I'm 17 and two of my friends are homeless. I try to help them, but I can't give them a place to stay. I feel lucky that I have a home, but the way they talk to me when I try to help it's like they're trying to make me feel guilty for having a home.
I tell them to call CPS on their parents for kicking them out and I tell them to go to homeless shelters but they don't. They only continue to do drugs and couch surf, then complain to me.
I want to be there for them, but all they do is bring me down. What do I do?

They will have to hit rock bottom before they realize they need help.
You cannot let them drag you down and make you feel guilty about having a home.

You're a smart kid. Stay away or you may find yourself falling into their habits.

Once they hit rock bottom, and I mean, REALLY hit rock bottom, they'll come begging for help. You've done your part as a friend, you've offered them assistance, and you've offered them advice and a way to get off the streets. Since they won't take it, the responsibility is no longer yours.

They always tell me they've hit rock bottom, that they've lost everything. I tell them that they should put motivation in their life, and volunteer, or make a plan to quit cigarettes.
They tell me they can't volunteer without a home. It's so much pressure! They tell me that they have no one in their life, and when I'm there for them they always make me feel like it's not enough. Like if I don't text back soon enough, or don't stay to hang out. I don't want them to be alone but I can't just live to keep them happy.
And it hurts me so much to see them like this.

You could always volunteer at soup kitchens... there are plenty of homeless shelters that allow you to volunteer.

Ps - texting? How are homeless people texting?. homeless kids nowadays are so much better off.


Like I said, you've done your part.

Like I said, you've done your part.

Yes you have.

Yes, how do homeless people text?? Jessh I have a home, and an income, and I can barely afford to text...

Yes, how do homeless people text???? jessh I have a home, and an income, and I can barely afford to text...

I don't how to text very well.. my daughter and my grandson laugh till they cry. My grandson; here nana let me show you how. :eek:

I'm 17 and two of my friends are homeless. I try to help them, but I can't give them a place to stay. I feel lucky that I have a home, but the way they talk to me when I try to help it's like they're trying to make me feel guilty for having a home.

I tell them to call CPS on their parents for kicking them out and I tell them to go to homeless shelters but they don't. They only continue to do drugs and couch surf, then complain to me.
I want to be there for them, but all they do is bring me down. What do i do?

If they have the means to find a way to get drugs and have cell phones they should be able to to locate a shelter and find their own place to live.

It is not up to you for any reason and you should not feel guilty. You are being generous to help as much as you do.

You also did the right thing pointing out that they could go and find a shelter.

I think you should tell them that you have done all you can do and stay away from them. I realize that they are friends and you are concerned , but I would bet quite a bit that soon they will be shoplifting, breaking into cars and houses to support their drug use.And when they have the drugs that is all they will care about.Even more than a place to stay . It will be all downhill from where they are now .You don't need to be around this .


You have done enough and now you need to look out for you. Like you said, no matter what you do they want more and it will only get worse.

You might talk to a counselor at school about their situation. They are endangering themselves being on the street alone. CPS will at least get them off the street and maybe some help. It would be in their best interest in the long run.


Don't let them drag you into anything , and I urge you to break contact with them. It looks like a shortcut to trouble.