The other day I read an article written by homelessness advocate Joel John Roberts on Inforumusa.org. The article was about the drastic measures one homeless man went to to get people to notice him and help. Read full article.

This sparked an interesting question for me. Do people really lack compassion, or do they just not know how to help?

The tone of Roberts' article was sort of 'it's ridiculous that the homeless have to make such a scene to get people to care.'

My view is more on the side of 'people do care, they just don't know what to do about it.'

When I'm made to feel guilty for not doing something, it only leads me to do that thing just enough to make the guilt go away. Guilt would never be the reason for me being a long-term advocate for any cause.

With homelessness, I believe that when people can't walk downtown for 2 blocks without being hit up for money, it desensitizes them to the need. Most people are not aware of the root causes of homelessness, and how they can really help.

I submit that people generally possess a base line level of compassion. When they see a need that they know will result in a positive outcome with their help, more often than not they'll give - that is, if they have the knowledge and resources to do so.

Most people just don't understand homelessness and how they can positively impact the issue. They need to be taught and empowered into helping, not guilted and condemned.

I'm curious to know what you think. Do people REALLY lack compassion, or do they simply not know what to do with their compassion?


John Azoni assists with reducing homelessness in Detroit through United Way for Southeastern Michigan's 2-1-1 service. For more information, check out UWSEM.org/211, or follow @UnitedWayJohn on Twitter.