Should you give handouts at traffic lights? A view from the street
People helping do so out of goodwill and with the best intentions
Chantel Sampson lived on the streets of Cape Town for six years. She now works for Streetscapes, an organisation that works with people living on the street. Photo supplied
My name is Chantel Sampson. I was a homeless person for six years. I lived at the foot of Table Mountain from 2018 onwards. You probably walked past me if you visited Van Riebeeck Park in Vredehoek.
I was part of a community of about 40 other people. We cared and looked after each other. Some of the people there are still my friends and I value our relationships.
During the pandemic, I isolated in Lagoon Beach Hotel because I contracted Covid. Isolation arrangements were part of the provincial government’s pandemic response. That week on my own changed my life. I was provided with a place to sleep, regular meals and care. I had time to think carefully about my life. This was transformative.
I am very proud that I managed to beat my addiction, and I have reunited with my family.
After that I was employed at Streetscapes as a Community Liaison Officer. I now support others who have no shelter.
I was recently asked whether I thought people should give handouts to people at robots, or whether the money should rather go towards organisations who assist people who are unsheltered. What would do the most good?
It is a difficult question. But my view is there’s nothing wrong with people giving handouts when asked by someone for help. People helping do so out of goodwill and with the best intentions.
I relied on these acts of kindness daily — whether it was a plastic bag of food left on top of a bin or a bag of clothes placed nearby, or someone who would put a note in my hand. This was a meaningful way for people to give and for me to be assisted, when I was unable to earn a living.
Some people believe that if you give street people money you enable them to stay on the streets and that you may be doing more harm than good. The City of Cape Town, for example, advises everyone to “Give Dignity”. In the City’s view your money should be donated directly to shelters and services that the City endorses rather than to people on the streets. Seen in this way, a person with money “gives” dignity to someone without money.
This sits uncomfortably with me.
Homeless people have dignity. It is the circumstances in which they have to live that are undignified. And those circumstances can change.
Street people don’t remain on the streets solely because better-off people give them cash — although it does certainly help us survive day-to-day. There are of course hard times when resources are especially scarce. In those moments we often turn to local services like the Diner, Hope Exchange, Streetscapes, and a woman — we call her ma — who distributes food in the Company Gardens on Thursday nights. These services were invaluable to me and many others who still face homelessness. People who run these services help us when we are hungry and cold. They show care, when others look away when we try to make eye contact and ask for help.
But we need other things that these local services don’t provide — toiletries, food, something to keep the rain off our blankets, sanitary pads, and so on. Perhaps also when some of us are in desperate need of a “hit” to keep the dreadfulness of the streets at bay for a bit (perhaps similar to that glass of wine you crave after a difficult day at work).
Giving some money to someone asking isn’t solving homelessness, poverty or the dire need for more shelter beds in our City.
But it does show that you care and recognise the other person’s humanity. And that you are willing to provide a bit of comfort in an often cruel city. Generosity is a wonderful thing.
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Letters
Dear Editor
"Do good, be good!" What is our real purpose in life? In this universe, we are all connected in some ways! As much as charity begins at home, lending a helping hand is good social practice.
Handouts at traffic lights can provide immediate sustenance or financial assistance to individuals in dire need, particularly in situations where they might not have access to regular meals or income. This practice can foster a sense of community and empathy. It can serve as a way to raise awareness about social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity, prompting discussions and potential solutions.
Our positive actions in this regard play a small part in a larger solution yet to be found. Our world will be better if non-profit organisations specifically funded for the intended purpose can improve their morals and ethics. This would surely spread good karma.
(Dear editor, your article was a good read on this Good Friday).
Thank You
Dear Editor
The article really made me think but it doesn't deal with some of my real life experiences. Many people soliciting help at traffic lights have addiction challenges. Simply giving them money enables their addictions. I've had food thrown back at me because it isn't cash. Someone we helped immediately sold the food we gave her. On one known incident, a person refused an honest, reasonable offer of employment because they claimed they made more at the traffic lights. Consequently, I have chosen to rather give to an organisation who can give necessary and appropriate help.
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