Do you support the "homeless" or "beggars"?"?

Question

Whenever me and my sister are riding along and we come across a traffic light, we always run into a "beggar" or a "homeless" person. She always give them money and I don't because I feel like he or she is on welfare anyway- either through disability or whatever. Who is "right"

Answer 1

I give money to organizations that help homeless people but I don't give money directly to the people. My concern is how the money will be used. I don't want to support a drug or drinking habit. I don't think there is a wrong or right answer to this. I think charitable giving is important to our souls, but each of us has to decide how and to whom we want to give.

Answer 2

Some homeless live as beggars, and make quite a profit off of it. Some beg for money to support habits, which is the main reason they are on the street in the first place. And some are genuinely troubled individuals who are trying to get back on their feet, but keep stumbling.

I'm like you. I won't give money to the homeless. I will, however, give to causes that help the homeless and ensure that people are clothed, fed, and have the ability to find a job. When you hand someone cash, just a person on the street, you have no idea if it's helping or working to support a "habit."

Your friend's heart is in the right place. She just needs to use her head.

Answer 3

I won't give them money.. I didn't when I lived in the city myself and made a good living.. and now, I am disabled and not working.. I don't have much money anyway... only about $900/month.. so I couldn't afford to give them anything even IF I wanted to.. which I don't. If I can keep a roof over my head with my only income being a small veterans disability pension, then homeless people can find work.. because there's lots of work out there.. and then they can put a roof over their heads. There really is no need for homelessness these days.. no matter what they say... they can work... even if it's for a little above minimum wage... when I was capable, I worked full time.. and part time.. and went to school.... if I can do that.. then they can work one full time job to support themselves and get off the street... and stop bugging people that actually DO work for their money.

Answer 4

You HAVE to have an adress in order to recieve welfare of SSI. Some homeless people are homeless because of their own mistakes; however, there are some that can't help being homeless. Think of it this way, yea there are some that will use that change for booze. Other's may have kids that need fed or they're trying everything in their power to better themselve. So, I agree with your sister. It never hurts anyone to give a little.

A lot of people are telling them to get a job, but in order to even apply for a job you have to leave an adress, phone number, etc. Also, if the person can't afford food, how are they going to afford a nice outfit for an interview?

Answer 5

You are both right, and both wrong. To me the whole issue is about whether or not the request for financial aid is legitimate or not.
I don't mind helping out someone who needs it if i can. I don't however want to subsidize someone's drug or alcohol problem.
I remember an incident that happened to me about three years ago. A guy stopped me in the street and told me he hadn't eaten in 3 days. He asked me for some money. I hesitated because i've heard the story before. There was a fast-food joint nearby so I told the guy to come with me, I'd buy him a meal. I bought him a couple of hot-dogs, fries ,and a drink... the total was less than 5 dollars. The fellow was so gratefull, it made me feel great. Sometimes helping others is worth it.

Answer 6

I think your both right. Some of the homeless people are great scam artists! I had an Uncle that was homeless by choice and was great at scamming money off of people. But through him and in other personal experiences I have met some people who are truly down on their luck. They are there due to circumstances beyond their control. Some of these people are highly intelligent, educated people that lost their jobs, or experienced some great tragedy that put them on the streets.

When I was in San Diego I knew this one homeless woman who was a joy to converse with. I use to take her to lunch on a regular basis, and she honestly appreciated this. She was not looking to scam anyone, or to buy alcohol or drugs. She was simply down on her luck and had no one to turn to for help.

I don't see the harm in passing someone a few bucks. Even if they do end up using it for alcohol, I still feel better knowing that I have great compassion for others.

Answer 7

I think donating to the homeless shelters is the way to go, the more money they have, the more they can help these people rehabilitate themself into contributing citizens of our country. I think its okay to give some spare change to the homeless, but I don't think its always in the best interest to be giving 10's and 20's to the homeless because you just don't know where that money is going to go towards.

Answer 8

give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day
teach a man to fish and he'll never go hungry

i don't remember exactly how that's said...
anyway
i try to help them get back on their feet, not just give them money. i bet half of 'em have no idea what to do w/it
beggars have to have permits to beg. or so i've been told. they make more money than you think doing this.
some ppl may say homeless ppl should just get a job - any kind, just get a job. well don't you think it'd be hard when you can't shower, change your clothes, you don't know your social security number or have any i.d., you're addicted to drugs, & so on...?
i can't look down on homeless ppl b/c i have no idea how they got into that situation. it could easily happen to me & i would beg for someone's care to help. there are plenty of causes for someone to end up homeless & sometimes you can't escape it. i just can't walk past it, it saddens me.

Answer 9

There are times when it is good to give money or information on how they can get helped. Some homeless people are lazy and just want stuff for free. Some aren't and are really down and out.

Answer 10

It is sad to say that many are rejected for disability anymore and it takes along time.
We can not support them over and over, because some are taking advantage, and not learning, and that won't help them, to just give without seeing how else we can help.
The Lord wants us to help people though because we must give to others, THE LORD BLESSES US FOR THAT WHEN WE DO IT TO HELP OTHERS AND IN A GOOD HEART.
So basically we might see if there are other ways we can help also.