Hi friends.... Im constantly giving homeless people money, and buying them food ....?

Question

I feel that it is the right thing to do. It makes me feel so good to help those in need. I saw a man the other day digging through a trash can for food. I bought him lunch. Im on a limited budget myself, and would like to do more . Some tell me im crazy, but it seems so right. I don't want any rewards. Am i the only one here on answers who feels this way ?

Answer 1

You should seek psychological help, you sound manic

Answer 2

I think you have a good heart, but I would hate for you to be taken advantage of. Like some others said, don't give people money because it might be put to bad use. I'm really suspicious of all the people hanging out at intersections now, holding up their signs and begging for money. I'm just not sure that they can be trusted, someone could actually be making a business of making people feel sorry for them (and it must pay off considering how many people do this these days). I don't know if you go to church, but something I like doing through mine is working with the "sandwich brigade". Sometimes my kids and I make about 12 meals (sandwich, chips, piece of fruit and some sort of dessert) and deliver them to the church, along with a whole lot of other people that do the same thing. And then someone delivers them to a shelter downtown. Other times, we're the ones that collect the lunches and deliver them -- it's always a great feeling to help people who are really hungry and in need. I just find that the church offers many opportunities to give legitimate help to people, in ways that might help you do more but not compromise your own financial situation too much. As long as you feel right about what you're doing, though, and you're helping people, no one has any right to tell you you're crazy. We need more people like you in the world!

Answer 3

giving food or gift certificates to nearby restaurants is a good idea, and very thoughtful of you.

i know a homeless man who makes money standing on the street corner in the mornings, and spends all the rest of the day and evening playing computer games at an internet cafe (for $4 per hour). he also gets a paycheck for being an alaska resident. he has no desire to find a job or a home, because his life is easy.

of course, this doesn't mean that all homeless people are lazy, or have no motivation, but be aware that sometimes you need the money more than they do, even if they look poor.

Answer 4

You know i help out too. But there are many not for profit organizations that help out the homeless too. There are soup kitchens in most towns and cities that have homeless. If you cannot afford to buy lunch then donate a small portion of money to these soup kitchens. There is also habitat for humanity which gives homeless people homes. Even if you donate a dollar every dollar counts.

Answer 5

No. Last Thanksgiving there was this elderly woman in line buying her Thanksgiving dinner and she couldn't afford a big ham so I told the clerk to put the ham she had back and I paid her grocery bill and she had money for a bigger ham. This other woman was telling me that her daughter hadn't had a birthday party in three years due to her drug addiction. My friend offered her money but she wouldn't take it. She said "don't embarrass me like that" But little does she know that her daughter has one of the largest birthday cakes that DQ makes. Also, we reserved a party for her at Pizza Hut. It makes me feel good on the inside knowing her daughter will have a "Happy" Birthday. I also do many things for many people so it's not a stupid for you to be like me. I just wish more people would have this outlook and not hoard their money. If you have it, share it. If you don't, then share a kind word and a smile.

Answer 6

My friend who works with the homeless in NYC says that the best thing one can do is to give to the homeless shelters. They can provide more to the people who have the greatest need. I know that I am approached quite a bit by those who carry signs and sit downtown. I try to give when I can. Now I am not as certain.

Seems that some of those folks are scamming quite a bit from the tourists. I think buying them food is laudable and fine. The bit about just giving them money is probably wrong-headed. Glad to see you are not doing that.

We also support a Women's Shelter for women (and their children) trying to get out of abusive relationships.

I figure that many people have helped me, most of them I can never repay, so I pay that kindness forward.

To those of you who claim it is God's will that these folks suffer and also claim to be Christian, I offer this as "food:"

Jesus said to his followers in Matthew 25:35—40, "You fed me when I was hungry, clothed me when I was naked, and visited me when I was in prison." And his followers scratched their heads and said, "Gee, we don’t remember doing that." And Jesus responded, "Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me."

Answer 7

I believe if you do good for others , it will come back to you ten fold .it has always been that way for me. I once gave a gift of 10$ to someone I did not like , but I figured they needed it(even though at the time , I needed it badly myself ) someone i worked with. and when I left work...I drove thru a fast food place to get dinner , saw some paper in a puddle of water , i stopped and checked it out and it appeared to b a 1$ bill.I opened my car door , and picked it up....... a 100.00 bill (thank you , jesus i said. and got my dinner and went home thinking about how God rewards good doers .... ...you will be rewarded also.

Answer 8

I feel that way too but there arent any homeless people outside the city, especially in Michigan. good job. I think the government needs to help people more, most of those people are homeless due to government actions. Im pretty sure ur going to heaven if u are religious.

Answer 9

Once in a while, I, myself, also give money to homeless people. But, usually, I make sure they use it for what they say they are going to use it for (a lot of times, it is to buy a small coffee).
I like doing that. Especially, when I know it is someone who is not a drunk or drug addict who just falling on hard times.

Answer 10

I think you're doing a wonderful thing! It's too bad so many other people are so selfish and uncaring. Do be wary of giving homeless people money, though. I've done that only to find out later they used it to buy booze! But by all means feed them, of course!

Answer 11

I feel the same way we have two homeless guys that live by are house and there always in and out of jail for things they didn't do so, keep up the good work!