The other day I was driving somewhere and noticed quite a few people standing on the street corner with cardboard signs up for food and money. I can't imagine how I would feel standing there asking people for money and food. I noticed the lady would not put her head up. She looked embarrassed and absolutely devastated. Some hold out there Veterans' card to prove their sign that states they are a veteran is correct. That same gentleman actually has a part of his sign that thanks people and lets people know he has made enough to feed himself for the day. My first question is about the thought process that gets people out onto Silverdale Way in Silverdale to ask for money and food? Does this mean that the food bank hasn't helped them or are they not taking advantage of these services? Or does it mean that we are running out of services? I wish I knew the answer and maybe that is my call to action. I don't think I can set out realistically to feed everyone, but maybe some.
My other complex problem is, " What if these people make more money on the corner than they would working?" I have heard stories of people makes hundreds of dollars begging on street corners in big cities and so part of me wonders about that thought. In all honest, Silverdale isn't really a big city...maybe they don't make hundreds. But, I wonder how much they do make?
For me it is better to error on the side that the people standing out there truly are in need of aid and other assistance for many reasons. I pray for them and their families.