Yesterday I went to the Art Institute of Chicago to finish up an ongoing assignment for my art history class. Throughout the course of the day, at least three people asked me for money on the street. I didn't give money to any of them, choosing instead to duck my head and look away. I hate that I do that, but I don't know a better way do it. I've heard people talk about striking up conversations with homeless people, or forming relationships with them. Wilson-Hartgrove wrote about a couple of instances where he has done that, and I think it's a good idea in theory. But what am I supposed to do when I'm on my way somewhere and don't have time to stop? And while I think it's cool that people invite the homeless into their houses to eat with them, I live in a tiny apartment. I don't know, it just seems really complicated to me.
I do like the reference to Dr. King that Wilson-Hartgrove made. He said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness...only light can-and it doesn't matter how small the light."
I had a job interview today for an AmeriCorps program that helps provide affordable housing to disadvantaged people. If I end up joining the program, maybe it will be a way of providing a small light to those in need.
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I have often struggled with the same issue. When I go downtown I'm usually going with a specific purpose (maybe if North Park provided Upasses I would go downtown more often to just walk around and enjoy it, but that's another argument) and I'm usually stretched for time. One thing I've been working on is just acknowledging them. Instead of just ducking my head and walking quickly by, I try and respond to them in some way, even if the response is "I'm sorry I don't have any cash." I know it's nothing like providing a meal for them, but I think it's a step forward.
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