Beverly Dale: Ethics and panhandlers

An ethical dilemma exists on Penn's campus: How to respond to panhandlers?

Panhandlers may or may not be homeless, may or may not be using money they want for the food, medicine, transportation or diapers for their children that they insist upon. But because you are new, they know there's a good chance you will give money out of confusion, guilt or a desire to terminate an uncomfortable conversation.

So how are we to respond to such entreaties in a way that reflects the values of compassion and concern for justice and yet not fall victim to manipulative street games? One ethical stance is to always give a dollar if you have it without question. Another is to always say no even though walking leaves one uncomfortable. The city's stance is to discourage giving any money with its motto, "The more you give change, the more things will stay the same." I would like to suggest some guidelines for ethical behavior.

First, recognize that these folks are human beings who hit some bad times or who have made a lifetime of bad decisions. Do not ignore them or treat them as if they are part of the street sign you just walked by. Treat them with respect. This means looking them in the eye and, with a friendly expression, acknowledging you have heard their request, even if your response is, "No, I am sorry. I cannot help you." Respect can be shown by engaging them in conversation and finding out their name and some of their story.

Be skeptical of their stories, but be sympathetic to their situation. Be prepared to tell them the schedule for free meals the University City Hospitality Coalition serves at churches on and around campus. In addition, know where the nearest shelter is located. Or, better yet, volunteer for one of these programs.

Then, if giving money is not the ethical stance you choose, indicate instead what you are doing about the larger situation of homelessness and poverty. Perhaps you could say, "I am sorry I cannot give you any money, but I think it is deplorable that we live in a society with folks living on the streets. And so, I volunteer at ..." or "I regularly support ...." This response says that you understand and care about their plight even as you decline to give handouts. Most will hear and appreciate your response and stop there.

Unfortunately, some people on the street are pushy and others are desperate, sometimes to support a drug habit. With these, keep in mind the following: Being screwed over by a bureaucratic system skews mental expectations. Sometimes it creates a dependency or a passive expectation that they cannot manage their life alone and that others must therefore assume that responsibility. Giving money will not solve any of these issues, even though they want you to believe that it will.

Drug use screws up people's lives as well. But giving money may keep them drug-dependent. For many, their dysfunctional backgrounds and horrible previous experiences have contributed to their current state. And, while one can be sympathetic, ultimately each of us must personally triumph over the rough starts we are given. And lastly, some of their own bad choices have led them to their current plight. That, too, is not a problem that usually can be solved by a few dollars.

Lest you think I am blaming the victim, let me assure you that the plight of the homeless, the issues of poverty and the devastating effects of so-called welfare reform, as well as the lack of adequate jobs or job training, are everyone's problem. All of us must be deeply concerned about the growing number of people who live on the street, the disproportionate number who are veterans or mentally ill, those who are single mothers with dependent children and those with no job skills due to poor education.

As part of the 1 percent of the world's population with a college education, the burden and responsibility for adequately addressing these issues fall squarely on our shoulders. However, to act ethically or morally you do not have to respond to panhandlers by handing them the contents of your wallet or by taking them home with you.

To avoid being manipulated, think in advance what kind of moral response is right for you. Don't be duped by sad stories, but do stay compassionate. Don't give money out of guilt, but out of concern. And do take action on their behalf, but do so in ways that will make a difference. It may mean giving money. Usually, however, it is by putting some effort into real solutions.

Rev. Beverly Dale is executive director of the Christian Association at Penn.

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