Last night in downtown Kalamazoo, a young man accused me of being "un-heartless" for not giving him money. Was he right? Is refusing to give a handout to a (presumably) homeless person "un-heartless?" I think reasonable people can disagree on this, but while I want to help out the homeless, I think it's probably better to give to shelters. In my limited understanding of the homeless experience, I think that some people don't want to go to shelters because they can't do drugs or drink there. If they are sustained by handouts, they stay out on the street. But if they went to a shelter they would be warm and well fed. They could also get cleaned up, learn that crack is wack and maybe find a job. But when I see them, I feel a little guilty all the same. The Onion offers this point/counterpoint on the issue. Any thoughts?
5 comments:
I'm not expert either, but it seems most advocacy groups I've been in contact with discourage giving money to panhandlers. If I have the time, I've tended to say that I'm about to go to the store and ask them what they might want. Sometimes folks just say nevermind, but some will ask for a drink, sandwich, etc and I'll grab one and bring it back out. Denver began putting special meters downtown (near panhandling areas) that look like parking meters, but collect money for a colilition for the homeless. This is supposed to encourage you to drop spare change in it instead of giving to panhandlers.
Overall, this subject has always created tension in me. It's a good tension, but I think I fall (as a vast majority of americans probably do too) on the side of ignoring them, assuming they will buy booze or drugs. Too often I think I'll give it to some organization, but never get around to it.
My wonderful wife has on occasion asked panhandlers if she can pray with/for them. It's embarrassing how often I don't think of this or don't trust that prayer actually effects people and this world. It's fascinating how often I can completely ignore what the Bible says and what God has shown me in regards to helping the homeless. I think God is more clear in this area than my comfort level would like to acknowledge.
It is indeed a difficult conundrum. I struggled with this for a long time but I now tell people who ask for money that I never give out cash. If I have food with me I'll offer it to them but I think it's better to give money directly to shelters or non-profits. Another idea would be to carry some type of business card with you to give to people with the phone number of a shelter or foodbank. Taking it a step further you could offer to call those places for them.
Does anyone know much about the homeless shelters? My grandfather used to bring me to the Haven of Rest in Battle Creek to help out, but I've got to say I'm ignorant of how available they are, how long they can stay, services provided, etc. And Bobby's definitely right about thinking that you'll donate to the shelter and then never getting around to it. I think Denver's meters are a great idea. I think Adrienne's idea about the card is interesting.
Here's an article released today about Denver's "plan to end homelessness" and the meters.
http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5637867
(Sorry I don't know html code for hotlinking something. You'll have to suffer the burden of cutting and pasting.)
In Chicago, if anyone needs shelter or food they can call 311 twenty four hours a day. Other cities probably have something similar.
Post a Comment