Ebbie, they are the homeless, you are their security. That's the job you do, and it sounds as if you do it well. There is absolutely no need to swap places with them, you already empathise, that's why you're there..

You are needed where you are. If anything awful should happen to you, then they will be left without you.

Do the job you do, and don't be made to feel guilty about never having been homeless. I'm surprised/amazed that anyone's suggested you do this, to be honest.

As many have said earlier, you cannot live their lives in the way it's happened to them. An entire life has led them to the place where they are...just as your life has led you to care deeply about the homeless and want to help.

You are an angel, already, no need to risk becoming a real life one, due to e Bear with an insatiable desire for Thermosed Coffee! :0)