Going Begging

The plea of "Spare some change?" from a homeless person is not just about money, but a desire for human connection.

People entrenched in homelessness often live in a constant state of hyper-vigilance due to environmental factors like sleeping in doorways, enduring adverse weather, or facing threats of attack or exploitation. Studies show a significant number of chronically homeless individuals suffered adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, which triggered survival instincts early on.

This hyper-vigilance causes the brain to release cortisol, the hormone useful for the "fight or flight" response. However, prolonged exposure weakens the immune system and wires pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, leaving the person stuck in a heightened state, unable to fully control rational behavior.

To counterbalance cortisol, the brain relies on dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical providing feelings of warmth, acceptance, and connection. Dopamine levels increase through alcohol, drugs, sugary foods, smartphone use, and human interaction - physical or verbal.

So how can a homeless person safely make that human connection when a complex mix of circumstances and brain chemistry works against them? Many seem to establish an unbalanced hierarchy, limiting real rapport to the transactional exchange of a nod, a smile, and some coins.

I met Mark, a young man who became homeless after conflicts with employers and unemployment following a catering apprenticeship. His traumatic upbringing in the foster system and prison amplified authority issues. Relying on drugs to sleep, Mark restricted his movements due to distress visiting shelters and service providers.

Sitting on his regular spot, I observed the hierarchy as people towered over us donating coins or food. Mark, intelligent and witty, recognized his "regulars". As he put it, "They give based on what they donate; they never actually sit to chat like you're doing."

This transactional arrangement addresses society's need to feel they are helping the broader issue of homelessness while receiving a quick dopamine boost - a nod, a smile. For Mark's part, he endures the unbalanced power dynamic so familiar in his life. But the brevity of these interactions ultimately protects him from having to truly "let anyone in" while giving him just enough human connection to dull his hyper-vigilance.

The complex realities of homelessness, from psychological effects to societal perceptions, make simple solutions ineffective. Perhaps the start is making room for authentic human rapport, minus unbalanced hierarchies or personal mantras about giving just enough to soothe our own conscience or dopamine needs. Every person's humanity deserves better than that.