Homelessness

Homelessness

Amy Fienen - Managing Editor

During my lunch break one day last week, I headed over to Fashion Fair to make a quick purchase and grab something to eat. While making my way toward the entrance nearest the food court, I noticed a long-haired young man sitting near the door asking everyone who passed him for money. I walked by as quickly as possible wishing to become suddenly invisible. No such luck. “Can you spare some money? I’m hungry,” he said. I ignored him. Completely. Not even so much as a glance in his direction.

And then began the moral dilemma: Was I a coward for ignoring him when I at least should’ve had the courage to say no to his face? Should I give him five bucks and run the risk that he’d head to the nearest liquor store? Or should I offer to buy him something from the food court so that he’d have a meal if he was, in fact, hungry?

I pondered these thoughts as I searched for the gift I needed to purchase, spending 20 bucks without a second thought. Yet I could not bear to part with a few dollars for a man reduced to begging. The part of me who grew up being taught to love others, to help those less fortunate and to give to the needy was plagued with guilt. But the other side of my split personality, the part of me who works hard to support my family, pay taxes and is a productive member of society, couldn’t help but wonder why this seemingly capable young man couldn’t – or wouldn’t – do the same.

So what is the right thing to do in such a situation? Last week, Mayor Ashley Swearengin unveiled a new initiative called Fresno First Steps Home, a program designed to end homelessness in Fresno by collecting donations from Fresnans. The city is attempting to raise $1 million dollars which will go to local non-profits and public service providers. They will use the funds to implement a 10-year plan to end homelessness.

And what is your role in this plan? All you have to do is donate $1 a month, “just a buck a month,” says the mayor, to become part of this “community-wide effort.” She encourages citizens to donate to this program rather than giving that dollar to the person you may see begging next to the freeway exit on your way home from work every evening, because at least that way, you know your money is going to a good cause, rather than toward a pack of cigarettes.

Next time a homeless person approaches you and asks for help, rather than giving him or her a few bucks, the mayor wants people to hand out cards with the Homeless Prevention Hotline number on it. Just make sure you give them the change for the phone call.

If you feel compelled to do more for the homeless, you can volunteer your time to help, or organize your own fundraiser to support this new initiative.

We want to hear your thoughts about the problem of homelessness in Fresno. What is the right thing to do? Do you give the guy in front of the mall a few bucks, do you buy him lunch, or do you figure you’re not doing him any good in the long run by enabling him? Are you willing to donate $1 a month, or do you figure that by paying your taxes, you are already doing your share?