Recycled for the Homeless

A non-profit in Baltimore, MD has convinced the city to use recycled parking meters in order to provide funds for homeless services and programs. The recycling effort is an attempt to reduce panhandling in the downtown areas. Little meters with Despair on one spectrum and Hope on the latter, will be installed at least 10 feet from the curbs so as not to confuse the parking population. Put in a coin and watch the meter turn to Hope.

I'm always skeptical about the public's discomfort with panhandling. Part of me feels like I should be confronted, face-to-face, with the social disparities of my culture and community. Should I seek non-profit means to assure the proper stewardship over another's good will? Or is it enough to give in love, and allow the weight of responsibility to rest upon the backs of those asking for charity. Can money = hope. Or money = love. Who isn't going to visit downtown because, "There are poor people there asking for money."? Something just doesn't sound right about that. In any case, cheers to the city planners of Baltimore for implementing a vision that recycles for the homeless, rather than recycling THE homeless.

Cheers