Several years ago I was approached by a couple on St. Charles Avenue as I was entering the Camelia Grille. They had a baby in a stroller and asked if I could give them twenty dollars for baby food. Smelling a scam, I politely refused.
For the next day and for the next YEAR, I beat myself up for refusing to help desperate parents and a hungry child.
About a year later I was in the same spot and was approached by a different couple with a different baby but with the same story. I thought this was karma giving me a chance to make up for my mistake so I gladly, thankfully gave the couple twenty dollars. I even told the story on the air the next day.
It took only minutes for the calls to start pouring in alerting me to the fact that scam was used by couples often in that area. I felt foolish. It wasn’t about the twenty dollars; it was about beating myself up for a year over nothing.
I NEVER give to people begging on street corners. Homeless advocates have told me that’s the worst thing to do because it hurts the overall effort to help those in need. While I may not give, I do notice those on the corners; and I worry about those who are homeless.
I learned a long time ago that being honest with yourself is an extremely important thing. It keeps you grounded and also keeps you humble. When I see homeless people I really do think “there but for the grace of God go I.” Sure, we all work hard; but if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll realize we’ve all gotten a lot of breaks and help from above that’s kept us both employed and housed. I’m sure you want to help but and give back; but, like me, you don’t want to be scammed.
This morning we spoke with Martha Kegel, Executive Director of UNITY of Greater New Orleans, about homelessness in New Orleans and what can be done to help them. They are in desperate need of gently used furnishings, kitchenware and bed linen as well as new cleaning supplies and toiletry items.
Here's how you can help: 504-483-9300
Or email: homelesswarehouse@unitygno.org
You can also learn more about the problem if you listen what Martha had to say.
