Don't Just Walk Away

Every day that I travel from the River to the Yard, I encounter them. All of us do. They stand in front of Christy's, CVS, the Coop and other visible locations throughout the Square. Sometimes we do not see them, but we hear their pleas in the distance. At other times, it is the loud noise of coins shaking or even more aggressive tactics that get our attention. They are the many homeless people in the Square.

Having grown up in a city, I have had exposure to the homeless. However, I had never encountered the great number of homeless individuals that I do now on a daily basis. My past three semesters here at Harvard have made me much more aware of homelessness and what I can do about the problem.

One of the most active ways to help is to volunteer. The Phillips Brooks House Association and several other city-run programs offer volunteers a chance to assist in soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Another, less popular response to the problem is giving extra change to the homeless. However, the easiest way that all of us can help is simply by acknowledging these people's presence.

People often try to ignore the homeless, walking quickly away from them or turning their heads as if they do not see them. Some will even cross the street to avoid making eye contact with these individuals.

While I realize that there are times when one should be on guard, especially at night, it does not take much to say "Hello" or "I'm sorry, but I don't have any change to spare."

Sometimes, even just a smile and a little eye contact can make a person feel better. One night, as I walked out of Christy's, I hesitated because I knew the man was going to ask me for money, and I only had a couple of pennies and my pint of sorbet. I felt guilty and embarrassed, so I considered walking away to avoid his inquiry.

But I realized that to ignore this man would be to ignore a fellow human being who deserved as much respect as anyone else. Instead, I told him the truth about my meager donation as I deposited my remaining four pennies in his cup. He was appreciative, I think more because I spoke to him than for my four pennies.

I do not believe that we ignore the homeless to be mean; rather, it is more likely guilt, shame and apathy that prevent us from acknowledging our fellow person. I am not suggesting everyone give money to each beggar they see. I am not even suggesting that everyone have a full conversation with each person they encounter. But I do believe that all of us have a duty to at least recognize and show respect for our fellow human beings.

Many object to the giving of money for philosophical or political reasons, and others refrain from volunteering due to their lack of free time. But no matter what your politics, and no matter what your schedule, smiling and speaking are simple, necessary acts of human decency.