone says thank you, with pure gratitude. Please share this post and spread the kindness.