Develop a relationship and then talk about issues. Make a return visit to solidify the relationship once the entire area has been canvassed. Organize a community meeting to choose the issue the group wants to tackle. There is a strong tradition of honor among the homeless that may not look like honor to the middle class, but it is honor nonetheless. It is the kind of honor that commits one to repay debts.
Borrowing is an important part of the homeless lifestyle.
Homeless people stand by each other, share and help each other rather than compete with one another. It is an honor that allows confidence to be shared between friends in the knowledge that the secret will be respected. The successful organizer learns to respect this tradition of honor and act according to the code. An organizer who ignores this code is likely to fail in organizing homeless and very low-income people. Organizers must also learn the language of the homeless community.