There But For...
I don’t give money to homeless people on the street. It doesn’t help anyone.
There’s at least one shelter in Kansas City that offers a bed and a meal to every sober person who can make it to the facility by 6:00 pm. There’s no cost or obligation. Destitute individuals and families seeking an additional assistance can rebuild their lives in reStart’s residence halls.
reStart isn't the Marriott, but it’s surely better than the streets for anyone with a desire to improve their lot. (I'm no expert- what little I know about reStart is based on my community of faith’s contribution to the charity and on a one-hour tour I’ve taken of the facility.)
I suspect that most homeless people already know about beacons like reStart and prefer life in the gutter. This scamp in Santa Monica passes out to the lulling sound of the surf and awakens to generous tourists at his feet. Being down-and-out in Kansas City can't be that nice.
Instead of handing that guy on the corner a dollar, please consider offering him a cab ride down to 9th and Harrison.
posted by Happy In Bag @ 8:26 AM
4 Comments:
At 1:58 PM,
FletcherDodge said…
I buddy of mine keeps a few mcdonald's gift certificates in his billfold to give out. It's not money so it can't be exchanged for drugs and/or alcohol, but it's good for some (so-called) food.
At 6:08 AM,
Tony said…
Awesome post. I'm a bastard but I still find myself giving money to street musicians. I hope that's not that same thing. I figure they are displaying a skill and I've always thought it was good luck.
At 10:54 AM,
Happy In Bag said…
Emaw- That's a good idea.
Tony- What is the deal with the guitarist who's often found on Pennsylvania just north of Westport Road? He's been there for years, and it still sounds like he just picked up the instrument for the first time. I suspect that he's actually an undercover security officer.
At 12:32 PM,
FletcherDodge said…
I think it's a good idea too, though at the time I really could have used the cash.
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