how to help someone with commitment issues

The best to help him is to offer him baby steps. Like ask him out on a date, not to jump right into "dating" just go on a few fun outings together. This will allow him to have some space, but still get a taste of how wonderful something more could be. One warning, if you want to actually date him, I would suggest not going to far with him physically/sexually, that could cause him to never feel he needs to commit, because he gets all the rewards of being in a relationship while still being single. Im not saying he would take advantage of that, Im just saying its a possibility and you should watch out for that. I also have commitment issues and this is how my bf got me to try a relationship.

Give him time. Usually guys are the ones with the initiative to ask first. If he still seems unwilling, maybe you could ask. But time and patience is what's good right now.

Just sounds like he's been really hurt before in the past. Maybe give him the opportunity to talk about it if he wants with no pressure and no judgment. Just be there for him unless you think that would be too hard on you.