Charity to street people

[Holland]

I travel quite a bit and when I am in a city I am often approached by street folks for money. I don’t give money but I will always stop and buy some food for them. Recently a guy screamed at me because I wouldn’t give him money. I offered to buy him some food but he wanted money instead. Should I just stop this practice and walk on by like most folks? I really feel like I am supposed to help.

 

[runandsew]

I used to work downtown Portland Oregon, and I would carry dollar McDonald gift certificates, in which I would hand out every so often to the people on the street. I would not always give them out, but sometimes, I could just feel that I should give them something. They were always thankful, and I felt that I would rather have them die of clogged arteries than an overdose of drugs or alcohol, which they might use the money for.

If the person just wanted money, then I would guess that he wanted to get drunk or high, or is saving for his college education.

 

[lotusblossom]

I work in downtown Chicago and I just pass them. When I’ve taken friends who are not from big cities to visit, many of them will buy food or give money. First off, I’d much rather give to a soup kitchen, because there are always homeless shelters and food available for those who are less fortunate. Maybe that sounds really callous of me, but it’s how I feel. Secondly, I’ve seen these people on cell phones, smoking cigarettes, and dressed in very nice clothes. I’ve also seen them get angry at people for not giving them money. They are not entitled to people’s charity and I believe most of them could get a job and use the time they spend outside begging in doing something much more worthwhile. I pray for these people and every so often, I’ll give them some money, but for the most part, I just walk by and smile.

Anyway, maybe that’s not being Christ-like…I don’t know. But that’s just my reaction.

 

[dorothy_smith]

I just walk by and smile.

(Luke 10:30-37)

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I work in downtown Chicago and I just pass them…Anyway, maybe that’s not being Christ-like…I don’t know. But that’s just my reaction.

In the Loop, it is hard to tell who is sincere and who has the creativity to set up a begging post as a business without taxes. And some of the people are extremely aggressive in their attempts. So, you are not bad, just careful. If you work “over by” Ogilve or Union or LaSalle Stations, you HAVE to be careful!

When I have to go downtown (THE downtown, as opposed to the downtowns of all the little suburbs), I carry spare change and singles, along with those fast food certificates in my pockets.

Spare change goes to the guys who do the music thing. It’s my opinion they are at least making an effort. If somebody says they’re hungry, I offer them a food certificate, and also remind them that St. Peter’s on Madison feeds people (You won’t see it on the listing of services, but the friars are very hospitable). If I get a vibe that somebody truly could use the money instead, or I find a young kid who really can’t get home and lost his or train ticket (stupid kid), I take out the singles and offer to buy them a ticket home and call their parents. I don’t give them my cell, and I don’t give them the money.

 

[Durendin]

(Luke 10:30-37)

If you’re taken in by every con artist on the street looking for a hand-out by citing the Good Samaritan story, I’m amazed you can afford a computer and have a roof over your head! (Ok, a bit sarky, but forgive me and read on!)

If someone was in obvious dire need, I’d see the connection but there’s a world of difference from that and keeping someone fueled up in booze and fags from your hard earned wages.

In my home city there’s an annual festival that draws thousands of people in for over a month. It also draws out the “beggars” and “homeless” who obviously have homes and are looking to “skim the gullible” as it is known locally. (They weren’t there a week ago and won’t be there after the festival). They also station themselves next to ATM machines and get quite rowdy and try a bit of intimidation to get money.

I’d rather give to a recognised charity that feeds and clothes rather than be taken for a mug or put booze in the hands of an alcoholic. But hey, it’s your money so spend it as you will.

 

[Polaris]

To the OP I say do not listen to those who say walk on by, continue to feed them. If you are a Christian you must do your Christian duty. Remember what Jesus said about feeding him and what happened to those who did not feed him.

 Myself I only offer food,  thats it, I never give money nor coupons.  So I have gotten yelled at plenty of times, and even have felt a little scarred, but I stand by my offer and show no fear, and if they do not accept it I walk away. Im still here and have not gotten attacked even once.

(note i am 6’1, and a built 220 pounds so they maybe affraid of me)

  If you are worried about being considered "gullible". I say do not worry about it and do not even let it enter your mind.  First if you only offer food most of them will not accept it and walk away. Second If you do feed a person who is taking advantage of you, guess what,  It will still count towards you in the next life as an act of charity.  God will accept it as an offering on your part.

Also while I support charities you can not trust charities to take care of all the people. Most charities I know and have volunteered at do not have limitless resources so the usually feed women and children first, and then from the excess do they feed the men. Shelters also rarely ever take men including 16 year old boys. So please continue what you are doing and do not be affraid, God is with you after all. Whom then shall you fear?

 

[shirleytowers]

I say just give them money, because what they do with it is on them. I would rather be conned than unkind and risk disappointing God. It is just money. Sometimes I give to those who don’t ask if I judge them needy. When I am in an area with many beggars (face it, they are beggars), I try to carry some ones and fives, too, if I can afford it.

You can’t give to everyone, is my problem. I first give to obviously homeless people I see going through trash cans and or collecting recyclables, if I get the chance. At least they are working for it.

I am rarely sorry I gave–sometimes, but rarely–but more often sorry I did not have more money to give them.

 

[cecilia97]

Secondly, I’ve seen these people on cell phones, smoking cigarettes, and dressed in very nice clothes.

I’m with you, Lotus, I’ve always felt my money would go further at the parish or a local charity. Here in Houston a few years ago, a newspaper did a “sting” on a guy who panhandled at a major intersection…he averaged $900 a day.

 

[dorothy_smith]

I’m with you, Lotus, I’ve always felt my money would go further at the parish or a local charity. Here in Houston a few years ago, a newspaper did a “sting” on a guy who panhandled at a major intersection…he averaged $900 a day.

I was walking with my friend (Sr M ------ LCM) and we saw a man sitting on the pavement begging for change for a cup of tea. I felt very sorry for him and gave him some money.

Sr M turned round to me and said that I should not have given him anything. She said he probably does the same every day making a ‘fortune’ out of people soft with their money. And that he would be out on the town in the clubs and restaurants dressed to the nines living it up on other people’s money that he makes each day. I asked her if she was being serious. She replied perfectly serious!

I don’t know if Sr M was extremely naïve or just plain ignorant. I’ll describe the man: he looked emaciated, looked liked he hadn’t washed in months, his hair was completed matted in dirt and was visibly crawling with lice, his skin was caked in dirt and faeces. The poor man smelled awful. It was clearly obvious that he was suffering from a mental illness.

Sr M isn’t the only one that made such statements about the ‘down and outs’ but also other acquaintances of mine who mistakenly (incredibly) believe that these unfortunate people lead double lives! (I sometimes think to myself 'are these people really that ignorant or am I completely deluded?).

 

[Holland]

I appreciate all the comments. The fast food certificates are a great idea because sometimes I don’t have time to actually get the food myself. I do not give money because I feel like I may be contributing to whatever lead them to be homeless in the first place like drugs or alchohol. I must say that my experiences have been mostly postive. San Francisco was terrible. I got yelled at a couple times while I was there. On the other hand, when I was in Houston I helped 2 men who were laying outside of a diner downtown. I went inside and got them some food on paper plates as they weren’t permitted inside the diner. They were so very thankful for the food. I guess I will continue doing what I am doing although it is a little scary when these folks yell at you.

 

[cecilia97]

I was walking with my friend (Sr M ------ LCM) and we saw a man sitting on the pavement begging for change for a cup of tea. I felt very sorry for him and gave him some money.

Sr M turned round to me and said that I should not have given him anything. She said he probably does the same every day making a ‘fortune’ out of people soft with their money. And that he would be out on the town in the clubs and restaurants dressed to the nines living it up on other people’s money that he makes each day. I asked her if she was being serious. She replied perfectly serious!

I don’t know if Sr M was extremely naïve or just plain ignorant. I’ll describe the man: he looked emaciated, looked liked he hadn’t washed in months, his hair was completed matted in dirt and was visibly crawling with lice, his skin was caked in dirt and faeces. The poor man smelled awful. It was clearly obvious that he was suffering from a mental illness.

Sr M isn’t the only one that made such statements about the ‘down and outs’ but also other acquaintances of mine who mistakenly (incredibly) believe that these unfortunate people lead double lives! (I sometimes think to myself 'are these people really that ignorant or am I completely deluded?).

I’m sure that many of the people on the streets are NOT living “double lives”. Many probably suffer from mental illnesses. But a few bad apples, like the guy on the freeway corner in Houston a few years ago, live in nice apartments and just find panhandling easier than working a real job.

You can be more certain that the money you give to your parish or a soup kitchen actually gets spent on the things you intended.

 

[StevenFrancis]

I travel quite a bit and when I am in a city I am often approached by street folks for money. I don’t give money but I will always stop and buy some food for them. Recently a guy screamed at me because I wouldn’t give him money. I offered to buy him some food but he wanted money instead. Should I just stop this practice and walk on by like most folks? I really feel like I am supposed to help.

Providing of course that you yourself can afford it, Jesus would want you to always give. Whether food, money, etc. No. You should not turn away from giving. Also, remember not to toot your own horn for doing so:

Giving to the Needy (From the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 6:

1"Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Peace be with you

 

[Reepicheep]

I’m reminded of something I read, to the effect that when Scripture tells us to feed the poor, it doesn’t offer us cooking lessons.
We have a duty to help the poor, but we have freedom to decide the best way to do that. Some believe in giving to panhandlers, others think it’s better to give money to organized charities. Some will give the panhandlers food or certificates but not money.
All are trying to help, just disagreeing on the best way to do it. As Polaris says, you can’t be sure the charities take care of everybody - though donating to the charities will certainly improve their ability to help.

 

[lotusblossom]

In the Loop, it is hard to tell who is sincere and who has the creativity to set up a begging post as a business without taxes. And some of the people are extremely aggressive in their attempts. So, you are not bad, just careful. If you work “over by” Ogilve or Union or LaSalle Stations, you HAVE to be careful!

When I have to go downtown (THE downtown, as opposed to the downtowns of all the little suburbs), I carry spare change and singles, along with those fast food certificates in my pockets.

Spare change goes to the guys who do the music thing. It’s my opinion they are at least making an effort. If somebody says they’re hungry, I offer them a food certificate, and also remind them that St. Peter’s on Madison feeds people (You won’t see it on the listing of services, but the friars are very hospitable). If I get a vibe that somebody truly could use the money instead, or I find a young kid who really can’t get home and lost his or train ticket (stupid kid), I take out the singles and offer to buy them a ticket home and call their parents. I don’t give them my cell, and I don’t give them the money.

I do work in that general area and have to pass these people every day. I’m with you, though. I don’t carry around money for this specific purpose, but I do give to the man who plays the guitar, because I feel like at least he’s trying to earn his money. There was one time when a young man (probably in his early twenties) with a British accent approached me near my train station and asked if I had three dollars b/c he was short buying a ticket to somewhere out of state, so I gave it to him. He then thanked me and started running to the train station, realized he still didn’t have enough, and came back asking for two more dollars, which I gave. I was happy to do this because I saw that he really sincerely was in need.

However, what these beggars on the street do with the money is not for me to judge. That’s not why I don’t give - not directly anyway. I know there’s homeless shelters and soup kitchens and plenty of other organizations (such as Catholic Charities) to help these people and they do it in such a way that they can be fair (at least that’s my view) and be more resourceful. I’ve had priests tell me before to just let them know where the nearest soup kitchen is if they’re hungry. But that’s not to say that those who give these people money individually are doing wrong…like someone else said - different people have different ways of helping.

 

[Holland]

Providing of course that you yourself can afford it, Jesus would want you to always give. Whether food, money, etc. No. You should not turn away from giving. Also, remember not to toot your own horn for doing so:

Giving to the Needy (From the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 6:

1"Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Peace be with you

You are absolutely right! There is not a lot of support for that attitude though. My husband and I actually had a person who was running a local organization become quite irritated because we didn’t want a public thank you for a donation we gave them.

 

[MariaG]

In our area, there used to be alot of “Will Work for Food” signs. These have disappeared mostly due to, I feel, the many Christians who stopped and offered jobs for money and food. One man who did this, was turned down at least 9 times out of 10 according to him.

Mostly the signs are just “anything will help” kind of stuff now.

That said, I do not stop for the homeless I see (mostly) who hang out at busy shopping centers. But I try to “count” them and then offer a dollar for each person I see, and donate it to a local shelter that helps the homeless.

For the ones I do stop for, I offer to buy them a meal or give them groceries, or fast food certificates, and clothes. Never Cash as my husband has specifically asked me not to, since he feels it contributes to their problem and does not actually help them but hurts them.

 

[Em_in_FL]

We don’t deal with this on a regular basis… but when we travel to large cities for vacation we always have a stash of granola bars stuffed in our pockets… that way, if they ask, we have something to give…

 

[Holland]

We don’t deal with this on a regular basis… but when we travel to large cities for vacation we always have a stash of granola bars stuffed in our pockets… that way, if they ask, we have something to give…

Now that’s a good idea. I will put granola bars in one pocket and fast food certificates in the other.

 

[dorothy_smith]

Perhaps we should offer them advice: telling them that as long as they drink, smoke, and use drugs for immediate relief from their distress that they’ll never take a step in the right direction. Tell them to save every penny that they beg; to eat food, to buy some second hand clothes and try and find somewhere to wash and then go and get a job (even if its at McDonalds to start with).

Tell them getting to that stage will be tough for them but at least it’ll be worth it in the end. From there forward they could get a room and even do some evening classes or long distance learning and get a degree leading to a good job.

I told this to some of the homeless (those who would listen) but they told me that it was ‘impossible’ for them because they’re hooked on drugs. Others said that they were illiterate and would never able to learn anything. Lots of others were mentally ill and many were physically in very poor health.

(I asked them if they prayed for help. Many of them said yes)