Must-Read Post from Street Roots

In my Facebook feed appears this link from NASNA to a blog post from Portland, OR's Street Roots Executive Director, Israel Bayer. If you've wondered about the purpose, even the ethics, of street papers, you can't miss it.

Just yesterday, I was coming out of Mr. Hero on Manhattan with dinner for my dad and I which I was then going to drive over 20 minutes to deliver and enjoy with him. As I got situated in my car to leave, I was approached by a man in t-shirt and shorts who showed me a dollar and a Black & White Cab Co. gift card, saying he needs help getting home. He got stuck at the Greyhound station (which is about 4 miles away via Cherry Street, if he walked) and needed just a few more dollars to get him on his way.

In my limited (but less limited than it used to be) experience with folks asking for money on the streets, this is usually a line. Whatever the money is for, getting a ride is often not the real "need". So why did I still hand him some money? Because it's not for me to judge whether or not he's lying, and even if he is, whether or not his hidden reason is good enough for my help. And, for once, I happened to have some cash on me.

I believe in taking opportunities to help people. I even believe in creating opportunities (hence, Toledo Streets). I believe in executing judgement in safety (which is why I locked my car door as he approached and rolled my window down only part-way) and in deciding if I can afford to let some cash slip through my fingers and to whom I give it. I also believe in accountability and in allowing other people to make their own choices. It's a hard line to walk, but it's worth walking.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE.