I just heard about this program over at Gapers Block, and I think it's a splendid, splendid idea for those of us that want to help folks in need, but often feel torn about where the 'spare change' is really going:

"Can you spare some change so I can get something to eat?" CHICAGO SHARES vouchers are an answer. They are a convenient, safe and constructive means to provide meals for hungry people. We want to help, but we are:

* Uneasy when approached by someone in need
* Nervous about pulling out a wallet or opening a purse
* Concerned that our money might be used for drugs or alcohol

Chicago Shares is a voucher program that provides an opportunity for the community to aid homeless people in a constructive way. Often people don't want to give cash when approached on the street, but do wish to provide meals for the hungry. The vouchers, in $1.00 increments, are redeemable for food and personal care items by area merchants.

Each month, Chicago Shares reimburses merchants for all vouchers they have accepted. In July '04, for example, in the Holy Name Cathedral neighborhood alone, over $900 was distributed to six merchants: White Hen Pantry, Dunkin' Donuts, Jewel at Clark and Division, and three area Subway sandwich shops. This means that just in the vicinity of that participating location, more than 200 meals were provided to hungry people!

Chicago Shares is an ecumenical effort, involving several area churches and organizations. To meet the ongoing needs of our community and increase awareness about the program, Chicago Shares would like to expand the number of distribution points for the vouchers and involve more merchants.

If you have suggestions, would like to sell vouchers, or assist in the coordinating work of the voucher program, please leave your name and number at (312) 573-4469 or email us at coordinator@chicagoshares.org

Some people I've spoken to say they have either chosen to never give any money to panhandlers, for fear of being seen as a "soft touch" every time they pass by a certain panhandling area, or they just give money but don't care where it goes - "if [the homeless] want to buy drugs or alcohol, then let them. It's a free country."

My personal feeling is that if I contribute to a homeless person's drug or alcohol habit, I'm actually doing them more harm than good by keeping them on the troubled track they're on. For the most part I've stopped giving the occasional dollar or spare change, because I see the same people every single day standing outside the corner liquor store asking for "spare change so they can eat." I don't see very many people standing outside grocery stores asking that question.

Hmmm. Could it be, that like many people, I don't want the experience of being considered a "sucker" for trying to be charitable? I'd almost be more likely to give spare change if I was asked flat-out for money to buy a "40." Sad, isn't it?

I think I'll get some Chicago Shares and keep them around for my jaunts through downtown. What if a panhandler refuses them? Well, if someone refuses a food voucher when they ask for "spare change so they can eat," you know they're probably not jonesing for a sandwich. It's not perfect, but it's a great start - sort of a personal food stamp donation program, without the governmental welfare aspect. Chicago Shares seems like a step in the right direction.

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