Idea: I Support the Homeless Pin/Ribbon/Bracelet
by on 01.29.05
The other day, I had one of those unfortunate everyday experiences in larger cities. I was asked for change by a homeless guy and I said no. Why? Common reasons for not giving would be a) can't give money to everyone b) they're just going to use it to buy drugs or booze c) why don't they get a job like the rest of us d) they should use the services we already pay taxes for e) i already support homeless groups in town etc... (My reason that day was a). It occurred to me after this exchange what a small but draining, negative experience that was for both myself and this homeless person. So I started thinking about what a better scenario might be...
The idea that germinated was one that would allow for more human, caring interactions with the homeless, and would increase support and awareness for the various homeless ngos.
There is a great fund-raising program up in Canada by GreenPeace. I signed up with a rep in front of MEC in Toronto years ago. I gave them my credit card info and they have been automatically withdrawing $10 a month for years now. Genius. Not sure why we don't see more of that. Anyone? In any case, since then, whenever I see a GreenPeace rep asking for money, I give them a big smile, a thumbs up and say "Already signed up!". Easy.
So...to take it one step further, what about some sort of program where you could donate money that would go toward the homeless and then have a number of ways that you can subtly show that you do this. e.g. a small nicely designed pin, ribbon, bracelet (think pink ribbons, armstrong bracelets etc). This could create a better basis for exchanges with the homeless. It would also inevitably start conversations due to the pin/ribbon/bracelet and lead to more funding for the homeless as well as general awareness. And it might put money where it is most helpful to the homeless.
Just a thought and probably been thunk before...Would love your comments. [by Graham Hill]
I guess the big question is: Which organisation would administer this program and how would one ensure that the money actually helps the homeless and not the people who run the program. I guess that is a common problem with charities and charity lookalikes.
And I suppose it is pretty much a given that most homeless people will not perceive a direct benefit from the program - not if they are out in the street begging. Constructing new shelters and such is nice, but it won't do anything for people who are hungry and/or cold right now. Do you really think someone who might not even live to see next winter will thank you for having contributed to a project that will provide them with food and shelter then?
Just my $0.02
I agree with juergen's comment that it will be hard for most homeless persons to appreciate your support of a charity, or shelter, etc. when they themselves are in such dire need. Okay, it may be short-sighted for them to put their personal situation ahead of the larger picture... but when you are that close to smelling the breath of your own mortality, taking the larger view is next to impossible. the next meal, cigarette, warm place or whatever is always going to outweigh the long term.
It's also important to remember that there is not a single culture or crisis among homeless persons. Some suffer from mental illness, some don't. Some are unemployed while others have regular work. There are drug problems, violence, and crime (just like people who do have homes) and there are also people who live quietly, ethically, intentionally or soberly.
To really "help the homeless" requires working one person at a time, individually, and starts with asking the individual what they really need. Homelessness is not a homogenous culture or issue.
I applaud your inclination towards helping those in need, but I also feel that the underlying motivation here is to make things easier for yourself—you get the bracelet and it lets you off the hook in personal confrontations. YOU feel better, but the homeless guy doesn't. I know that comes across as harsh criticism, but having spent a lot of time with the homeless in several cities, it seems that most attempts to help are as much about cultural landscaping as they are about aid.
Push Open Doors is a way to help the Homeless in a gently-invasive, yet meaningful way.
At the close of your house, please donate one-hundredth of a percent (.01) of the property value to Push Open Doors. They are a 100% volunteer non-profit that gives donated monies to projects working with the homeless. It is like a clearinghouse for helping the homeless.
EXCELLENT!