I had the same fleeting thought about the photo of the woman on the street as your thoughtful poster. But this is all very complicated now. And fear for our own safety is a real issue. I have the heart of a 15 year old girl but the body of a very thin, 73 year old woman who couldn't easily run if a situation got dicey.
Sometimes I think just looking a person on the street who asks for money and either handing them a couple of dollars or just sincerely saying. "I'm sorry, I don't have cash on me today.(which is often true) I hope for you better days." with a smile, at least shows humanity where most of these poor folks are shown none, is something.
I've lived in SF for 50 years. This issue eats at me everyday. I can not believe what passes for leadership in the town has allowed and even fostered policies that exacerbate desperate people on the street. Then those poor souls are maligned and blamed for all the ills of the city.
This whole thing breaks my heart.
Thank you for posting. Thank you for helping. Thank you for keeping all of us aware that our humanity is at stake.
When I read the first part of the post and saw the picture (on FB?) my heart went out. The second part of the post was what has helped me get thru the pandemic. Like Jean, I have the heart (and head) of a 15- year old, but I'm frail. I fell three times in six months, which led to three rides to the ER, etc, The amazing, wonderful part of the stories is the kindness of strangers. People who stopped, stayed with me, just talked me down. The women who gave me a newborn disposable diaper to stop the bleeding. It gives me faith and hope in this crazy time.
I had the same fleeting thought about the photo of the woman on the street as your thoughtful poster. But this is all very complicated now. And fear for our own safety is a real issue. I have the heart of a 15 year old girl but the body of a very thin, 73 year old woman who couldn't easily run if a situation got dicey.
Sometimes I think just looking a person on the street who asks for money and either handing them a couple of dollars or just sincerely saying. "I'm sorry, I don't have cash on me today.(which is often true) I hope for you better days." with a smile, at least shows humanity where most of these poor folks are shown none, is something.
I've lived in SF for 50 years. This issue eats at me everyday. I can not believe what passes for leadership in the town has allowed and even fostered policies that exacerbate desperate people on the street. Then those poor souls are maligned and blamed for all the ills of the city.
This whole thing breaks my heart.
Thank you for posting. Thank you for helping. Thank you for keeping all of us aware that our humanity is at stake.
There is no wrong person to help. I hope you are not beating yourself up for this.
Fine piece, Leah. Thank you.
I love Leah's candor. She finds the right words. Bittersweet.
When I read the first part of the post and saw the picture (on FB?) my heart went out. The second part of the post was what has helped me get thru the pandemic. Like Jean, I have the heart (and head) of a 15- year old, but I'm frail. I fell three times in six months, which led to three rides to the ER, etc, The amazing, wonderful part of the stories is the kindness of strangers. People who stopped, stayed with me, just talked me down. The women who gave me a newborn disposable diaper to stop the bleeding. It gives me faith and hope in this crazy time.
It’s always so hard to know whether or not to try to help someone. I think you were right both times.