Lindsay the Intern: Week One Musings

(Lindsay is our wonderful intern for Winter Term 2009. She's seeing the issues we at ShelterCare face daily from a fresh perspective. Each Wednesday, she will post her reflections on what she's learning and how she's seeing issues relating to homelessness in a new light).

Just the other night, as I scuffled down 13th Avenue in the blistering cold, a frantic man bee-lined toward me. "Please, could you spare me some change for a bus ticket?" His holey zip-up and tired face begged for a glimmer of compassion. Now, being the giving Family and Human Services student that I am, I handed him my only quarter and hurried on my way. Although I wanted to believe his intentions were honorable and sincere, I couldn't help but assume he was off to the nearest 7-11 in pursuit of a 40-ounce. Honestly, on a night like that, I wouldn't have blamed him.

If I had asked any other bar-hopping college student for a buck, he might have gotten the cold shoulder and a sly, mocking chuckle. This is not to say that there aren't compassionate, giving young people in Eugene. I have the pleasure of knowing many who would have matched my quarter and raised me some. However, I also know some individuals who would have left that man feeling colder and smaller than the ice in their drinks.

I often hear arguments about whether or not it is right to give money to homeless individuals. The majority of these debates leave idealists to ponder two types of people: those who believe in helping but don't know how other than the occasional nickel, and those who feel that giving a "bum" money enables them to continue living on the street and menacing society.

I can see where both types of people could make a point. A rough and dirty individual begging for change is not exactly contributing to a better Eugene. And yes, we should help somehow, but what is a nickel going to do, really? The bottom line, and what we all need to focus on, is education;educating ourselves about why these people are sitting on street corners and not in living rooms. It is time we start learning about services and support for the homeless people of Lane County so that we can hand out brochures, not laundry money. 

Although I preach the importance of giving back in a big way, I too need to learn some things about homelessness. I recently signed on as an intern at ShelterCare and blindly began fighting the good fight. And guess what? You have the amazing opportunity of growing and fighting with me! This is just the first of my many weekly blog entries meant to inform you of this fixable problem in our great city. If we can gain knowledge and change our perceptions of the homeless community, as well as take action, I reckon you won't be giving up your coins quite as often. Take away lesson for today: cents may not be the answer, but change certainly is.