In response to this past Sunday's lesson titled Free Handouts, Shelby, our resident Law Enforcement at Encounter, was asked to pass on some tips for safely responding to poverty in Louisville.
Panhandlers are frequently aggressive and use intimidation to "encourage" people to make donations. Panhandling or "flying a sign" (like Michael's) in Louisville is a crime. It should be reported by calling 911, as those who engage in this know it is illegal and often will lead to larger crimes, including burglary. Your 911 call could also prevent potential for injury to that individual who stands in the road while distracted drivers are all around them.
If you choose to give money, consider your investment, because that is what it is, right? You wouldn't throw money out your car window without regard for where it goes, but you would invest it wisely, as the Proverbs direct. Is giving $1, $5, or $10 to the hard luck guy on the off ramp a wise investment? Would you be better off to show God's love by providing a meal or giving time or money to a homeless shelter or a substance abuse recovery center? Consider the examples shown in "Extreme Home Makeover" - those folks are desperately impoverished, but from what is shown, they continue to obey the law and carve out an existence while their homes fall down around them. This condition is more common in Louisville than most would like to consider. What can be done to see to this overwhelming need? While the Holy Spirit may lead you to give to that guy on the side of the road (and I take no issue with that), Michael has asked me to give suggestions based on my experience with the "other half" of society of what I have seen work.
Unfortunately, when you give to that guy on the off ramp he is more than likely going to use it to get high, directed by a substance more powerful than the free will God gave him. The next time you are at Taco Bell, consider buying a few $5 gift cards and keeping them in your car/wallet to pass them on. I have seen gentlemen who have been deprived their first drink of the day and who seize violently by noon as their body literally needs alcohol to function, often drinking mouthwash to satisfy their need. We have an excellent resource in Louisville called the Healing Place which takes all types of addicts and has a van to pick up people who are too impaired even to go to jail. Yes, there is a "too drunk." If you want to see Jesus, watch the recovering addicts who meet the police car transporting that man or woman who is lower than the sidewalk. He is picked up by his brothers, cleaned up if he has fouled himself, and welcomed inside to sleep it off and work through it if he so desires. Those recovering were taken in the same way, weeks or months before.
Shelters are abundant in Louisville, but we rarely think about the Salvation Army unless that obnoxious bell is ringing outside of Kroger around Christmas. Well, they said it: "need knows no season." Consider giving your resources to one of the other shelters, including Wayside Christian Mission and St. Vincent DePaul. Women and children also use the resources, and they uniquely use emergency shelters like The Center for Women and Families, where they are provided not only shelter, but also protection against terrible domestic violence situations. All of the above links have a "get involved" or "donate" tab because they need your help. These shelters provide necessary resources, which are intended to rehabilitate the impoverished and prop them up. A shelter is intended to be temporary; they have staff who place people in housing and get them work and get them off the street. Shelters require the client to check in for dinner by 4pm and be sober, once checked in he is in for the night. Consider your investment.
Consider when you go out to lunch after Church: I've always been told church goers are, as a whole, poor tippers to their wait staff. Your waitress at Denny's is probably closer to that "Extreme Home Makeover" example than you realize. If led, reward her good effort with more than the after church 10%. You tip 40% on $10 and you won't miss it, but she will benefit. Maybe tell her why you are tipping her, and use it as an opportunity to share your faith. You can do this on any other day as well.
Share your food by preparing a meal for the Ronald McDonald House, whose residents are often far from home with exhausted funds because they have been caring for sick loved ones for many months or even years. (FYI - They hate spaghetti due to overexposure.) Use your time to help an elderly neighbor - odds are they are on a fixed income and could use the help. Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers to mentor children. Cedar Lake Lodge will come get your donations, including furniture, and use them to assist the mentally challenged. Habitat for Humanity needs your help to provide shelter for families, widows and orphans, and they are always looking for a few able hands.
The opportunities are vast. While I have no ill will toward a person "flying a sign," my job requires I respond and take action, for your safety and theirs. As mentioned, if you are led, do what you will, though I would discourage giving cash. The need is great and the opportunities are many. Now you know how to help. ~SS
Thank you so much for sharing your insight on this subject. I think it is one we all struggle with as Christians and in particular women. I so want to stop and help someone like that, but it can be dangerous. Your options of helping more people for the longer term are great and appreciate you taking the time to do this. So glad your family is a part of Encounter.
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ReplyDeleteWell stated Shelby. The majority of fast food establishments sell a giftcard or paper certificates. These will give the "less fortunate" person the ability to have a meal, and not be tempted to spend the money on bad habits.
ReplyDeleteIf I could add to this though, while trying to remain off my soapbox. Many of these signs indicate "will work for food". Allow me to share two examples with you.
Several years ago, I ran across a man I would guess to be in his 20s. He held up a sign indicating he would work for food. I offered him work the following day, helping me with my business. We settled on a time that I would meet him at the same location. The following day, he wasn't there. Several days later, I saw him at a different location. When I asked him why he failed to show up for "work", he said that he could make more money panhandling that day, not having to lift a finger and actually "sweat" for it.
Secondly, I saw a young woman, again, in her 20s, at an intersection, holding a similar sign. I told her I was on my way to McD's and would get her whatever she desired. "Whatever you want to get is fine". I said, "no, place your order. What would YOU like?" The McD's was just a block away, so after taking the order, my round trip back to her took less than 4 minutes. After spending nearly $7 on her "custom order", she had bailed. She MAY have had other circumstances, but I was led to believe she would rather have had the money, instead of the food. I didn't give that option though.
I realize, especially in todays economy, that many people have "fallen on hard times". We all have to some extent. I am fully aware that the job market is not exactly what it used to be. What upsets me is those who are capable of working, but have gotten way to accustomed to getting a handout. Something for nothing. This makes our responsibilities as a Christian, a Believer of Jesus, very difficult. On the one hand, we want to give "even to the least of these", but we also do not want to enable these less fortunate folks to continue to live a potential life of self destruction. Often times we can hear the Holy Spirit telling us when to use discernment. Sometimes it may be a gift certificate for food, other times it may be that $1 or $5 "handout". But in all circumstances, do the act in love, showing God's love in a practical way!