Giving to the poor... how can we know if we're not just getting scammed?

Question

I heard a woman talk about her story today. Her husband left her, her mother recently died, and she is being forced out of her home. I don't have a place for her to stay, but I want to give her money to help out, and so does my brother.

Jesus tells us to take care of those in need, and as a Christian, I feel a strong desire to help those in need.

But with so many scams out there (especially on the internet), how can I know if the money I give away is actually going to someone in need and not just somebody in greed?

And please, no anti-Christian statements please... they are not helpful.

Answer 1

many people giving to "those in need" are really teaching these ones NOT to TRY anymore.
It is unscriptural to just hand out money.
Proof:
2 Thes. 3:7.For you yourselves know the way you ought to imitate us, because we did not behave disorderly among you 8. nor did we eat food from anyone free. To the contrary, by labor and toil night and day we were working so as not to impose an expensive burden upon any one of you. 9. Not that we do not have authority, but in order that we might offer ourselves as an example to you to imitate us. 10. In fact, also, when we were with you, we used to give you this order: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.

Many many people become so convincing with their heartwrenching yet untrue stories, because the reward is free money, food, housing, and transportation.

The message from Jesus regarding gifts of mercy was limited to thse that were considered his Brothers(sisters, mothers etc.)
Mt25:37 Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?’ 40 And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Who is considered Jesus Brother?
Mt. 12:49 And extending his hand toward his disciples, he said: “Look! My mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother"

What is the will of the father?
Mt. 17:” 5 While he was yet speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and, look! a voice out of the cloud, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved; listen to him.”

So to be in harmony with the Bible(God's word) and to be considered Jesus brother( listening to him) we can see that it is improper to give money, food, lodging to people "of the world".
We are only obliged to help our Christian Brothers.

Answer 2

First, I don't think that giving of yourself to help others is religiously exclusive. I'm a Wiccan who contributes a lot to my community.

Now, you could try simply concentrating on your home area. I'm sure that there are homeless shelters, battered women shelters, and other such places that could use volunteers or donations, whatever you can give. Try contacting the local division of the Red Cross.

Online charities, unless they are being promoted by the Red Cross or a similar organization that you KNOW is legitimate, should be avoided at all costs because there is a very good possibility that they are scams. But don't let the fact that you can't do anything online deter you from helping out the community if you feel that you need to! Like I said, although people often don't think of it, there are many in need all around you who would benefit from your help in locally-sponsored organizations. Shouldn't we help our own people as much as or more than those in other countries? Wouldn't it make it easier to help other countries if our own problems were diminished or dissolved?


Something to think about in regards to those who are "homeless" begging on the streets. One of my co-worker's uncles had a friend in high school who moved to a city and started begging. The man ended up making so much money doing that on the side from his executive job that he quit the job and was able to pay the mortgage and bills on a four bedroom house and pay his car payments, all off of what he was making begging. I tend to remember this and only offer food, not money, to those who are homeless.

Also, if you see something like my husband and I see often, it makes you less sympathetic towards them. There are several bums that stand on a particular street corner here in Anchorage with signs saying "will work for food" while there is a large banner running across the fence behind them saying "Now hiring food service workers" and a phone number. My husband wants to get a picture of it as one of those bizarre type things that you have to see to believe.

Answer 3

I have thought about this a great deal.
The conclusion I came to is that God never tells us that it is any of our business to worry 'bout whether or not the recipient uses the money responsibly. I believe that's his concern. There does not seem to be any verse indicating otherwise.

Now, certainly, a fair bit of intelligence is in order. But in your case, at the end of the day it sounds as if you've investigated as much as you can without being a jerk. So I believe that you're expected (That's right-I think God demands it of those who can) to help this woman.
How to help her? Well, that's not my business, and you probably are more capable of figuring that out than I am.
But I'll point out the Bible rarely tells us how to help the poor, though it occasionally gives an example. I think you're given a good deal of freedom on the how part.


Of course, the Bible does demand that we DO help the poor. It demands that we help the poor to the point of COSTING US, so thinking "Can I afford this?" is rarely a good question. I mean, don't let your kids starve, but it is expected that helping others will cost us. See OT narrative (insight into Gods heart) on leaving the corner of a farmers fields for the poor-that's expensive!

Also, many, even many christians, will assert that charity does not help the poor, because it teaches them 'the welfare mentality.' Now, we could argue the benefits of state welfare, but the Bible clearly demands charity for the poor.
Further, "God helps those who helps themselves" is not only not in the Bible, it's a fairly UNbiblical idea.

So know that you are right to want to give. And whether or not you should give to this particular woman, I don't know for sure. But I do know that we are commanded to ACTUALLY HELP the poor.

Good luck,

Stephen

Answer 4

Consider the method in which the woman got her message across to you...via TV, internet, email etc? You say you heard her talk therefore I gatherl it is either TV or somewhere in person.

It is difficult to know what is a true need and what isn't and unfortunately there are so many charity needs, people with hard times etc., trying to keep up with them is difficult.

Search your heart...what does it tell you? If it speaks to you in a positive way and encourages you to give then do so. If you receive no answer or it is a no ... then don't give.

Instincts can guide you a great deal...your faith takes you the rest of the way.

Good luck with this decision, you'll make the right choice.

Answer 5

Don't give money on the internet. GIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! There are plenty of people in your own town/city who need assistance.

Volunteer for your church's charity drives. Donate to the local chapters of the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Social Services, or to some other local outfit that is registered as a charity.

In this manner, you help where help is needed most. If everyone helped out around their own backyard, everyone would be taken care of.

You're to be commended in wanting to help others.

By the way, You don't have to be christian to give to the poor and have morals. I'm not christian, yet I help out in my community when I have the money to do so. I live below the poverty line, but I'm not on welfare, though it has helped me in the past. I donate what I can to outfits which give the goods to people who really need them.

Answer 6

Donate to a reputable, preferably non-profit, organization.

Personally, if I were to donate money I would probably donate to the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, because I support pretty much everything they do. Then again, some people (some religious people, that is) do not agree with some of their efforts so I would suggest that you research organizations before donating. That way you can be sure to donate to a charity that is supporting causes that you support. Just look some up online, but to be safe stick to the major ones. Sorry I coulnd't be more specific.

Answer 7

The best way to give to the poor is to be more directly involved and actually watch where the money goes.
For example, donate THINGS to build a Habitat for Humanity house and actually install the item. Something like drywall, paint, wiring, shingles.
Another example, donate money or food to the local homeless shelter and volunteer to help with the cooking, serving or cleanup.
Another example, donate things to the local Rotary Club for local, national or international service. They take nothing to make the transfers. Disaster relief money went directly to the local communities.
Be sure to check with watchdog organizations to make sure that the charity is 100% transparent in their financial disclosure and publication. Secrecy of any kind is a sure clue that someone doesn't want you to know what they are doing with the money.
In essence, it takes real effort to make sure your donation is going where you want it. When I give, I want to know that the solicitor is not keeping 99% of the money for their expenses.

Answer 8

It's all in the intention. If you don't feel right about this particular person, stick with some of the better known organizations that give to the poor, and make sure 100%, or close, of your donation goes to the people intended to receive the help.

Answer 9

If you have reason not to trust someone, don't give them money! There are lots of alternatives to just handing out money to unknown people.

If they're really in need, they will be just as grateful to receive food or clothing items. Perhaps you could help this particular woman by putting her in contact with a place that provides shelter, providing a ride to shelter or even paying for such shelter (short term) if need be. If she has family, maybe you could offer to help pay for a bus ticket to where they are located.

Answer 10

When I was a marine wife, people gave donations to military families and it was very needed when I couldnt afford much. Some people abuse it but they will have to answer to God about it. Chose wisely when you pick an orginization to give to, or a church or a person you see on the street. One time recently, a teen asked me for money at the bus stop and I thought he needed money for a ride but he gave to another girl for smokes. God knows your heart. Give to needy people and you will be blessed later. Do it because you love God and people not for points in heaven. (personally, I dont give money to people who IM me or who call me. Too many scams that way.)

Answer 11

After being scammed with the aid of the pink go and United way I purely supply to my community church .Why ought to you grant funds to a company which will shop maximum folk of the funds they acquire for administrative fee ,promoting ,trip expenditures , etc. each now and then (no longer all ) those in want purely acquire approximately 2% of what's donated . do no longer feed the greed. supply generously on your community salvation military, nutrition financial company , or church supported classes