A different kind of caring – turning homeless people’s lives around

The homeless are a group of people that society has largely forgotten. After experiencing failure in life, they choose to make their home in places like the busy Mengxia Park. Sadly, the problem of youth homelessness is on the rise and compounded by people’s ill-considered giving, which increases dependence and diminishes self-motivation so that many homeless have no incentive to change their own lives around. Some homeless people believe that understanding the concept of appropriate giving is essential if we are to tackle the homelessness issue.

The elderly and disabled are unable to make a living, so they need to rely on outside help to survive. But for others, real help comes from encouragement and assisting them to find work. At the same time, when you come into contact with homeless people, try showing a little more concern and a little less sympathy. Sit down and listen to their stories, and give the appropriate assistance with a focus on helping them help themselves.

以下為中文對照

街友是一群被社會遺忘的人們，在經歷過失敗後，選擇人來人往的艋舺公園成為他們的居所。但是街友年輕化的問題日趨嚴重，加上民眾一昧的佈施，導致他們過度的依賴，而缺乏生存能力。就有街友認為，其實適當的給予幫助，才是解決問題的根本之道。

老一點的、殘障的，因為沒有那個能力賺錢，所以需要靠外界的資源，那如果活動自如、還有謀生能力的，應該是以鼓勵、引導出來工作，那才是真正的在幫他。同時也期許未來民眾與街友接觸時，能多一份關愛、少一份同情，坐下來聆聽他們的故事，給予適當的協助來反轉街友的人生。

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