How can you build trust with clients who are experiencing homelessness?

It's so important that be build a great rapport with our clients, whom are experiencing various economic issues such as homelessness. Being able to Communicate and build trust with clients are essential. As a social worker or human services professional, you want to be able to establish great communication, identify client barriers, and establish a great way to connect with your client, in order to better serve this population.

One must have compassion and understand the crisis being faced by the client. To empower those we work with by encouraging yet understanding where they are in the process of change. Follow through on our end builds trust and relationships.

I was asked this question not too long ago: how can a client who’s homeless, and doesn’t have financial resources, become a “client”? Well, let’s be clear: The term "client" in these contexts simply implies that the person is receiving assistance, guidance, or support from a service or organization. It doesn't necessarily involve financial transactions or payment from the individual. The focus is on helping those in need and improving their quality of life. You need to truly “want” to build this trust with them, and this means demonstrating empathy, respect, and consistent support. Let’s be honest, our society has become controlled by power and greed that we fail to lend a helping hand. Not everyone is born with luxury.

The person who wrote about the challenges that homeless clients face is spot on .I was in community health ICMS for over 25 years .Each client has strengths and these strengths acknowledged validates another human being .Barriers such as stigma ,substance abuse ,untreated mental illness as well as lack of education and support systems all impact .Social workers who listen actively with presence and compassion for others will understand how to use change model in treatment process. Never judge ,ineffective when this is done .

I strongly encourage you to refrain from judging, no matter what case is presented. This is the principal key to communicating and keeping this communication intact. In my previous notes, I stated that you must "want" to help, not be in a position where you are forced to. You must listen actively and acknowledge their feelings without rushing them, use clear, simple language and offer choices to empower them. Address immediate needs first, not last.

Before thinking of how you can help, you must be prepared for the unknown. Knowing your outcomes, and doing your homework will help you understand the right approach. While the approach focuses on positive aspects of providing tailored services to individuals experiencing homelessness, there can be potential negative effects and challenges. If you have limited resources to help them, then frustration and disappointment will arise. Many people don’t understand that Complex Decision-making can sometimes complicate the process, especially if those clients are facing mental health challenges or cognitive impairments, making it difficult to arrive at mutually beneficial decisions. Study client’s cases, to avoid disappointment.

In Congo, where I spent many days helping and building shelters, the Homeless felt in constant danger due to societal stigma, fear of violence or theft, negative past experiences with institutions, and limited access to basic amenities and hygiene facilities. These factors resulted in vulnerability and unease in public spaces and service settings. If you genuinely want to help, prioritize empathy, respect, and inclusion. Offer them access to shelter, food, hygiene facilities, and healthcare while treating them with dignity and understanding. This will help build a sense of safety and belonging. When they feel like they are fostering a nonjudgmental atmosphere, it enhances their overall well-being and comfort.

This brings us again to one of my notes above. Study your client(s) before offering help. Do your due diligence: not every client will understand your kind approach. Building relationships with homeless clients can encounter challenges. This includes trust issues from past experiences, mental health struggles, transient lifestyles, communication barriers, safety concerns, respecting boundaries, and limited resources.

I would also add that maintaining good boundaries is essential when working with this population. Being firm about what you can and cannot do, while showing empathy and compassion. Do what you say you are going to do and be authentic around your interactions (which is best practice always), but often folks that are unhoused/unsheltered have a perception of individuals that truly care about their well-being and know when you are not being intentional about building the relationship and earning their trust.