Use This Streetcard With Panhandlers
Want to fire up an argument? Start a debate about the right, Christian response to panhandlers. The disagreements are sharper than cheddar. See below for a summary of two views. I don’t have the right answer, but I do want to share this resource for Columbus dwellers that the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless updates every so often.
Having this streetcard isn’t the answer, but if you don’t know what else to do, it is a step in the right direction.
Carry this streetcard in your pocket, and you’ll be ready to help. Also, if you’re not already, become a resource by joining the service matrix in Columbus. Volunteer with the churches, non-profits, and agencies that are already serving the down and out in Columbus. The following is a limited listing of area organizations that assist people experiencing homelessness. To receive information on additional resources, please contact Hands On Central Ohio at 221-2255 or 2-1-1.
- Free meals
- Drop in centers
- Healthcare
- Clothing and Household
- Mental Health & Substance Abuse
- ID
- Veteran Assistance
- Legal Assistance
- Outreach
- Youth Assistance
- Long-Term Housing
- Additional Resources
NUMBERS FOR ACCESSING A SHELTER:
Single adults: 1-888-474-3587
Families: 614-253-7970
Domestic Violence: 614-224-4663
How to Respond to Panhandlers: Two Views
1. The Empowerment View
This method is empowering, giving the power of stewardship over to the beggar. The transaction is marked by trust.
- God instructs us to have pity on the poor.
1 John 3:17 - God promotes equality through voluntary sharing and giving.
2 Corinthians 8:13-14, Acts 4:32-34 - We are not given the authority to judge what a beggar does with a free gift of money.
Matthew 7:1 - Therefore, give the money to directly a beggar, allowing him to use the money however he thinks best.
2. The Accountable View
This method is exhaustive, incorporating soul care into shared stewardship and mutual accountability. This transaction is relational and corporate.
- God cares about the poor as evidenced in His prescriptions for civil and religious life.
Exodus 23:6, Deuteronomy 24:19-21, Leviticus 19:9-10 - The Scriptures dictate a relational ministry with the needy. It’s a fusion of spiritual care, empowerment, provision, and accountability. Matthew 25:31-45, 1 Timothy 5:4, 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
- To live out God’s plan for helping the poor, one must be a part of the church, participating in a deacon-led ministry that organizes care for the poor holistically.
Acts 6:2-4, 1 Timothy 5:3 - Therefore, give holistic support to the beggar, inviting him into the loving care of your family and church community where he can be held accountable into self-sustainment.
John Flowers and Karren Vannoy wrote on the topic of homeless ministry in their book Not Just a One-Night Stand: Ministry with the Homeless. Justice advocate Randy Nabors proposed an interesting protocol for reacting to Panhandlers. You can read his summary in this PDF.
“Mercy is compassion toward those who are in need, resulting in action to alleviate that need, through acts of charity leading towards self-sustainment.” – Randy Nabors
