I was asked to speak with the junior high youth group members about almsgiving, an important part of Lent that we hope goes deeper than giving of money--to giving of time in prayer, sharing of talents, and also sharing of treasure.
The focus of my sharing with the junior high youth was to discuss and (hopefully) dispel the misconceptions of panhandlers on the street.
I shared with the youth about a column I read back in June, written by Bob Dyer of the Akron Beacon Journal. He had been contacted by fellow Akronites with claims of all sorts of things about panhandlers around the area. Claims included that the panhandlers were dishonest and wouldn't accept an honest day of work when offered it. He set out to write a column proving these claims to be true--he went out with a landlord to find panhandlers and ask if they would like to work doing odd jobs like painting and simple landscaping.
They found five panhandlers--how many do you think would work for the landlord?
::Read on to find out::
The first man they met was in his 30s and eagerly came up to their car. After the landlord explained why they were there the man said he could do cleaning, cooking, and just about anything else.
The second man was a shaggy looking fellow near the University of Akron campus. When approached he said he would also like the opportunity to work: he could paint.
Third, in Montrose, the men saw a woman sitting in front of a gas station. She said she could not work due to a disability, BUT she quickly offered that her husband was great at maintenance jobs and would work for the landlord.
Fourth, they met another man who told them his availability would be limited because he only panhandles on his days off from a menial job at a restaurant, but he was willing and able.
Last, a woman with a limp due to rheumatoid arthritis said she too could lend a hand, she referred to herself as a "jack of all trades."
Moral of the story-don't believe everything you hear, often times we make assumptions based upon generalizations and/or stereotypes. Also, if you are still leery to be generous with a panhandler- consider directing your generosity to different local agencies that support those in need. Then you can feel helpful when you direct people you encounter to different agencies in the Akron area.
A few agencies that can use volunteers and/or monetary support for their missions include:
