Giving — or not giving — to intersection panhandlers

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/08/2017 (2966 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I was stopped at an intersection when a scruffy man approached my driver’s-side window and thrust out a cardboard sign: “Hungry. Please help.” I shook my head and he moved on to the next car in line.

While waiting for the red light to change, I had time to think about what I had just done.

I wondered: had I given him money, what would he have used it for? Would I have contributed to substance abuse? Would I have enabled him to keep begging because it’s more lucrative than getting a job?

My wife often gives to intersection beggars, and she doesn’t worry about how they will use the money. She says it’s a gift, and monetary gifts should come without strings attached.

I think she’s wrong about it being a gift. It’s not a gift when a stranger confronts you and asks for it.

Pope Francis would likely agree more with her than with me. Although my wife and I are not Roman Catholic, I’m interested in the pontiff’s views because for much of his life he ministered to people in extreme poverty. In Buenos Aires, before he moved to the Vatican, he was known as “Bishop of the Slums” because he chose to help people in shantytowns.

In a recent interview, when asked about street beggars, the Pope said giving to someone in need “is always right” and one shouldn’t consider how the donations will be used. He said people who worry about how the money might be spent should ask themselves what guilty pleasures they are secretly spending money on.

Ouch.

I have high regard for the Pope but, with respect, his view seems at odds with the belief that we be responsible stewards of our money. We buy coffee that’s fair trade, invest only in funds that are ethical, try to support companies that treat their workers well. It’s important we spend wisely so our money doesn’t hurt or harm. But, according to the Pope and my wife, we shouldn’t care whether we’re contributing to the substance abuse of others? Their reasoning seems inconsistent.

Henri Nouwen, the Dutch priest and popular theologian, gave street beggars much more than coins. A friend of Nouwen’s wrote how it was frustrating to walk urban streets with him because, when they encountered a beggar, Nouwen would stop walking and try to connect respectfully with the person, looking in his eyes, inquiring sincerely into the man’s life story, listening patiently even when it made Nouwen late for appointments. The friend told how, even the next day, Nouwen would still be talking about the beggar by name, praying for him and hoping he was safe.

I’m enthused by Nouwen’s example of recognizing the humanity of beggars. I’ve tried several times to connect meaningfully with street people in downtown Winnipeg, and a couple of those encounters were engaging, poignant and seemed to be appreciated by the person undergoing the humiliation of begging.

But that can’t be done when we’re in cars. At intersections, the beggar’s goal is to approach as many cars as possible before the light turns green. There’s no time for conversation or connection.

I know I’m not the only Winnipegger struggling with the question of how our money is spent after it’s given to beggars. This topic was the source of several lively conversations I’ve heard recently.

One woman said she keeps a bag of oranges in the car and hands them out instead of money, knowing oranges can’t be put to a harmful use.

One guy said he donates to Siloam Mission instead, feeling it’s a more responsible way to help the hungry.

The issue is emotional because we all like to think of ourselves as good people, and a beggar’s outstretched hand is a flagrant test of our compassion.

And the opportunities to give are only increasing. The number of intersection beggars in Winnipeg has blossomed in the past few years to the point where there is sometimes more than one working a single corner.

For drivers in Winnipeg, it means the challenge to our generosity is as close as the next intersection. To give, or not to give?

Carl DeGurse is a member of the Free Press editorial board.