To check on whether someone is responsive, you can kneel down near the person.

"We don't stand over someone who is sleeping or supine. We kneel down next to them and say, 'Hey, are you alright.' We don't put hands on people," Albertson said.

If the threat seems less urgent, you can call 311 in most cities. Your call will be referred to emergency respondents or, in some cities, to local groups including the Outreach Team. However, 311 operators are not always in the best position to take detailed descriptions or answer questions, Albertson says.

You can call San Francisco's Homeless Team at any time at (415) 734-4233 to report on someone who may be in distress, homeless or intoxicated. Please include a physical description of the person, so that the mobile team can look for the person if he or she moves. You can also call the San Francisco Mobile Crisis Treatment Team at (415) 970-4000 for people who appear to need mental help.

"Citizens are in a great position to be the eyes and ears," Albertson says. "Maybe only one in ten times will someone accept help. But one time in 20 saves someone's life."

The Homeless Outreach Team eulogized 118 people who passed away in 2013. Albertson says he personally knew at least 20.

"There have been fairly substantial demographic changes in San Francisco, and it's more difficult for people who have not resided in town for a long time to perform acts of care," Albertson said. "It's all the more important for people to remind themselves that everyone came from a mother, a father, a sister and a brother."

There are several local groups in San Francisco that also assist the homeless.

San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (415) 734-4233
The Outreach Team is a collaboration between Community Awareness & Treatment Services, the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Human Services Agency. Earlier this year the Homeless Team integrated the Mobile Assistance Patrol.

San Francisco Mobile Crisis Treatment Team (415) 970-4000
The Crisis Team offers psychiatric crisis intervention for adults currently residing San Francisco.

Community Ambassadors 311
The Ambassadors are part of a public safety program operating in several neighborhoods.

Mobile Assistance PatrolMobile Assistance Patrol

When Do You Call for Help for the Homeless?