What To Do About These Beggars On Street Corners
One month ago: I gave a man who said he was homeless enough money to buy a meal and rent a room for the night. I promised to help him find a job, gave him my phone number, and asked him to call me at 5:00 PM. Next I arranged for him to get a job with a friend. He never called.
Last Sunday: On the way home from church, a man sat on a crate at a street corner close to where we live. We made eye contact. His piercing eyes made it past my normal defenses. I felt like he was looking into (judging?) my soul. I didn’t offer any help.
Frankly, I haven’t had much luck helping people outside of organized ministries to the poor. This bad luck spans several decades.
Frankly, like most of us, I’m a bit of a sucker for a sad story – even if it’s not true. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not stupid. Once a man stumbled across an intersection near my house on Christmas Eve with a sign that said, “Why lie? I need beer.” I get it.
But I’ve also learned that if I require poor people to satisfy my “normal” standards, I’ll help no one.
So what should I do? I’m not going to become cynical. I’m not going to be bitter because a small number of people have tricked me out of a tiny amount of money. So what, then?
I decided to google, “What do people standing at street corners really need.” I found a TV news team’s investigative series of seven people standing on street corners asking for money. Six were phonies.
But one wasn’t. And therein lies the problem. I don’t have the skill to figure who is the one in seven. So I can ignore him or her because of the other six, or get conned by the six in order to make sure I help the one. In either case, the odds are terrible.
So what to do about those beggars on street corners?
The Message paraphrases Psalm 41:1, “Dignify those who are down on their luck; you’ll feel good – that’s what God does.”
How can I “dignify those who are down on their luck?”
Whatever I decide to do, I realize I am bound to err. But if I’m going to err, I want to err on the side of mercy.
So here’s my idea. It’s an experiment – not a life commitment. I’m going to buy a case of water bottles and offer one to those beggars who stand at street corners. I hope it will be a gesture that offers them a slice of dignity. We’ll see.
Let me know what you’ve done, or are doing, that actually works. (No theoretical suggestions please).
This is a great idea. I do something similar with pre-packaged foods, snacks, chips, etc. Try to carry something like this in the car at all times and have it readily available. This quickly allows you to decipher who really needs the food and who does not. Those that have empty stomachs are gracious for a snack and some water. Those who are seeking their next chemical or drug often times refuse your offer of water or food. God Bless people on that side of the equation, regardless of their response to your offer.
Thanks Justin… I’m going to pray about adding snacks to what I do.
Carry granola bars or fruit or offer to buy meal if near fast food or restaurant. Volunteer at homeless shelter & Salvation Army. Blessings
Thanks Evan!
I take them into a restaurant and buy them a meal and coffee. If they don’t take it, they’re most likely a phoney, and I’ve done my part.
Gutsy Jim!
Dave
I am on the road all over So. California. I find a soft granola bar and bottle of water is the best.
Thanks Dave!
Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis suggests giving them one of Wheeler’s business sized cards rubber banded to an energy bar that gives directions and contact info to get assistance, including shelter and food, from their ministry. This aligns with your offer of a bottle of water.
Great idea Bill…
Our son lives in the Twin Cities, our daughter lives in Columbus – they hand granola/snack bars to those that are working the corners. Both have encouraged us to do the same. Most often the person is rather surprised when you hand him/her the bar. Occasionally you get a "real" thanks!
Thanks David!
Suggestion: share an updated list of local organizations who help via meals, food pantries, money, place to sleep, etc. with street people appealing for help with a note encouraging them to attend a church nearby.
dan c 34957