How taking 'The Pledge' could help Seattle's homeless

Seattle is pouring millions into easing the plight of homeless people. But one Seattleite says many small kindnesses could help too.

Devin Silvernail told KUOW’s Emily Fox how a project called “The Pledge” could help business owners fight stereotypes about the homeless.

“I think a lot of us have these ideas ingrained in us throughout our lives about who a homeless person is, what homelessness looks like,” Silvernail said. “And just breaking down those barriers -- people thinking that a homeless person is going to be aggressive or taking advantage of something – once that’s broken down, there’s really no problem at all.”

Silvernail is executive director of the nonprofit Be:Seattle. Here's how The Pledge works:

Local businesses can put up a window sticker that lets homeless people know what they have to offer - things like food, water, a restroom, or even a place to charge their phone.

So far, 11 businesses have signed up. They include Columbia City Bakery, Coffee Pronto and Bike Works Seattle.

“You’re imagination is the limit of what you can do,” Silvernail said. “If you feel you can only offer a glass of water, that is awesome, because there are thirsty people everywhere. But if you can offer food, if you can offer a haircut, if you can offer whatever, that’s awesome too.”

Produced for the Web by Gil Aegerter.