Think Philanthropically

An ill wind of fear risks permeating our perceptions. It is rooted in genuine concern for the wellbeing of our families and neighbours but it can lead to a variety of misunderstandings. Things become even darker when some of our elected leaders make statements that are designed to create division by sowing seeds of anger and resentment.

This column typically focuses on how we can act philanthropically. However, recent local events are compelling me to call out an emerging narrative that undermines our ability to be caring, philanthropically-oriented citizens. We know that homelessness has become more visible and more pervasive in the last few years. We’ve all observed people who appear to be struggling with mental illness or a variety of troubling addictions. Tent encampments have become much more prevalent in a number of boroughs of Montreal.

“It is truly dangerous to see other human beings as anything less than people who are intrinsically valuable.”

It is very unpleasant to see a fellow human curled up in an alcove of a storefront. It is frightening to spot syringes in a local park or to spot an individual using crack in a laneway. It is numbing to witness a woman having a traumatic breakdown in the middle of a local street. However, is utterly inappropriate to respond to vulnerable, disenfranchised people with language that diminishes or ostracizes.

“The answer is not anger – it is kindness.”

The visibility and prevalence of people who are suffering with complex challenges is causing some people to react with uncharacteristic amounts of vitriol towards organizations that are simply doing their best to provide care to those in need. Additionally, the dialogue can be even uglier when people who need our help are seen as “them” rather than “us”. It is truly dangerous to see other human beings as anything less than people who are intrinsically valuable. It leads to a tendency to criminalize victims. While there are some legitimate reasons for concern, the truth is that upwards of 85% of the people who are on the street are people who are just like us. They are people who have experienced a difficult past few months. The number one reason for the onset of homelessness is the loss of an apartment due to affordability issues.

The popular notion that the quick fix is a greater police presence is not a coherent answer. Clearing people out of areas without providing a suitable place to live only makes vulnerable people more vulnerable. A policy of forced institutionalization, advocated by some, is neither legal nor functional, and it would cost well over $150,000 per person per year. It might appeal to a twisted desire for law and order but we can (and we must) offer far better options. The organization where I serve has proven that it is possible to accompany people into permanent housing and provide wrap around support services for between $10,000 and $50,000 per person per year depending on the level of support required. That is a far more dignified response – and it costs a whole lot less.

“A policy of forced institutionalization, advocated by some, is neither legal nor functional, and it would cost well over $150,000 per person per year.”

So should we just put up with disruptive situations in our neighbourhoods? Do we need to simply accept that the situation cannot improve? Not at all; but the answer is not anger – it is kindness.  We certainly need to demand that our governments and health care authorities do better. People who suffer on our streets need kindness – and they need a place to call home.  What they don’t need is smug politicians who try to harness legitimate concerns to simply score political points.

Fear paralyzes.  Fear generates distorted perceptions. Kindness and generosity can overcome fear.

Sam Watts serves as the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission  www.welcomehallmission.com  He serves on several non-profit boards and is an appointed member of the National Housing Council of Canada.  He is the author of Good Work…Done Better www.goodworkdonebetter.com