<p>I always see this one lady sleeping next to the catholic center.
She has a little dog and she smiles at me every now and then which makes me want to give her something especially it’s so cold around this time of the year.</p>
<p>At the same time though, I don’t know how to go about it. I saw another student asking how she was doing and all once upon a time. Is it just rude/weird to go up to her and give her something? @_@ like canned soup (I dont know if she has can opener or stuff like that) used clean blanket/clothes??</p>
<p>I think you should start a conversation with her first. Then you can figure out if she needs anything. If she needs food, a good way to do it is give her a gift card to one of the many fast food restaurants around campus (or not fast food if you want). Unless she’s not very mobile and can’t walk very well, this is a good idea.</p>
<p>uyulove, you have a good heart. I agree that a conversation would be a good beginning. You could ask her about her little dog first, and then maybe next time bring some dog biscuits or a bag of food. She would appreciate interest in her dog, …then you could find out if she’s open to some help for herself and take it from there.</p>
<p>Before talking to street people on one’s own, could I suggest you first try speaking with someone who works at the Catholic Center? They should know this woman and may have suggestions for how you could help her or give you more information on her background. I think USC has an office set up to help members of the surrounding community. You might want to call them and ask for suggestions. </p>
<p>You have a kind heart! It is so sad to see others in such difficult circumstances, but big cities also hold some dangers. Some of the people who end up on the streets are schizophrenics who otherwise would be hospitalized. Others do not socialize well so do take care.</p>
<p>Love,
You have received some good advice. After checking with someone on the staff at the Catholic Center there may be a tactful way of giving assistance.
The university has actively worked to help those in the surrounding areas. Over 60% of the students are involved in volunteer work with local schools, community groups and businesses.<br>
May the holiday spirit shine in all of our hearts.</p>
<p>^ thanks all the comments guys. I kind of want to go toy shopping so I can donate some toys for the tots thing. And I just like toys in general (lol). I’m not a very friendly and a shy person so I don’t think I can get the nerve to just randomly talk to her or anybody who knows anything about her. It’s just that I pass by her every day and I just wonder about how she got there with this cute little dog… if that makes any sense.
oh well I’ll contribute to the bigger charities. I didn’t even think about the fact she could have some schizophrenic issues or any of that sort… O_O. The churches I went to just had programs where they fed the homeless and stuff like that so I just thought about that sorta thing…</p>
<p>But that volunteer database thing sounds like a good idea 
it’s just that my major takes all of my time + i have work T<em>T perhaps I could do it during a break?? I don’t know if they have any but ></em>< and I have no car. </p>
<p>Although I might have to end up doing very similar for one of my major requirements, seemed like it would be fun :)</p>