Homeless and hungry or greedy liar: Should you give to panhandlers?
Filed Under Category: Inspirational, Motivational, & Spiritual CommentaryMayor Bill White, mayor of the City of Houston, has launched an arsenal of public service announcements designed to discourage people from giving to panhandlers. The Mayor has said in a series of interviews that he believes people should give the money to agencies that provide services to the homeless. He has also cited safety as a major issue, meaning that panhandlers have become so aggressive that they are walking through moving traffic. This was the hot topic on talk radio stations today. Many people stated, in defense of the mayor, that studies have shown many panhandlers are just “street hustlers.” Others said they believe you should give to them regardless because you never know who is really in need. This is a topic that, no matter what side you are on, has to be addressed in every city. Rather than take sides on this issue, I prefer to ask questions.
Do you disregard all homeless people because of the bad intentions of a few people?
Do the social programs designed for the homeless really meet the need?
Does the City of Houston have an adequate number of programs targeted to help the homeless?
Who should take the lead on providing services to the homeless?
The problem I have with criticisms of the homeless is people are more apt to search for a reason not to help them rather than find a way to reach out to them. Homeless people need assistance! They do not need to get stuck in the middle of bureaucracy. They do not need to be stereotyped as “hustlers” and “beggars.” If you were hungry and homeless, you just might grab a cup and stand on the corner too! Hunger eludes rational thinking. In your most desperate moments in life, you tend to go into survival mode. Many of the policies of the homeless facilities are so full of red tape that most people would rather survive on the streets than deal with those organizations. We must have compassion for all of those that are less fortunate than us. My personal belief is we should help people in need, instead of deny people based on our preconceived notions. If they are lying, let God deal with them. If they are not lying and you refuse to help them, God just might deal with you!
I am guilty of sometimes passing by a “beggar” because many times I feel it is a scam. Especially times when they are begging nearly on the doorstep of a business with a help wanted sign. However, more often I say that but for the grace of God go I. I also realize that many of these individuals suffer from serious mental health issues. So, most times, I just reach into my pocket and pull out whatever is in there and hand it to them…if he is in need then I did soemthing good, if he isn’t in need then I still did something good.
As far as responsibilities, I believe it is the duty of us all take care of those who cannot take care of themseleves. We all pay federal and county taxes and in some places even state taxes. Our government should take the lead on servicing the homeless. We just a little better fiscal responsibility they could find plenty of money to help out and coudl even coordinate services through non-profit agencies and faith-based organizations. It can be done and it should be done but its us to us to speak with the power of our vote to make things happen.