Have You Ever Judged the Homeless?

Meet Hugo.

I met him while walking Melrose Ave through West Hollywood. He and a companion were taking turns standing at an intersection with a sign that read, "Miracle Please." I initially paid them no attention as this is actually a common sight in Los Angeles, but Hugo politely asked me if I could tell him what time it was.

"4:32," I said. His thank you was quickly followed by, "Can you spare some change?"

So, I spared some change.

They were decent people. I asked them where they were from, where they were heading and if they had eaten today. One was from New York and the other was from Seattle.

Hugo's companion then asked if I knew anyone that liked LSD, a common hallucinogenic drug distributed in various circles from the homeless to socialites.

"Are you buying or selling," I asked.

"I just need to get rid of it to get some money. I know it's worth a little bit."

What would you have done at this moment? Logically, if you happen to be carrying LSD, or any drug for that matter, you're probably using it. Was I enabling them to continue a habit?

Odds are, the answer will allude me forever but I didn't give my change with the contingency that my charity was only to be used for what I felt was appropriate. I gave because I could give. What they did with that money was completely up to their discretion. But I know this would frustrate and perhaps even anger people who give, wanting their money to go specifically toward food or basic human necessities, not drugs or alcohol. They assume a degree of responsibility for the decisions of people they see as less fortunate, or rather just, less than and no one really wants to be an enabler.

This type of thinking has the power to condition potentially generous people to label and judge the homeless, which is wrong.

Whether you write checks at black tie charity events or you spare your change to homeless people on the street, either way, you are giving to people in need. Misappropriation of funds happens at all levels but enforcing accountability is not your responsibility.

Giving with conditions is not giving. It is controlled assistance. If you can't give up control than you probably shouldn't be giving.

Give because you can give. Give because you are grateful.