One day as I stopped at a red light on a busy street, a middle aged man, a panhandler, approached my car holding a cup and asked for some money. I instinctively looked at his hands and fingers. They looked a little puffy. This may seem like a weird reflex, but there is a reason why I did this. During my college years, I can remember so vividly visiting friends who lived off campus and encountering men on their way to shoot up heroin in the alley behind my friend's rented rowhouse. From the apartment's balcony, we watched in amazement as the heroin addicts went into the alley and under the steps or porch of the house next door to get high. Most of the guys had a similar characteristic, puffy arms, hands, and fingers.
I told the man that I did not really have anything and that was the truth. I hardly ever carry money. And that's true these days more than ever. Even though I am caught up in my own set of problems I wanted to do something, but in that split second, I could not think of anything to do or how I could help this man.
A few days later, as I reflected on the incident, I also thought about a radio news report I heard about veterans who were homeless and unemployed. I have to admit that I got somewhat perturbed. All this talk about how "we" support our veterans and here it is that some of these guys are living in shelters and scrambling to find work. I wondered if this guy could be a veteran.
Today, I was trying to think of ways I could respond to such request for help in the future. I thought about maybe giving a gift card instead of cash. I certainly don't want to give something that can be used to buy drugs. It's a complicated issue. You want to be helpful, but sometimes it's difficult to know the right thing to do.
Great advice Mozell & adding too... --if there's a way you should prepare yourself to help just in case you meet those on the streets. Maybe if not by always with cash, but with a flyer containing information on where they can go to receive help---addresses and telephone numbers of agencies that help. Then sometimes "why not" put a couple dollars in your pocket designated just in case you may meet someone who'll ask for a little cash? Sometimes 1 or 2 dollars is all they'll need.
Tuesday, April 13th 2010 at 9:58AM
MIISRAEL Bride
I think we could all give a little more to those that have fallen on hard times... Setting out food like fresh fruit and toiletries in areas where we know the homeless people frequent such as parks.
I'm with you Sister Nona, I wouldn't ever give money but I have bought food.
Tuesday, April 13th 2010 at 10:21AM
Jen Fad
Good post sis!
Tuesday, April 13th 2010 at 11:54AM
Siebra Muhammad
All thanks for the comments and great story, Clark. I enjoyed reading your perspective. I hope all is inspired to try and do something. I certainly am.
Wednesday, April 14th 2010 at 8:22AM
Nona Ogunsula
Interesting perspective Brother Clark and I'm glad to hear that theman was able to get back on his feet.
Thursday, April 15th 2010 at 10:24AM
Jen Fad
The spirit of generosity and humanity is alive and well.
Encouraging. We all want to do SOMETHING that will actually help somebody and be effective. Some of your suggestions are very well taken. Thank you!
