Encountering someone experiencing homelessness can stir a mix of emotions ranging from compassion, concern, uncertainty, and sometimes even fear.

“Not everyone is safe to approach,” said Ann Ebbert, CEO of Cherry Street Mission. “If someone is experiencing high levels of mental illness or behavioral, psychotic episodes, that kind of thing, you feel this tug in your heart because they're our fellow brother or sister who is obviously in need of some help, but it doesn't mean that you need to do the helping.”

Ms. Ebbert highlighted the importance of balancing compassion and safety when interacting with someone living on the streets during a Friday program, Conversations on a Bench.

“You should always want to be safe and cautious,” she said, suggesting bringing in a professional if there is

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