WHY IT'S OK TO GIVE SOMEONE $1

January 26, 2015

THIS IS WHY ITS OK TO GIVE SOMEONE $1.

Today's blog is going to be short and sweet.

I always hear people that say they don't give 'bums' money because they will just go by booze, cigarettes or drugs. If this is how you feel I can respect that, certainly understand why you feel that why, but at the same time respectfully disagree. Truth be told (based on my observations and my conversations) about 75% of the folks out here are addicts of some sort, but that leaves some that aren't. After seeing the way things are, I can tell you that whether you give them that George Washington or not...they will feed their addiction if that's their goal. Probably resorting to more destructive means.

It would be hard to construct words that paint the feeling of discomfort that comes with this lifestyle. The simplest things become long processes. They wear on people. Daris for example: Daris has been married for 35 years to his sweetheart (Lynn). Lynn suffers from severe seizures and recently ran out of medications that help control these. She was admitted to the hospital briefly and subsequently sent to a church in Madison, TN until she is recovered enough to leave. They are homeless because there temporary housing ($277/mo) became infested with roaches and bedbugs. They are displaced for a week and awaiting a partial refund for their rent. They have no extra money to find 'temporary-temporary' housing so while Lynn recovers, and Daris is on the streets. Downtown Nashville is the only place he knows where he can find warmth during the day and hot meals regularly.

Before yesterday, he had been trying to go see his wife...but it cost him $0.85 to ride the bus. Daris does not like to beg. I made him take $1. Maybe he put it towards booze, BUT MAYBE he avoided a 3 hour hike to Madison to see his wife of 35 years. Maybe I'll ask how she is? He's here in the library today.

I am not condoning going out and passing out $100 bills like Big & Rich. Use common sense in this area or seek advice. If nothing else it might give you the opportunity to plant a simple seed: "Have a nice day," "God bless you," "Stay warm." or any number of other phrases can comfort someone more than we realize.

I walk past tons of people all the time that I do not choose to help and will probably continue that for the rest of my life. We cannot help everyone and choosing to refrain from giving someone money is ok, even understandable in a lot of cases...Just don't use that excuse.

James 1:5
Proverbs 22:9

-Matt

Share this blog :) Post questions on blog & join me on twitter/instagram to share your thoughts with The Secret Shirt Project community!
@secretshirtnash
#homelessmatt

Support The Secret Shirt Project on Kickstarter!  http://bit.ly/secretshirtproject

Or just email me! secretshirtmatt@gmail.com