Should we give money to the homeless, or is it bad for them to be given money without working for it?

Question

I've heard good points for both sides, what do you think?

here's why I ask--
I used to be for it, but then i read this, and it made me think
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-YkHfXekwbrLjAFMPIIyoJzM-?cq=1&p=468
so now I am torn... both sides seem to be equally fair...

Who is Paul?

Answer 1

Instead of giving them money, give them some food from McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, or someplace. Next time you go get some fast food, buy some extra sandwiches and fries for a homeless person.

Answer 2

I think that you must use discernment for each individual case. Around here, I struggle with giving money to the homeless as there is a mission right around the corner and a couple of homes in the area to help these people get back on their feet and self sufficient- why are they not there? I think that some have a hard time submitting to the authority and following the rules.
There are times when maybe the person cannot work for one reason or another, also things happen unexpectedly, loss of job, home, etc. I don't mind helping someone out that is doing their best to provide for their family and is a victim of unforseen circumstances, but by the grace of God , I could be there too- so I try to be careful not to judge. At the same time I want to be discerning and a good steward of my finances and try to do what will "teach a man to fish" rather than handing it to him

Answer 3

I feel very strongly about this subject. I believe every person should have a chance in life. It's not fair for one to have so much and others not any. I think the best way to help the homeless is for each family that has; to adopt a homeless family or person and take him in for one year at least. Actually, help them train and learn something. Most, or at least many, are mentally not able to take care of themselves. Yes, many are alcoholics or drug addicts. I truly believe if we as a nation would band together and love our unfortunate countrymen we could pull our selves up by our boot straps. What would any of us do if we had no one, or nothing to turn to? Could anyone just imagine what life would be like if you had nothing. And I mean nothing. Just add up what it cost for a home, car, insurance, electric, water, gas, gasoline, just basics. Then try to do it on 5 or 6 bucks an hour. YES let them have money, and yes train them. Some can't even get to the welfare for help, because they don't have a car. Did you know you can't even get welfare if you don't have a home or address? It's not just the children that need help, its America, the people. When we can stand again as a strong nation, together we can raise our children to be productive and loving adults.

Answer 4

No you mustn't sense in charge. in case you supply somebody money as quickly as, then shouldn't you are trying this for each individual that asks for some money? If particular, then you definately may well be giving a lot of folk money, and it would be wayyy to costly. Why might you supply some to a particular individual, yet no longer yet another? I say... supply money to each and all of the homeless that ask each time, or do no longer supply any money to absolutely everyone each and all of the each and all of the time. Edit: think of roughly it. You get asked multiple cases an afternoon, and however in case you purely supply them like $a million, and additionally you probably did it only as quickly as an afternoon. this is around $3 hundred-4 hundred a 365 days... this is alot for absolutely everyone with money problems. and additionally you will possibly nonetheless be declining human beings's requests for money. So... you're helping one homeless individual somewhat daily, declining like 5 or greater different homeless human beings, and additionally you're dropping $3 hundred-4 hundred a 365 days by way of somewhat helping human beings... does not sound quite worth it to me.

Answer 5

I worked with the homeless for some time its a difficult question to answer a lot of people think the answer to homelessness is as easy as them just making there minds up to change but once you have gone that low it takes a lot that you do not have to make it out: money, self worth,confidence an Address, physical and mental health. I say fallow your heart if you feel led to give then give and feel good about it!

Answer 6

Most homeless people are not capable of finding work in their present state. There just isn't a big market for one-legged, psychotic alcoholics with no references. I don't oppose giving cash but I believe in using it to develop a relationship with the person so they will follow your suggestions if you recommend that they go to a doctor or spend the night someplace warm. I try to look out for what a person needs, such as a better coat or some healthy food, instead of just handing over cash.

Answer 7

Giving makes me feel good. If you don't give you want receive.Anyway, I went out to San Fransisco and I was giving money to the homeless.One man had a sign "it said I am not going to lie I want money to buy a beer." My husband said don't give to him. I told my husband I sure am,If I was him I'd want a beer to. Lots of these people don't have an education, address, no phone it is hard to get up when your that down. I don't really care what their situation is "I bless to be Blessed" it does not matter what they use the money for. I give when I feel lead to do it.

Answer 8

I make them work.

In fact I usually pick up a few bums and bring them to my place.

I wouldn't trust them to do real work, so I have a huge gravel pile out by one side of the house.

I pay them each a buck to move it to the other side of the house without lending them any tools.

They usually either get lost or end up eating some of it (which I charge them 50 cents for).

I drop them off at the outskirts of town in the middle of the night.

Making them work definitely makes them better people since I never see them panhandling around town again!

Answer 9

Yes, it's ok to give them money. Who are we to judge how they spend it? Are they going to judge us for how we spend our money? Ok, maybe they will. But if I had the money to give them and I felt led to do so - well, I would. Because being poor is probably the worst thing to be in this earth - these people are probably very depressed if not mentally ill, and any help they get is definately a good thing.

Answer 10

I think that instead of giving money, we need to figure out some way to help them improve their circumstances. Then they will be able to earn money on their own. If they are hungry right then, there is nothing wrong with feeding them but that is only for one day. They need to be able to get something to eat everyday. If they had to depend on handouts, there may be some day they wouldn't eat.