What do you do and/or say when a stranger (e.g., a homeless person) asks you for "help"?

Answer 1

I give it.

They ask for food - I buy them food.

They ask for the cost of a cot for the night at the Salvation Army - I get that.

I don't give cash money (because I never carry cash) so they can buy drugs of alcohol... but I do give them the means to survive. If they want gas for a broken down car - I offer to get some on my gas card. I don't ever want to be someone in need with no where to turn... but I do have to act discerning. I won't put myself at risk - taking someone into my house that I do not know, etc. There are too many shelters and hotels, etc. in my city.

We have many charitable organizations to care for the homeless here in my city - there's always a place to take them for help... but the homeless population nationally is growing by leaps and bounds.

Did you know that of all the Veterans returning from the war in the Middle East - 25% are now homeless? ONE in FOUR!!!

During our holiday celebrations, we - who are Christians - need to remember:

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

and

James 2:14-17 My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you?
If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?
Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!

Peace.

Answer 2

If I am able, I will purchase them some drinking water & food. But I will NOT give them money.

I had someone panhandle me at the gas station, saying his car was out of gas. I only had my debit card. I told him if he could bring me a gas can, I would fill it up. He came back a few miniutes later with a gas can and I filled it up for him.

Once a panhandler was standing by a pay phone, He asked for a quarter to make a phone call. So I gave him a quarter. He just put it in his pocket. I said " I thought you needed the money for a phone call". He said, "Oh the person won't be there until 10 o'clock." It was 8 o'clock.

Homeless shelters advise to NEVER give money to homeless people. Give them food, a bus pass, whatever, but not money.

Now I agree.

I am going to make up a list of agencies to help the homeless, and print out small handouts, and start giving those to the panhandlers. If they really need the services, they can go get them. If they are just looking for booze or drug money, they are not going to get it from me.

Answer 3

If you help the homeless be careful.It is better to give food or take them to a homeless shelter.Money is good but can be used for alcohol or drugs.And then all you would do is feed their bad habits.If you have a warm coat or clothing this is a good way to give also.Not all homeless are druggies or drunkards some are just needy folks.So don't misread this amswer.

Answer 4

I would help them the best way I could. If I have an extra jacket or heavy shirt I would give it to them. I would also buy them some food. I have seen to many people that are homeless, and it breaks my heart to see them this way. Some times it could be an angel in disguise. God says we are entertaining angels unaware. Don't be afraid of them just show them love.

Answer 5

I'll refer them to a source for help, I'll buy them a meal, I won't give them cash.

Lots of homeless people get food from various homeless shelters and then beg for cash during the day to buy booze.

I've been in a position where I was able to offer the homeless, someone begging for cash, who refused to come with me with the offer of job.

They didn't want a job, they wanted cash to buy booze or drugs.

Pastor Art

Answer 6

The Salvation Army Church in our town provides shelter for the homeless, so I always direct them there. I also give them McDonald's vouchers, so they can walk there and get food or hot coffee. It's a small town, so you can walk to both places pretty fast from the main drag. I always keep a couple of extra winter coats in the trunk as well to give away. It gets pretty cold here in the winter.

Answer 7

Truthfully, its hard to know what to do, I have two deadbeat dad's that are father's to my kids. I have had female friends that want me to be their mommy and male friends that have lived off of my welfare, so if I do help a hmeless person, it would be in a soup kitchen or I would give them the food, no money.
I have worked with my church to provide christmas for poor people in low income housing, and we have done a kis club were we give them a sunday school lesson and play games and gove them a snack.
my favoiret thing to do was go to Romania and work with the gypsys, who lived in mud huts and share the gospel with them. Most of them still had horses and carts, some kids didn't have cloths and feed them and play games and share the gospel with them. They wondered why we would come from the US to see them.

Answer 8

I live in the city, now. People come up to me daily and ask for change. I try to get them to go to the food banks or the shelters for help. The city officials discourage citizens from giving away their change because, if you give a person your change, they will seek you out tomorrow; however, if you direct them to the places established to help the needy, you will help them re enter the community.
It's the difference between giving a man a fish, or teaching him to catch fish.

Answer 9

I don't give money directly to them. I will purchase the food, or water or something like that.

I had one woman approach me with a story that she needed gas money to go to another state to see her son (he was in jail) so I told her I wouldn't give her cash, but I would be happy to buy her a bus ticket or meet her at the gas station to fill up her car. (the bus ticket would definitely get her back).
She declined my offer.
If someone needs their gas or electric bill paid or at least that is what they are saying, I offer to go to the company and pay it.
The ones who do not accept and still only want the cash... I figure the story was not true in the first place.

Answer 10

I say"Hello"!
I never give money to them since the homeless panhandlers often use the money for drugs or alchohol.
Sometimes I have certificates to fast food places and give those out and sometimes i have fruit or sandwiches or protien bars with me. Sometimes the "hungry beggar" turns up his nose at the food!
Often i carry gospel leaflets,prayer or "Holycards" and i give those out with the certificate or food.
Sometimes when they tell me a story of woe,i pray with them