Become Involved—Give this Referral Card to the Homeless on the Streets

Most people have from time to time encountered a homeless looking person standing at a street corner holding a cardboard sign requesting money and/or assistance. They are referred to by some as “pan handlers”. Their sign messages may say something like "Homeless. Please Help" or "Hungry. Spare Change. God Bless." or some other message.

What should you do? Hand them money? What about buying a meal and bringing it back to them? What about offering them a ride?

Have you felt guilty as you drove by having done nothing? Have you ever asked "What would Jesus do"? Have you given money and then wondered if you had done the responsible thing? One parent shared with us that she was embarrassed when her child asked her how come she didn’t help the homeless man.

This is a difficult issue and one that the general community struggles with as they encounter these situations more and more. Perhaps we can provide a reality check and provide some practical advice and solutions.

People standing at intersections and on the streets are often the picture of homelessness in our community, but in actuality, this represents a very small percentage of the total homeless population. A few years back, one of the local television stations in Des Moines conducted an investigative report on this street corner activity. Their report revealed that many of those on street corners are (in fact) a part of an "industry" (a business) and are NOT genuine homeless people. They are actually working a shift and share their profits with the leader of their "group". It is not uncommon for "professional" panhandlers to take in $30,000-$60,000 a year in tax free cash. To give money to these people would be ill advised. But how can you know?

Others who spend time on the streets panhandling could be categorized as people who do not have permanent housing but who chose to live in the woods (for a variety of reasons) in a tent and use the contributions of people to feed their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Again, it would be ill advised to give money to these people. But how can you know?

Then you have the "legitimate" homeless who are truly down on their luck, may have a disability, health issues, or mental handicap and are lost and confused. Some will be people who have arrived in town and are not aware of where they can receive services.

Hope Ministries has developed the HOPE ON THE STREETS card to address all of these situations. Members of our community distribute thousands of these cards each year. This card provides the community at large a helpful tool to reach out to those they encounter who are asking for a hand out no matter what their situation. In other words, when you hand them this card you cover all situations.

1. If they are not legitimate, then (by handing them this card) you've sent them a message that our community is aware of their dishonest activity, but can still provide a useful resource just in case.

2. If they are a legitimate homeless person, then you've provided them with a referral to where they can receive food, clothing, shelter, counseling, recovery, work, and the times we serve our meals at Hope Café.

Based on our experience, we would recommend the following when you encounter a homeless looking person on the streets or at intersections.

1. Do not give them money. There's a high percent chance that you'll be feeding their addiction or drug habit or supporting a scam.

2. Do not offer them a ride. Do not put yourself in harms way.

3. Provide them with a HOPE ON THE STREETS card to refer them to where they can receive assistance and a meal.

If you have any questions or wish to visit with us about how to help the homeless, please give us a call at (515) 265-7272 or send an e-mail to info@hopeiowa.org.