Sandy-gram

[#1]

Perhaps no other topic brings with it such passion, or differing opinions. Some feel that homelessness is the result of drug or alcohol abuse. Others feel compassion for those less fortunate. Some are irritated by the seemingly ever-present individuals asking for handouts on busy streets. I do think that most of us are moved by small children who find themselves on the streets at night. We sadly wonder, “How did they get there?”  One thing we do know is that there’s an estimated 3.5 million individuals that are homeless at any given time.

How should we react to a homeless individual seeking a handout?

From a personal standpoint, I, like others, might have the immediate gut reaction to think, “Get a job”. But if you step back for a moment, their plight becomes more personal. If any of your neighbors are out of work and haven’t been able to find a job, someone with no address, no resume and no clean clothing probably won’t have the best of luck either.

Speaking of luck…while there is a certain segment that probably abuses drugs or alcohol, there is a much bigger segment that are simply down on their luck. One setback after another, poor relationships, illness…all of these contribute to finding oneself out on the streets.

I have two mantras when it comes to meeting and interacting with folks looking for a handout:

 1) Give them some Respect. These individuals have enough heartache in their life without everyone throwing their 2 cents at them day in and day out. If you don’t want to give them a dollar, then don’t add insult to injury by giving them a piece of your mind.

 2) If you have an extra dollar, share it with a friend. A dollar may not seem like much to most of us. But sharing a buck every now and again will not only make YOU feel better, but it may buy a hot burger for a hungry soul.

Who are the Homeless?

The following are statistics taken from the Department of Children and Families' report on homelessness in Florida:

• 40% of all homeless people are families
• 60% are single adults
• 8% are elderly persons over 62 years of age
• 23% are children age 18 or younger

How does one find themselves Homeless?

According to the Florida Coalition for the Homeless, there are many reasons:

• Loss of employment (when individuals live paycheck to paycheck and lose their job, the result can also be the loss of their home or apartment.)
• Long-term illness, particularly for individuals with no health insurance
• Substance abuse
• Divorce / Domestic Violence
• Child abuse
• Institutional release
• Many other factors can create situations where people can’t afford to pay their rent or house payments.

What’s being Done?

There are thousands of service provider agencies, faith-based organizations and governmental services to help the homeless. Unfortunately, most cities and states are in the midst of a crisis in its ability to provide adequate shelter and affordable housing for the homeless. In any given day, there may only be 10-20% of the beds actually needed to provide shelter to the entire homeless population. 

To learn more or help out: Contact the Florida Coalition (or a coalition in your state).  

How do you feel about the homeless, and those looking for handouts on our streets? 

[#2]

Really good article - thank you for bringing up this topic. Homelessness is one of those situations where I think, "There but for the grace of God go I." It could so easily be us or people we know, with unemployment being what it is, and health insurance being so out of reach for so many, and housing costs so high. Every autumn, when the nights start getting really, really cold, my daughter's high school has an all night event where highschoolers (voluntarily) spend a night on the field in a cardboard box, with as many layers as they can but still without the comforts of home. They're asked to think, as they lie in those boxes, how it would feel if that were the only shelter they had, and if they were isolated from any hope of help. The next day, they gather to talk about their thoughts, and about what people might do to help each other. I really like your mantras regarding interactions with the homeless. Yes, they do deserve the same respect that we would give anyone else. Frankly, more so in many cases. These are people struggling to get by from day to day at the most basic level. I, for one, can give up (at the very least) the cost of a mocha latte so someone can feed himself.

[#3]

I worked with a guy in NY who used say to a homeless person "what are you hungry for?" and then go into the closest deli/store, buy it, bring it back out and give it to the person.  He bought a lot of hamburgers and coffee or cokes! He felt like that was the only way to make sure the money wasn't going to drink or drugs . . . .

[#4]

I think we often are so quick to judge without knowing the facts of the situation.  Because of our dire economy, perhaps more people are aware how quickly we can slide into poverty.  And without better healthcare, a single visit to the hospital or a pre-existing condition can cost a family thousands of dollars and tip the balance.  And without better day care, a parent who has to stay home with a sick child can be in danger of losing his or her job.  Those of us with cars and houses we own and families who can help out in tough times may not have faced this tipping point, but it could happen.

I love what petgirl's daughter's school does to raise awareness. And the article reminded me of the innocent victims of domestic violence who seek safety on the streets and away from the abuser.  As for those suffering from alcoholism and drug abuse and mental illness -- don't they deserve help, too?  When I think of how many affluent people suffer from these conditions and yet aren't subject to the public's daily censure, it just doesn't seem fair.  

For those who are afraid that their money will enable a destructive pattern of behavior, they can always give to a shelter or food pantry or other social service group.  Life is too short to condemn each other.  Why not give everyone the benefit of the doubt and do what you can, when you can?

[#5]

i know lots of people who go to big cities and feel almost harassed by panhandlers...and if they're women, they often feel especially vulnerable if someone comes up to them at night....there seems to be a difference between the people who are genuinely homeless and those who don't want to work...how do you tell?....and scout11 is probably right...maybe we shouldn't be so judgmental,,,it's a tough problem... how do other countries handle this?

[#6]

I wish I knew what the answer is.  It really makes me feel helpless.  I want to help, but I'm never sure what the right thing is to do.  While there are a number of charities that try to work with this problem, the need seems to be endless.  Other than give money to these charities, I am at a loss, I'm afraid.

[#7]

I have gotten involved with many causes over the years, and it's very easy to feel overwhelmed with problems that are so huge that it seems one person cannot possibly make a difference. But the way I handle that feeling is to remind myself that if we each help out one person at a time, or one food pantry at a time, or one animal shelter or petition at a time, and the numbers of people who do this spread and spread, then we do indeed make a difference. It takes time, yes, but months and years pass and the causes have been moved forward to tremendous progress. I am one individual, it's true, but I am also one of many who share my concerns and if we each do something small (such as making a donation to a charity that is accomplishing something important), our collective impact is awe-inspiring. Far better to try with one small gesture than to say it's all too huge and do nothing.

[#8]

Hear, hear, petgirl.  All acts are cumulative.  Your words remind me of the ripple in the pond.  A single stone has an enormous effect on the surface of a pond.  Just so with life.  We've even seen political campaigns that have won or lost on the basis of a handful of votes. So everyone -- act on your beliefs, pick a cause or two, and get cracking. Do what you can, when you can. 

[#9]

It was good to hear petgirl's and scout 11's comments.  I often feel discouraged and wonder whether anything I do makes any difference.  Their pep talk perked me up.  Now I feel recommitted to doing something, anything. Thanks for the encouragement!

[#10]

I don't feel comfortable handing money out on the street as I did that once and was robbed. My sister mentioned to me the other day she was going through the Mcdonald's drive through and there was a homeless gentleman who asked her for money as he said he was hungry. She offered to buy him food and he said "What am I going to do with that?" !!! Needless to say I feel more comfortable giving money to organizations that help the homeless and can assure that my money will not contribute to alcohol and drugs.

[#11]

Giving to homeless organizations is always a safe bet. They need money for food, beds, linens, medical supplies, social programs, retraining, etc. so if you're ever worried about the best approach, that's what I'd recommend (just as CherryBlossom did). The need is great. 

[#12]

Speaking of need, with all the recent tornadoes and flooding, there are going to be more people than ever who face homelessness (many for the first time).  

[#13]

I can think of a couple of instances in my life where I could have ended up in dire circumstances had things not gone my way.  I can't help but empathize with people in difficult circumstances and I used to be a sucker for a sad story.  Time and experience have helped me be more discerning about who and how I am willing to help out, and the suggestions here are good ones.