pro & con
Pro
Several years ago one of Kansas City’s TV stations did a documentary on panhandlers. Among other things shown were men with signs standing on corners sometimes with a child asking for food or money. It was quite revealing to see how deceptive many of these individuals often are. For many, begging has become an “occupation.” However, only a very small percentage of the homeless participate in this activity.
Direct gifts of money to the homeless encourage dependence rather than personal responsibility. They offer a temporary fix at best. Most people have no idea of the many counter-productive options available to homeless persons.
This group can be most effectively helped by directing them to an established shelter or local agency designed to help with the unique needs of the homeless. Two of the more useful web sites designed to help the donor evaluate an organization are: the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ecfa.org) and GuideStar (www.guidestar.org.)
Those who nonetheless want to help a homeless or poor person directly should:
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understand the risks attendant to helping strangers;
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not allow themselves to become the homeless person’s regular provider, and
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“third-party” financial transactions personally whenever possible (i.e., pay the utility company or landlord directly, buy groceries and deliver them, give fast food gift certificates rather then cash, etc.)
City Union Mission operates the “Hotline for the Homeless,” a phone service for the homeless to call when needing shelter or other help. It allows homeless persons to call just one number (816.474.4599) and be connected with an operator who can put them in touch with one of KC’s shelters.
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17.
Dan Doty is Director of Kansas City’s City Union Mission. Phone: 816.329.1471. e-Mail: Dan@CUMission.org.
Con
Dan Doty and I agree much more than we disagree on this issue — yet, there are some questions to ask those who suggest that the homeless never be given to directly. I remember the late Maurice Vanderberg of City Union Mission advising me early in my ministry with homeless persons to help people find ways to give all that they can in the most meaningful and respectful ways possible. For many, this may be a direct gift: a handout that may truly lead to a hand up.
Some simply will not give through an agency or organization. They may fear that an agency will only help “the worthy poor,” make judgements contrary to their own beliefs or waste the resources altogether. My faith says that no one is unworthy in God’s sight. We may never know how direct gifts to people in need may change their lives. It may be money for transportation to a job interview, a pair of warm socks, an expression of concern through a word of hope and sharing some information you have that might make a difference.
I hope we do not so totally discourage direct giving that our children will grow up believing that the poor are to be feared and avoided. We dare not allow poor and homeless persons to become invisible. They are our brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends. Let us not simply determine that all poor and marginalized persons should be the responsibility of the government or an agency.
Whatever our approach to giving, the critical issues will be respect and dignity and self-determination. We are blessed by those with whom we share as we also seek justice. The Jewish tradition speaks of this as Tezedakah. To give a person a coin but no work to help them move from poverty is a failure to keep our covenant with God.
This issue deserves much more discussion. I hope the dialogue continues.
Dr. Stuart E. Whitney is Executive Director of reStart, Inc., an interfaith agency for homeless persons. Phone: 816.472.5664. e-Mail: swhitney@restartinc.org
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