> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # It’s hard to be a saint in the city - URL: https://www.smdp.com/its-hard-to-be-a-saint-in-the-city/ - Published: 2007-04-07T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T23:52:16.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Community, Downtown, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness DOWNTOWN Walking through the Third Street Promenade, getting besieged by beggars and solicitors — each with a hand out — is enough to make even the most charitable amongst us exclaim,“Jesus Christ!” But what would Jesus do if he were to take a stroll along the bustling shopping corridor today, being confronted at every turn by the throngs of panhandlers and those seeking donations for the environment, children with AIDS and the Democratic Party? Would he say,“Get a job?” Not likely. While Santa Monicans and tourists alike can find the daily barrage overwhelming, tuning out most of those calling for our attention, the native of Nazareth likely would have had more tact. On Easter Weekend, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, invoking his spirit of charity is brought to the fore. But times have changed since robes and sandals were de rigeur. The popular phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” (or WWJD) is used by many Christians as a point of reference for modern day life, a quasi guide for dealing with everyday life’s quandaries. In Santa Monica, the constant presence of the down-and-out and solicitors have left more than a few wondering about the moral course of action. Maybe Jesus would spread out a blanket and invite the less fortunate to a meal and some pleasant conversation at McDonalds or La Salsa, possibly even Monsoon for a feast of sushi and miso soup. However, for those who can’t multiply fish and loaves, what are they supposed to do, especially in an urban setting like Santa Monica, where around nearly every corner, it seems, there is someone less fortunate? “Greet them, say ‘hello,’ even if you don’t give them anything,” said Brad Beeman, an associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica.“They usually understand and are very kind...I see people rob them of their dignity. They ignore them, sometimes pointing, laughing, scoffing and even spitting. That’s where I get hurt and frustrated.” For many people of faith, it can be morally challenging to simply walk down the street in Santa Monica because of their desire and sense of obligation to help those in need, and the sheer number of those asking for help. Surely, one cannot help everybody. But many faiths mandate it, creating an internal conflict “The Jewish tradition says that you have to give. We are not allowed to second guess for what purpose we think the recipient will use the money for,” said Rabbi Jeff Marx of the Santa Monica Synagogue, which often distributes food and bus fare to the down-and-out. “When you walk down the promenade, I tell congregates to carry small change in their pockets, so they can give a little bit to those they meet on the street.” In Hebrew, the word for giving or charity is “Tzedakah,”the root of which is justice. “We have to understand that everything we have is a gift from God and all we are really doing is redistributing these gifts,” Marx said. “Those of us who have more have to make the world more fair to those with less.” Many worshipers choose not to give cash, but instead refer those who are homeless to centers like Step Up on Second, OPCC and the St. Joseph Center. Others try to buy food or hand over their leftovers. “If I can help, I give what I can, but often I direct them to places where they can get free food and other services,”said Veronica Gray, a member of St. Monica’s Parish. “Jesus shared whatever he had and calls us to follow his example. He didn’t carry money, but he would perform the miracle of sharing. “It’s hard to say what would Jesus do in this day and age.He had very little materially.” For those who are struggling to make ends meet themselves, they should look for other ways to help instead of giving money. One can volunteer their time at homeless shelters or food kitchens, they can also just spend time with someone in need, offering a compassionate ear, those in the faith-based community said. “It is overwhelming for people because they have this sense of obligation and you see how many homeless we have in the city, so it can be very, very difficult,” said Rabbi Neil Comess- Daniels of Beth Shir Sholom, who knows of followers who carry apples and oranges in their cars to hand out to those who are hungry. “People do have to make some choices and balance things,” Comess-Daniels said. “Everyone tries, but it is hard to give for some and they shouldn’t feel shamed or guilty because of that. “Just try to do the best you can.” Zach Miller, who attends synagogue “only on major holidays,” is one of those who believes in the principles of his faith, but has a hard time opening his wallet when asked on the street for money. He has trust issues, he said. “You don’t know where they are going to spend the money,” Miller said.“They could be buying food or medicine, something they really need, but they could also be buying alcohol or drugs. You just don’t know, and that’s why I am hesitant.” Instead of dishing out cash, Miller donates whatever time and money he has to charities, a safe and guaranteed way of helping those in need. “We all want to do our part.” he said. “I think that we should try to do a little something every day, whether that’s making meals or even just chatting with someone while sharing a sandwich or maybe even a piece of fruit or something — anything that can bring a smile to someone’s face. I think that’s the most important thing.” Still, some do get frustrated. Joanne Simons said she gets “annoyed” at times by panhandlers, especially those who are aggressive and rude when she refuses to give. This makes her more angry at City Hall for what she says is a failure to really deal with the root causes of homelessness and the way in which certain programs seem to enable, instead of push for results. “You can only give so much before you have to question whether or not you are being effective,”Simons said.“We have to be smarter about how we help and not be so quick to give. There’s that old saying, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, but teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. “I think we need to look at that more closely.” Irene Manahan and Michael Tittinger also contributed to this report. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 7, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/040707.pdf?ref=smdp.com)