Growing up in the ‘80s amidst poverty, I would often hear panhandlers singing a humorous tune about Ronald Reagan raising the price of wine. It always elicited a laugh as we dug in our pockets to spare a dime.
Our communities have struggled with poverty for generations, and we’ve taught our children the value of asking for help rather than taking. We believe in sharing what we have. It’s not lost on me that the majority of donations in this country come from average citizens rather than the wealthy. It should always be my choice whether to donate to an organization or directly help someone in need.
If you exit onto Henry Johnson Boulevard, you’ll likely see someone holding a sign asking for money. Most people in their cars will avoid making eye contact. For some state and local officials, the sight of impoverished Black and brown individuals asking for money is seen as a “bad look.” They support a proposal that discourages giving money to panhandlers.
However, this constant reminder of poverty on street corners hasn’t done anything to improve the lives of those struggling. The battle against poverty hasn’t made much of a difference in New York or the country as a whole. Homelessness is increasing, and services for those with mental health issues or addiction are inadequate. Instead of focusing on limiting giving or asking for money, we need to address the root causes behind people’s need for help.
According to the National Homelessness Law Center, the Supreme Court and lower courts have consistently ruled that asking for help is protected speech under the First Amendment. Let’s set the record straight: it’s a myth that donated money primarily goes towards drugs and alcohol. Studies have shown that panhandlers mostly spend their money on food or other essential needs. When people ask for money, they are asking for help. Whether you provide that help or not is up to you.
I recently encountered a man displaced by Hurricane Maria. He approached me at Burger King and asked for money. Unfortunately, I didn’t have cash, so I asked him what he needed it for. He said he was hungry, so I offered to buy him a meal. The joy on his face was indescribable as I left him with his Whopper meal. As I drove away, I watched through my rearview mirror to see if my gesture had made a difference. That man devoured that Whopper as if it were the finest steak.
It’s my decision whether or not to directly help those in need. Let’s not waste taxpayer dollars on enforcing a policy that is fundamentally unconstitutional. We could use those resources to truly make a difference in these communities. Affordable housing, anyone?
And let’s not assume that those of us on Henry Johnson Boulevard want to hide the realities of poverty. We understand it’s present in our midst. Some of us aren’t afraid to confront it head-on.
Rosemary Rivera is the executive director of Citizen Action of New York.
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