Fellow Christians, how do you deal with panhandlers and beggers?

Question

They say you never know if you are dealing with an angel or not. Well, I really don't care if they are angels in disguise, I don't give to them in order to score points in heaven. But I wonder, do you give in to the admonishments of Christ and give to these very poor people or do you judge them as losers, alcoholics, and generally depraved people and turn your back on them? Do you give them a dollar, buy them a bottle of water? Or do you just direct them to the nearest shelter? Are you afraid of them? What do you do?

To Santas Helper: I didn't say what I do for them, so how can I be bragging.

Answer 1

I keep change in my car for that very reason. I give what I have. I have given food, bottled water, even a blanket out of my trunk. I give because that is someones son or daughter who is in need. We are all God's children so they are a part of my family and I must help them.

Answer 2

Panhandlers and Beggers who smell of alcohol, I give them a tract and go on my way. If they can find money for alcohol, they don't need my help. I will take them to buy them a meal, but I will not hand them cash until I've been able to talk to them a bit. Taking them somewhere to eat and talking with them, you can determine what their most urgent needs are---besides a place to sleep, obviously.

I make bag blankets out of old blue jeans. The top portions I make into the "bags" and the legs, I make into blankets after I've pieced squares and strips together. I make about 50 each year.

Working with the homeless, I have been able to understand that most families are only three paychecks away from being homeless. The families are the most heart wrenching. I do what I can to get the families into half-way houses. We make and buy used "business" clothing or other clothing, and they eat regularly. I will watch children while their parents go on job interviews. They will give the interview my telephone number so they can be called for second interviews or for jobs.

There is no need in throwing a bit of cash to these people and then walking away. We have to be more involved in order to get them to a point where they can feel honor again, self-respect, and feel like someone actually cared enough about them to do something----not just throw them a dollar bill.

Answer 3

I have found that more panhandling and beggars are at church than outside of it. People there are always asking for help, the church needs more money for this or that, etc... I feel that if a person is on the street asking for money the first thing I'm going to do is ask why they don't work. If they have a good reason, I'll ask why they aren't on government assistance. If they are, then I know they are honest and need money (I've been on government assistance and it pays next to nothing, despite what everyone seems to think). I usually get them some food so that I know they got one good hot meal, and if they are in range of say a McDonald's I give them a gift card for there, no money.

Answer 4

Use Wisdom. You can help some people, but others aren't ready to be helped. I have worked at a church that ministered to very needy people and have seen some sucesses against drugs and alcohol abuse. I even saw a businessman donate a car the same day that we had a family asking for leads on one so that they could get to a job.
When I am approached for money for food, I usually don't give them money - I will buy them a meal. I had one guy turn down a meal and confess that he was looking for money to buy some booze. It was kind of funny afterwards, but at least he was honest!

Answer 5

If these people needed money, they'd go to one of these shelters. My parents stopped giving because a bunch of them lie and dress in worn out clothes to make them look poor. My dad gave one of these guys a $20 in a restaurant and it wasn't that long after - he said his car was down, so he'd probably be on the highway close by. Nowhere to be seen. The poor people can seek help if they really need it. Just don't give your money away. The state has a way of handling these things with homeless shelters, etc. If the poor people don't want to use them and get back on their feet, it's their problem, not ours. I am a Christian by the way. You can't judge poor people - some of them are hard-working business people and they get laid off because their company made a huge mistake - that has happened. Just don't judge them until you get to know them if you actually do get to know them. Remember, everyone is related to everyone else in the world. Better them giving money to them, you could pray for them and give money to reliable charities.

Answer 6

I used to be generous to them kinds but one time a stopped by McD's and got an extra Sausage McMuffin and when I drove pass by this underpass I flagged the guy and he came running towards me with a big smile on his face, I extended my hand outside my car window and he lookeds at the bag, his face changed from being happy to irritated like he wanted to throw a punch, so he grabbed the bag out of my hands and threw the bag against the wall and said "I don't need this food, I need money! If I need food I will buy it with MONEY!" So I got out of the care and beat the crap outta him, no just kidding but since then I don't even give a damn. They are there for a reason and let them be. If it's an angel you would know.... You have a great heart be careful of people taking advantage of you....

Answer 7

I help if I can. Many times I won't give money, but will give food, gas, etc. Sometimes I offer a job. I've taken a few to eat at McDonald's. Not every "beggar" is lazy. Some have very legitimate reasons for being in that state. I listen to my heart. It could easily be my brother, sister or mom out there the next time.

Answer 8

As Christians we have a gift far more valuable than money. We have the keys to eternal life! If you want to see how many bums are really in it for the money hand them a tract instead of a coin. If you really want to help them I suggest volunteering time at the local mission. Once you get going at the mission you could hand out their literature to panhandlers. The problem is in America today we have very few bums who are not bums by choice.

Answer 9

First of all you must "Do everything out of love" (1 Corthinans 16:14)

It is good to help those in need, but sometimes it is better to offer someone a meal than to give them a dollar. And don't judge others either, because we are not supposed to=we all have flaws! Ask God for guidance...But never give because you feel sorry-Give because you want to!!!

Answer 10

When I was younger and living in the city, I would drop off a few coins in their container. I don't do it anymore because I don't go to that part of the city anymore.
Guys actually stand at the intersection with signs now saying homeless, etc. I don't give handouts anymore.

I volunteer a day a week to the humane society.

Answer 11

We have a ministerial association in our town. Most of the Pastors in our town belong and contribute to it. If someone comes here off the Interstate with no gas or food money or the like, we send (or take) that person to the Pastor the association placed in charge of charity people like this.

He gives them vouchers for gas and groceries and medicine, etc. These are provided in part by the participating stores.

This Pastor keeps a record of these requests to discourage the ones who would take advantage of it, and want vouchers to sell for other things.

It works out really well.