WWYD: Hand Out Money on the Street?
This has always been a really tough one for me: I’m walking down the street, minding my own business, and someone (usually looking really roughed up) asks for money. It’s a conundrum for me: clearly, lack of money is a serious problem for this individual, and I can spare a few bucks. On the other hand, I have no idea where the money would go once I give it. To drink? Drugs? Organized crime? Or just a sandwich or a warm place to sleep for the night?
Similarly, on many street corners in midtown Manhattan, homeless advocates (who often look homeless themselves) have set up a little table and red bucket, shouting relentlessly “Please help the homeless! Just a penny! Just a penny will help someone in need!” Yes, it might. Or it might perpetuate a problem without addressing the underlying issue.
And what is the underlying issue? Perhaps lack of education. Perhaps a completely screwed up family situation, that led to a downward spiral of self-destructive behaviors and hopelessness. Perhaps it’s mental illness that makes it difficult or impossible to function in a structured environment.
But frankly, I tend to prefer to put my charitable dollars there, toward the underlying problem, if I can. Habitat for Humanity actually builds physical houses for people who have none (and requires them to commit to help building the house themselves!). I don’t like their extremely religious overtones, but I can’t argue against their good work.
Likewise FINCA provides micro-loans ($50 or so) to people in developing countries. The recipients use these loans to buy a goat and sell the milk, or set up a fruit stand, or any number of other small, sustainable businesses that allow them to direct their own destiny and lift themselves out of poverty through their own intelligence.
Seems to me these charitable enterprises target some of the root causes of poverty and suffering, and so I like to see my dollars go there, toward more permanent cures to what ails humanity. At least, that’s my theory.
And yet, passing someone who’s suffering in front of my face on the street as I pass by, my noble theories don’t seem quite as noble. Sure, the woman in Zimbabwe needs my help to feed her kids. But this homeless guy right in front of me needs help too, and does’t seem to be getting any.
A difficult issue for me. What do you do? If you give, how do you give? And what is your thinking behind it? Do you prioritize gay and lesbian causes? Do you give as the mood strikes you? Or do you have some organized plan and stick to it? Fill us in.
I have a homeless guy who panhandles in front of the coffee shop I pass by every morning. I buy him breakfast & coffee once every other week and have gotten to know him in the process. He is a homeless vet w/ severe diabetes complications and some pretty severe mental issues. I have given him resources from the social worker who works where I do, but he prefers his own way in the world. I have been able to steer him to the food pantry and clothing closet resources at my own church- having him go when my mom was volunteering there and letting her help however she could.
I feel like I do not enough in regards to permanent cures to humanity’s ailments, but the little things are at least something.
Rich,
Those advocates are probably homeless themselves. They often are. Why not talk to them? Did you automatically think they weren’t because they are fighting for rights?
Franz Ferdinand Rocks
I live in St. Louis, not that big of a city, and I hand out money according to my gut reaction (and cash on hand). I try to pay attention to whom I’m giving to, and what their story is. But when in doubt, I give. I can’t get past the idea that begging is a humbling line of work. Once, my husband and I told a man we would buy him food for a meal at the grocery store. He hesitated over a fifty-cent item, which would have brought his total up to $3. As we drove off from the store, we saw him again, sitting at a bus stop, scarfing down his food. If I were being asked several times a day, I might feel differently, but still I’d like to help the people who really need help, and I doubt all of them are with-it enough to navigate the systems set up for them.
Rich,
I found your post on Queercents and want to share a story with you. As gay investors, my partner and I were horrified to find out a company in which we had invested in significantly was charged in 2002 with human rights violations in the developing world. The argument that we don’t know what panhandlers use their money for is not unique to them. Do we know what the money we give companies goes towards?
Rich,
In another post you explain that you are a buddhist. You don’t like Habitat’s religious overtones so how would you explain your religious motivations and decision making?
Cheers,
Blane
San Diego, CA
I see these guys on the freeway on ramps looking so pathetic with thier rumpled, misspelled cardboard signs, taking that walk (with a limp) past all the cars when the light turns red, trying to make eye contact and I see a practiced trade. A lot of these entepeneurs are’nt even homeless. They make $50+ an hour during rush hour. I think they would be just fine working a job that has some redeeming value if they put equal effort in. I guess they like being independent. They sure ain’t gonna get near my money though. I stick to a strict “just say no to panhandlers” policy no matter how moving their pitch is. I do feel bad for the .2 percent that are in real crisis. Panhandling is an undignified gig. God I hope I never sink that low. I’d have nothing to eat but my words.
-Mark
San Diego