Give if you can or smile is charity,,,, We know they deserve - TopicsExpress

Give if you can or smile is charity,,,, We know they deserve compassion, but we may not know how best to give it. How should we respond to people panhandling or experiencing homelessness? Consider that other people passing by on the street are mostly ignoring these people panhandling. Some people are even verbally and physically attacking them for panhandling. People are panhandling for a reason. Regardless of what this person might have done before, their basic living needs are not being met in the present. I don’t have to sleep outside or ask for money to meet my most basic needs. And it’s hard to accept that other people do. I can do my part in supporting those who are panhandling by simply reminding myself that they are human. I may still feel sad, upset, and uncomfortable, but I no longer allow those emotions to make me turn away from the reality that there is still a person in front of me. Look them in the eye. Give them a nod. Give them a friendly smile. Wish them a good day. Do whatever you can to acknowledge your fellow human beings. When I’m being honest, panhandling makes me uncomfortable.