Homeless

I went as a family to Niagara Falls. I loved it. There were many aspects I would love to do again (time and mostly money permitting).

As we walked to the Falls on our first day we walked past a homeless man. My daughter is very concerned with him and wants me to give him some cash.  I have many problems with this to begin with.

After my daughter saw this homeless man in Canada she asked why I wasn't helping him. I love that my daughter has a huge heart and wants to help everybody. I had a hard time trying to explain why I didn't want to give this man cash. What I could explain was don't know this man. I don't know his story. I don't know why he's homeless. This much was easy to explain to my daughter.

I continued explaining that if this guy needed medicine to help him keep a job he all he needed to do was find a hospital and talk to a doctor. I told her medicine was free for everybody in Canada. All this homeless man needed to do was find a hospital and get an appointment. Fortunately for me the conversation was cut short because we arrived to Niagara Falls and she got distracted.

I'm glad this conversation was cut short. How do you explain to an 8 year old girl the long waits? How do you tell them that care can be delayed because of it? I am definitely no expert in the Canadian medical system but I do know it's free.

This is not the first time we have seen a homeless man. This is not the first time she wanted me to help a homeless man. Sometimes I can and I do. I hate with a passion giving them cash, loose change or bills. One of the last times I gave somebody cash was when I lived in Chile.

In Chile I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Yes, I was one of the Mormon missionaries that would knock on your door.  Several people in the poorer sections of Santiago believed all missionaries were from America and had cash. This is beyond true. That didn't stop the homeless people in the area from asking and begging for money.

The first few months I was there I would toss them a few extra coins I had. My companions would advise me against it but I thought I was helping them. The longer I was there, the more I noticed cheap wine boxes in their hands. I smelled the alcohol on their breath more frequently. I noticed their unsteady gait as they walked towards me to beg for the cash.

I became frustrated with the thought they were asking for money to buy alcohol. It was abhorring.  Though I didn't become bitter at their begging, I began refusing them money. I would turn them away and tell them to keep walking.

About 6 months into my mission (men usually serve 2 years) my companion taught me something, something I continue to use. Christ lived a perfect life. Christ never turned away anybody regardless of their circumstances.  He would always teach by example and as missionaries He was (and still is) our perfect example. My companion taught me instead of refusing these men, offer them something homeless people would need: food and a spiritual thought.

When a homeless person would come by and beg for change we would politely inform them we did not have money to spare. This was no lie, as missionaries we have enough to feed ourselves and pay for bus fare as needed. Instead we would offer to buy them a loaf of bread with some butter and pate (a cheap meat spread, pretty tasty) from the corner store.

It surprised me how frequently the homeless people refused a free sandwich. But I felt better about myself since I was offering something they needed. Their refusal made it their choice not to eat.

Fast forward to present day and time.  I've been working as a nurse in the Emergency Department for 3 years now. We help anybody and everybody who walks through the door, regardless of their complaint. Many homeless people come through the department for various reasons. Many of them have positive drug screens or elevated alcohol levels. Sometimes both. Though they may be homeless their peddling for money gives them enough to continue their drug habits.

I continue to try and help the homeless where I can. I refuse to give them cash. I will give them food when and where I can. I have occasionally purchased extra meals from McDonald's to give to homeless people. Sometimes I give them coupons for free food.

I am not trying to tell you how to help the homeless. Just letting you know how I prefer to help them.