When is it ok to give money to a homeless person on the street?

Question

Because I've heard that some of them are just people who go outside with a sign that says "homeless" so they can get free money from people. I already make donations to soup kitchens and legitimate organizations like that, but when I pass by someone on the street, I don't want to look like I'm stuck-up or anything.

Answer 1

Whenever YOU want to, period.

It's not up to you or anyone else to judge these people, or assume that they would use the money to buy drugs or alcohol. When we see these people, we don't know their background, and what caused them to be in this perdicament.

If you are walking past a homeless person, and your heart says give them money, then give it to them. If you walk past one, but something doesn't sit well with you about that person, don't give any. You just have to use your own judgement.

You could also consider giving them a hot meal instead of cash.

Answer 2

I would say continue on with your practice of donating to soup kitchens and other organizations. You are doing good things already, so you shouldn't feel bad when you pass someone asking for money.

I used to live in Denver. And every time I walked down the 16th Street Mall, there were no less than 10-12 people who asked me for money. I decided that I wouldn't give to any of them, but instead donate it to a worthy cause that hopefully they would be able to take advantage of.

It's not a matter of trust, but a matter of being charitable, without running yourself into debt.

Answer 3

It's better to keep donating to valid charitable organizations. While some people on the streets may be validly there, it's almost a sure thing that they will not use the money for anything productive.

It's not unheard of for street beggars to make 80k a year tax free, however most if not all of it goes to drugs and alcohol.

Answer 4

I've struggled with this question as well.

Generally I don't give money because more often than not I believe money will simply perpetuate the problem (e.g., creates dependency). They need a mentor, someone to help them get back on their feet. There are a number of good programs that do this, so instead of giving money it's best to help them get into one of these programs.

Of course doing this takes time, so one of the things we must do as a society is slow down and take the time to really help others.

Answer 5

I have "adopted" a homeless man who is always at the corner by my husband's job. I give him money when I can because it is obvious he is mentally ill and needs it. I'll also give if I have a few extra bucks in my pocket to whomever I feels needs it.

I don't really give to those people with the 'gift of gab' that will hound you as you're walking down the street. I assume they're on drugs and I'm not about to contribute to their high.

Answer 6

There are con artists. There are also people who will use the money for drugs. But there are also people in need.

During the period when I was frequently in places where I'd encounter the homeless, I started purchasing coupons for free donuts, free sandwiches, and the like, from nearby stores, and I would give them out. Those who truly needed it were appreciative.

Answer 7

i replaced into on a thank you to a carrying adventure and a homeless guy replaced into retaining an illustration... supply me beer funds.. !! NO comedian tale so I gave him 1 / 4 a minimum of he replaced into honest ! usually, NO i do no longer supply homeless human beings funds.. I artwork very tense to have the few issues in existence that I even have- hell the homeless beggers probable make greater funds than I do working... I even have besides the fact that given nutrients, clothing to a homeless couple on my thank you to artwork... They threw the nutrients at me because of the fact there replaced into no funds with it... Oh nicely no stable deed is going unpunished ! So, i finished that besides... existence is what you're making of it. My husband and that i artwork because of the fact we decide for to no longer be homeless. we've worked 2 jobs each so as that we are in a position to guard our famiy.. You the two roll with existence or it rolls over you.. If all of us stopped giving funds to the homeless the streets does no longer be complete of homeless human beings begging... they might ought to do something else with their time like per danger working ! besides the fact that, it particularly won't take place.. additionally, many homeless human beings have "psychological themes" and could be below scientific care yet, giving them funds won't remedy something.. per danger, donating it sluggish to volunteer at a soup kitchen, clotheschronic or different charitable reason is a lot greater advantageous than giving "spare" substitute on the streets.. I supply clothing, bedding, towels etc.. to charity each year..

Answer 8

I also fought with this dilema. I used to feel bad and give people food or money until I seen a man walk straight from the corner - to the gas station and buy beer. I was ENRAGED! Their are places that can help them that also have ways of determining if they REALLY need it or not. Sadly - that is the only way to be somewaht sure these days that your help is going where it is needed.

Answer 9

I never give money to homeless people begging on the street.
I have offered to go buy a sandwich & some soup for a few before but got abuse. They wanted cash or nothing.
I refused to give cash on principle because I don't want anyone to feed their drug habit with my money.

Answer 10

When ever the Lord God Convicts your heart to do so. We usually take them a meal or a blanket. It's not for us to judge, for the Lord God knows their heart and they will receive their treasure or the punishment in the End of Days.