"Panhandlers: A Hand Out -- or A Hand Up?"

by

Ron Buchinski

Executive Director

(Ron has worked full-time with homeless men, women and children since 1987)

The other day, I heard a radio editorial that implied that homelessness was no longer a national issue while watching a well-intentioned woman giving one our community’s numerous panhandlers (found with their cardboard signs in various locations about the city) money at an off ramp.

On numerous occasions, Mission staff have approached panhandling individuals and offered them transportation and assistance. In every instance we have been told to "go away," they "didn't want help, just money." In desiring to be compassionate and fair, let's assume that these sign-bearing 1990's panhandlers are legitimate; i.e., not deceitful about relating their military status or personal needs. Is money the answer to their needs?

Usually, if the national averages are used, these people suffer from an addiction or emotional problem which prevents them from seeking assistance. If they are addicted, you know that money they've begged for will be abused; and if they have other problems, monetary donations will enable the person to continue in that mode on without getting the help needed.

Quality homeless shelters, like the Lighthouse Mission, realize people are homeless for a reason and unless those reasons are addressed, the individuals remain homeless. In working with the homeless for 18 years, I have seen very few homeless people who have just needed employment or a cash handout to change their lives for the better; and I have often seen a handout change a life for the worse.

There is no pre-condition for receiving food and lodging at the Lighthouse Mission other than cooperating with staff and addressing the issues that led to a person's homelessness. A willingness to change, or to receive assistance in order to change, is a necessary (and often painful) pre-condition for making progress in one's life.

At a risk of seeming very heartless, let me say that the streets, even in a great place to live like Bellingham, are hard and deadly for homeless individuals. Addicts, including alcoholics, die young. Please don't enable these people to continue in their downward cycle on the streets by giving them cash handouts. Besides it encourages other hucksters to shamelessly beg on our streets.

True compassion intervenes in a manner which leads to a viable, long-term solution to the problem. Help, real help, is available at our Mission. This organization and its staff addresses tough issues in the lives of the homeless every day, and it needs your support. That is how you can truly help the homeless.