Homeless people need help, compassion

It's time to stop enabling homeless | April 14, letter

Help is the answer for homelessness

This letter in Wednesday's Neighborhood Times is about panhandling, not homelessness. Not all homeless people are panhandlers, and many panhandlers are not homeless.

I agree that panhandling is troublesome; it is demoralizing to the person begging and plays on the emotions of passers-by. And, yes, I'm well aware that many panhandlers do indeed use the money given them to buy alcohol. However, to assume all homeless individuals are irresponsible panhandling drunks only feeds the fire of this widely held misconception.

A significant number of those living on the street are not there by choice and certainly don't feel coddled by the entities that serve them. They don't stay because they are moochers looking for a free ride, ready to leave at the drop of a hat when you stop giving them money for beer; they stay because St. Petersburg is their home. Many of them grew up here, most of them lived here before they became homeless, and the reasons why they are out on the street are often heartbreaking. They are men and women and, increasingly, children. They stay because they have friends and family and connections just like you and me, and the only difference between "us" and "them" is that they don't have a roof over their heads every night.

If you stop giving panhandlers money, all the homeless will not magically disappear. The poor and needy will always be with us, and offering them help and compassion is just the right thing to do.

The letter writer and I actually have a lot in common. We are both disturbed by what we see happening on our streets every day. If he is upset with the situation, then he should do something to help resolve it. Volunteer at one of those soup kitchens or shelters mentioned in his letter. Investigate programs that help homeless and working poor families stop the cycle from repeating. Gather with friends or neighbors and do something to help change the lives of those who are struggling to get by every day. I have made a choice to help out where I can instead of just sitting back, wringing my hands, and talking about what could or should be done for those in need.

Get to know "the homeless" as individuals and fellow human beings. I'm pretty sure your perspective will change. I know mine has.

Chelley Tighe, St. Petersburg