Is it always wrong to give money to homeless people begging on the street?

Question

We are constantly being told not to give money because the money will only be spent on drugs and /or alcohol. We are also told that many of these so called homeless are members of organised gangs (my husband told me this also) and that the money collected is given to the gang leaders (maybe in return for drugs).

But are ALL homeless people junkies? Is it ethically right to NOT give because MOST homeless are junkies? What about those who are homeless through no fault of their own? What are your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Recently, I was listening to a dharma talk (like a sermon) and the speaker mentioned that giving money to beggars may be *causing harm* because if they in turn use it for alcohol...(what you were saying, basically).

I disagree. I give out my change or food (seldom but when I get the chance because it's preferable) for 2 reasons: 1) I was once a pan-handler in my teens. My home-life was not safe and I did the best I could, graduated from h.s. and university on academic scholarships and 2) It's my choice to offer help or not and it's *their* choice what to do with that help.

I'm not "wrong" to offer the help. Who's to say one day they won't change their mind and buy food or clothing rather than booze? Have faith in them, too. I don't expect everyone to believe this way. I seem to be the only one who does.

Answer 2

That is not what I expected when reading that. You don't owe bums anything. I don't generally give money at this point for the following reasons: I am a poor college student, I know from statistics and studying the homeless in social work classes that the money is often used carelessly- to abuse drug/alcohol (almost always), if you give anything- it should be food or shelter. If I donate money it's usually once in a while at the check out lines. When I actually have a job..hopefully after a 2nd bachelor's, I can give more money. Giving money to homeless is like throwing it away, because they usually just buy alcohol, though. That is why they are homeless to begin with (many people, not all)- they abused some substance. They are very unfortunate situations that people are in, and many are beyond the circumstances of the people. When the ask you can smile and walk away. You could give them money if you want, though. I don't live in a town where there are a lot of bums, so I dont run into this problem a lot. I do know of some people who are "bums" as a hobby and make a good living doing it. It can be quite lucrative. Not to downplay the seriousness of homelessness- I think if you want to help, you should donate your time at homeless shelters.

Answer 3

I use to give them food (I now live where there are no homeless people). That way I could feel good and know that my money was spent helping them. If I was headed somewhere after work and picking up some fast-food, I would get a value meal and hand it out to the first person I saw. I always liked the look of complete surprise on their faces. Not all homeless people are junkies and I say give if you want. If you don't want to give, then don't.

Answer 4

For one there is no evidence that most homeless are junkies or gangmembers....that is something people tell themselves to make themselves feel better when they don't give.

Are some junkies, alcoholics, and gangmembers? Sure....Now haw amny from those groups have homes and perhaps jobs...many more.

If you want to give to the homeless...give to a shelter or give them food...can't get high off a hamburger...and if they refuse it you know that is not one you want to give to.

The problem is how we treat the homeless in this society and what we force them to do,

I went to law school in Cincinnati Oh and while I was there the city council passed several laws to control the "homeless problem" because several high powered donors to the arts district were becomming offended when being asked for money by homeless persons.

First they forbid them to live anywhere but in shelters which were overcrowded and under bridges. Second they made them pay for and get a license to beg...they could be arrested and jailed for not having a license and asking for money...and the cost which I can't remember was over what many could afford until they begged.

Answer 5

You sound like you have a kind heart and feel more sorry for people like I do. Unfortunately, most people don't agree with us. If you truely feel that they are in need of alittle money you can spare, I'd give. Most are not in that situation because of "choice" but by "circumstance". And it's a never ending cycle once there. You can't get any government help or a job because you don't have an "address". So then what are they supposed to do? Then, the shelters only let you stay for alittle bit. Then what again? So I say if you want to give, then give and don't listen to anyone but your heart. If you feel they need it, give what you can. If you feel they are truely a junkie or alcholic, don't give them money, but maybe buy a meal and give that so you know they are getting nutrition. Just my opinion. Listen to your heart.

Answer 6

I don't give out money either, and your 5 bucks isn't going to get them an apartment or even a shower, and new clothes. How about getting them a meal. It has got to be embarassing to be tattered, smelly, and unkept and try to buy a meal. At that, all they could be allowed would be a fast food meal. Most restaurants will now allow that level of uncleanliness. I also save my blankets that I don't want anymore, and put them in my trunk. I'm sure to clean them with nice smelling fabric softener and wrap them in a plastic bag, so when I do see a homeless person, I zip to my trunk and give it to them. It's the little day to day needs they want. You are never sure why they are on the street, but you can bet any homeless wouldn't mind a nice meal, and a warm clean blanket.

Answer 7

It's a difficult call. In most major cities there are shelters for the homeless and these are publicised far and wide, so most of them must surely be aware of them. Those that remain on the streets might be trying to find a habit and they might be gang members, but it's impossible to tell. You have to trust your instincts sometimes.

Answer 8

Hi, if you want to help a homeless person, give them something like a pair of gloves or a blanket for them cold winter nights or a sandwhich to eat. If they really are homeless they will thank you, if they get upset it only means your husband was right. P.S. I wish more people were as kind as you.

Answer 9

Well, I struggle to believe that most homeless people are so through no fault of their own. I also struggle NOT to give to them. Regardless of why they are there, they are in a real bad place in their lives. Even if it is booze and drugs that got them there, they are still begging on a street corner. I suppose some of them are organized gangs or whatever, but a good number of them are just people whose lives went down the sh*tter. For whatever reason.

My withholding of one dollar isn't going to change the junkie's mind about being a junkie. It isn't going to motivate a bum to get a job. It isn't going to stop the gangbanger from buying spraypaint and guns. One dollar might buy one sad guy a cup of coffe, or even a pint of booze. Either way, it made him a little happier and made his day a tiny bit better, and had little effect on me.

I'm not saying to cash your check and go out spreading the wealth. But if you see someone and your heart is saying "give a dollar", go ahead. What's the harm? Slight chance you're being scammed, but what's one dollar?

I, personally, prefer to give a cup of coffee to the bum outside of the coffee shop, or a cheeseburger to the guy outside of McDonalds, or a cigarette to the guy walking down the exit ramp. Then I don't have to worry about people like your boyfriend fearing the demise of civilization as we know it due to my charitable efforts, no matter how small or misguided.

Answer 10

It is wrong to give money to street people. Not because they are junkies or alcoholic, because many are not, but because it reinforces unacceptable behavior.

Some sociology students did a project where they begged on street corners. What they discovered is that begging can be very profitable. The problem is that the beggars are not providing a service for that pay.

There are legitimate ways for the needy homeless to receive help getting there lives back together. Giving them spare change does not provide that help and only encourages them to not seek out proper help.