In 1929, after a decade of corrupt oligarchy in the United States (not unlike today), the economic boom busted. My grandfather still had a job, but took a 60 percent pay cut. My mother, then 14, had banked her babysitting money to pay for summer camp. In those days, she told me, if a man offered to wash your car for a dollar, you said yes. Because if you didn’t, that man’s family wouldn’t eat that night.

This reminiscence is inspired by news of the city of Eugene’s proposal to make it illegal for motorists to give money (or food, or cigarettes, or anything, presumably) to people begging at intersections. It’s an idea consistent with city leaders’ generally draconian approach to unhoused people.

If not for the many organizations that work to feed, clothe, shelter and comfort people living on the streets, even more would die of overdoses, despair and exposure. The situation is going to get worse, as funding and job cuts proliferate. Let’s do all we can to support these crucial helpers, financially and as volunteers.

Alice Parman
Eugene