Advice on helping the poor?

[jmcrae]

It is not up to us to judge what we THINK these people will do with the money based on a news report or some such thing. God will judge us based on what WE do (to give or not to give) and God will judge them based on what THEY do with the money (do they buy food or drugs?). God is not going to condemn you for trying to help someone and you’re only out a couple of bucks.

Also, assuming they ARE just going to go and buy drugs or alcohol…what do you think must have happened to them in their life to reduce them to begging for drug money on the street with no place to go and no family to take them in? What would have to happen to you to put you in the same position? I can’t even imagine what it would take to alienate my family so, lose my home and become that addicted to drugs or alcohol. I feel sorry for them. If you’re that concerned about it, I say go to McDonald’s and buy them a value meal or go home and clean out your closet and give them some old clothes.

All of these are still stop-gap measures - whether you give two dollars or a hamburger, the person is still living on the streets at the end of the day.

If, instead of throwing coins or hamburgers at the person, you guide them to the real help that is available for them, then instead of walking the streets all night trying not to get beaten up, they would be (at least relatively) safe and warm in a bed, sleeping, with someone there who cares about them and wants to help them beat their addiction, or whatever the issue may be, and become a functional member of society again.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

All of these are still stop-gap measures - whether you give two dollars or a hamburger, the person is still living on the streets at the end of the day.

If, instead of throwing coins or hamburgers at the person, you guide them to the real help that is available for them, then instead of walking the streets all night trying not to get beaten up, they would be (at least relatively) safe and warm in a bed, sleeping, with someone there who cares about them and wants to help them beat their addiction, or whatever the issue may be, and become a functional member of society again.

Sadly, most homeless people (75%) are schizophrenic and refuse treatment or medication, so they will always be homeless. Many are drug addicts who will end up on the streets no matter what. Sometimes all you can do is offer a kind word and some cash, a meal or a jacket. Well, and prayers of course

 

[po18guy]

It is not up to us to judge what we THINK these people will do with the money based on a news report or some such thing. God will judge us based on what WE do (to give or not to give) and God will judge them based on what THEY do with the money (do they buy food or drugs?). God is not going to condemn you for trying to help someone and you’re only out a couple of bucks.

This is not a blanket condemnation or approval of anything. Having said that, neither you nor I are charities. We express charity, love, through our giving. Organized charities exist for a valid reason. The Church has pondered this situation and has then organized certain charities which offer aid to those in true need. We possess brains and are given the gift of prudential judgment for a reason. Each person who is begging, I assure you, is not at the point of starvation - and they well know where the bonafide charities are. Consider: If you want to give someone their last drink or their last hit of crack, OK. Sooner or later, by giving to those in uncontrolled circumstances, you will.

Also, assuming they ARE just going to go and buy drugs or alcohol…what do you think must have happened to them in their life to reduce them to begging for drug money on the street with no place to go and no family to take them in? What would have to happen to you to put you in the same position? I can’t even imagine what it would take to alienate my family so, lose my home and become that addicted to drugs or alcohol. I feel sorry for them. If you’re that concerned about it, I say go to McDonald’s and buy them a value meal or go home and clean out your closet and give them some old clothes.

Pray for them, as God is more powerful than you or I. How is keeping them drunk going to help? How is supporting the local crack or meth distribution network going to help? They know where the charities are - and they are not there. This is a clue.

The real charities are turning people away for lack of funds and donations. Why? In part because of scammers receiving what the charities are capable of giving to the truly needy.

What I do is pray for all who are suffering - not contribute to that suffering, and give money and household goods to well-known charities where I can be assured that those in need will receive help. We are called to be good stewards, which means that we need to give where it is most likely to do good.

Before anyone makes any judgment about how cold or heartless I might be, maybe ask what I am doing for the suffering right now.

 

[puzzleannie]

if you don’t give “on the street” for prudential reasons–your own safety, welfare of all concerned, whatever, that is fine, but if you use the “they will just by drugs with it” argument to avoid any kind of giving or charity at all, that is the problem Jesus is talking about with the Pharisees. We are obligated to give, within our means, and even to the point where it represents a sacrifice to alleviate the needs of the materially and spiritually poor. That assistance can take many forms, and it is correct to use prudential judgement as to what form it should be. But no way can we get off the hook for giving at all with such glib dismissals. the reason for the giving, no matter how it is done, is for our sake, so that we learn to see the face of Christ in the poor, those we encounter in person, and the anonymous “poor” in our own place, or any where else.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

if you don’t give “on the street” for prudential reasons–your own safety, welfare of all concerned, whatever, that is fine, but if you use the “they will just by drugs with it” argument to avoid any kind of giving or charity at all, that is the problem Jesus is talking about with the Pharisees. We are obligated to give, within our means, and even to the point where it represents a sacrifice to alleviate the needs of the materially and spiritually poor. That assistance can take many forms, and it is correct to use prudential judgement as to what form it should be. But no way can we get off the hook for giving at all with such glib dismissals. the reason for the giving, no matter how it is done, is for our sake, so that we learn to see the face of Christ in the poor, those we encounter in person, and the anonymous “poor” in our own place, or any where else.

Yes, for our own sake and for the sake of the poor, who, while we may see Christ in them, may in turn see Christ in us and make a change in their lives.

 

[Monica4316]

I think it’s easy to say “just find a job”, but a lot of these people suffer from depression or other issues and it’s difficult to find a job if you dont’ have a home or good clothing to wear.

I think if we can see that the person who is asking for money is clearly into drugs, alcohol, etc, then perhaps it would be better to get them a cup of tea or a sandwich. Or a food coupon.

Other times, I think it’s fine giving money… I know in my city, there are many people who do have homes and jobs but it’s still not enough to make ends meet, so they beg.

 

[po18guy]

Yes, for our own sake and for the sake of the poor, who, while we may see Christ in them, may in turn see Christ in us and make a change in their lives.

In the last years of my career, I did a lot of evangelizing and handed out a lot of New Testaments. And that is where a change in their lives will come from.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

In the last years of my career, I did a lot of evangelizing and handed out a lot of New Testaments. And that is where a change in their lives will come from.

Possibly. Change can also come from giving someone a warm jacket in winter, talking to them for a few minutes without an agenda as a normal person, and leaving with a simple “God bless!”

I imagine the hardest thing about being homeless is the loneliness, the almost complete lack of human interaction and being looked at like a pariah. Just taking the time to ask how their day is going and chat, I’ve seen some people really light up. Who knows what effect such a simple gesture can have?

 

[po18guy]

Possibly. Change can also come from giving someone a warm jacket in winter, talking to them for a few minutes without an agenda as a normal person, and leaving with a simple “God bless!”

I imagine the hardest thing about being homeless is the loneliness, the almost complete lack of human interaction and being looked at like a pariah. Just taking the time to ask how their day is going and chat, I’ve seen some people really light up. Who knows what effect such a simple gesture can have?

So, are you ashamed of the Gospel? Rhetorical question.

 

[jmcrae]

So, are you ashamed of the Gospel? Rhetorical question.

Why do people assume that homeless people don’t know the Gospel?

They probably know it better than anyone who lives in a house and knows (or thinks they know) where their meals are coming from - after all, homeless people have a lot more experience living on Providence than the rest of us do, and of relying solely on the grace of God to keep them alive.

 

[puzzleannie]

Not everyone in need of immediate assistance is homeless, and not everyone who is resorting to begging is homeless. We tend to use “homeless” and “poor” as if they were interchangeable, they are not. We need to watch out about using catch-all terms that make it possible for us to ignore individuals with human dignity and unique needs. Nor are all those in real need of help without jobs. More than half the people on assistance here have one or more adults in the family working, but are poor because together they don’t make a living wage, do not have any benefits, have extra needs due to medical or other causes, have had an emergency such as a fire, illness or accident, or don’t qualify for aid because their income is too high for aid, but not high enough to support a family with the basic necessities.

 

[crystal_waters]

if you want to help the poor and be sure that its going to a genuine cause then buy some food and donate it to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter…or to a catholic charity that would distribute it to less fortunate familys in your area…if you cant afford much just buy generic…food is food after all whatever the brand name says

 

[Arkadin]

Recently, I went for a walk Sunday night before St. Valentine’s Day and I happened to look towards a walkway/corridor that leads to the city bus waiting terminal and it was around 10/10:30, if not later, at night. I saw someone sitting on the floor in the corner. He appeared homeless to me and I wasn’t sure what to do. I thought about giving money or some food. So I debated because I thought if I give money, where will it go? Well, I decided I’ll buy food. So on I go up the hill and I debate whether I was going to a place too far when a supermarket was nearby (I may have thought against the nearby supermarket due to funding Planned Parenthood). Since I’m scrupulous, my mind was working overtime. I began to question my reasoning of not giving money. I didn’t have small bills on me. I worried about the possibility of a drug or alcohol overdose.

However, I wondered if I was starting to judge this person and others in unfortunate situations. I decided in the end that I would give money. I was doing an act of charity and should not judge this person. Now, if I knew for certain this person is a hardcore drug user or serious alcoholic, then I would probably not give money and provide some other means of charity if possible, but since I truly do not know this person…I shouldn’t make a judgment based on assumptions like that…

Well, I started heading back and as I was about to go into the corridor, I noticed he was now sitting on the electric heater/radiator and was leaning forward and would pull back quickly (as if someone was trying to stay awake, but simply unable to) and continued to do this. At that moment, I realized money was not what this man needed at the time and I tried calling the police, but my phone battery was dying and would not allow me to make a call (perfect time to not cooperate). Thankfully, God sent a police officer to drive up the street I was on in a matter of minutes just as I was about to walk to the nearby police station and I waved him down. I notified him about the situation and, for some reason, I left and went on my way. I hope this man is doing better.

I learned not to judge people and God used my silly scrupulous mind to do something good.

I wouldn’t hesitate giving some money to people, but do be cautious and be aware of your surroundings too. It helps if you are not alone. You could have called the police to inform them about the woman and the child. They are there to help people. Food gift cards or store gift cards are always a good alternative too. Prayers always are a good thing too!