Helping the homeless

Philip Martin’s story about Dirty Walking Man stirred a childhood memory of The Goat Man, who walked with a cart pulled by a goat near Savannah on U.S. 17, a busy highway between the Northeast and Florida. That’s all I know about him, or her.

A sighting of The Goat Man was much anticipated and discussed on trips from our small town to Savannah.

When I think of our homeless citizens, I often remember the relationship of Doc, in John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, with a panhandler. He always gave him money. I don’t have the book and can’t find the quote, but he said something to the effect that the panhandler was doing his job with as much integrity as anyone.

Cannery Row’s citizens had a variety of roles. Doc, as I recall, respected them all. Kind of like Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, but grittier.

Charity is a good response to homelessness, but not a solution. In fact, “solving” homelessness may be the wrong idea. Helping them become “productive members of society” rings hollow to me.

I feel like “the right thing to do” begins with recognizing their citizenship. They are our people. They are different in unique ways. Our local governments should address their individual needs based on study, leading to understanding.

It will require political leadership, money from taxpayers, a professional staff, and cooperation with other agencies. It will not be charity any more than filling potholes or building bike lanes are charity.

HOWELL MEDDERS Fayetteville