Do We Help the Homeless Whether They Are Naughty or Nice?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-john-roberts/do-we-help-the-homeless-w_b_4449790.html

A few months ago, you lost your job at a local business because it was downsizing. Like half of Americans, you only had enough savings to cover your expenses for the past three months. You spend a couple of weeks sleeping on the couch at a friend's apartment, until the awkwardness of imposition kicks in.

So you end up sitting in a cramped office across from a homeless shelter intake worker, as she grills you on why you became homeless and need a shelter bed. The usual demographic questions begin - age, how long have you been homeless, any illnesses, etc. etc.

Then the worker, with hair a bit frazzled and glasses sitting crooked on her nose, looks up from her clipboard, and asks, "So... have you been naughty or nice this year?"

"Excuse me?" you respond.

"Have you been naughty or nice?" she asks, as if it was a standard query.

"I don't understand," you say. "What does my behavior have to do with whether I can get into your shelter?"

The woman takes off her glasses, as if she is a little irritated. "It is very simple. We only allow nice people who have behaved well to be allowed to sleep in our shelters. It is just standard procedures." Her smile is definitely forced.