I was born and raised during a time where the place I lived was considered one of the worst in America to live. I still live in that community and have seen many changing faces of poverty. I wouldn't ve surprised if Ive experienced almost all possible combinations on the spectrum. Being exposed to this for almost 27 years alongside the greater American experience has led me to believe that I am personally responsible for at least providing the option of relief (whether positive or negative.)

I do what I can, when I can. As a foundation I at least engage panhandlers as humans in the hope that it mitigates the shame appended to it by society. I like to think that eye contact and confessing I currently have no cash eases their anxieties for a moment. I give hot food away when caught in moments that someone expressed hunger. If I cross paths with someone who is able to communicate a need for shelter or seems recently homeless, I point them to associates who offer such help.

Ultimately, I've spent far too long in these circumstances to be ignorant of how close many of us are to the same conditions. Ignoring these people, to me, is an act of being unaware and ungrateful for the circumstances that keep one away from the same fate. If I am the person I think myself to be, the only option is to do what I can when I can.