Dealing with Street People

[Teelynn]

I know there has been a similar thread on this subject, but it has been a while so I’m starting a new one.

We have a problem with a street person (not homeless) that is on some sort of disability showing up constantly at our door for money for this that or the other. We have been helping him off and on for years, but he goes through periods of time that he is at the door every other day! We have several times lately refused him as it seems that the more you help him, the more he is at our door. I have yet to get more McDonald’s Certificates, but am wondering if that would even help…it seems that this is a way of life for him. He has hit up all of our neighbors for several years now. He gets some money from the state, and has an apartment, but I know it’s not a lot. (probably not enough) I really start to feel like he is using us, and we are not really helping him, but on the other hand, it’s hard to say no to “Jesus” when he comes to the door. I have no idea what he REALLY does with the money we give him, but it’s usually only $5 to $10 at a time. But does it really matter what he does with it? What is the correct Christ like attitude in this kind of a situation? I mean, it comes to the point that we really cannot support the man, but maybe that’s what we are expected to do.

For us it is becoming a real quandry. He seems to have put us between a rock and a hard place. Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bananaslugmom]

First of all, many many blessings will surely be yours for your kind treatment of this individual. And while this presents so many challenges that I cannot even fathom, your reward will be great.

I know I like to help people less fortunate than myself. Many times I will buy food or share my food. Giving money is one of those personal decisions. My attitude is that it doesn’t matter what their intention is with the money only yours. And I am sure God rewards you for helping regardless of the person’s use of the funds. But I am sure some thought should be given in the case of addicts.

Maybe you should only offer food and not money. Is there a social worker or someone at your parish who might be able to offer you direction? Catholic Charities? Maybe the help this person needs has outgrown what you are able to do for them.

I will keep you and your situation in prayer! Blessings and peace!!

 

[Catholic1954]

I think you are being taken advantage of here. Our pastor has told us not to give money to people who pan handle in front of the church after Mass. We are to direct them to the rectory where they will receive immediate assistance (if they need it) and then refered a Catholic Charities run program for more long term help. You are not responsible to support this individual, and he has no reason to seek help for himself if he knows that you are good for a few bucks whenever he wants it.

 

[GodLovesTheSpek]

What would we do for Jesus should he appear at the door? Handing out just money might not be what is really needed. It may only be delaying a greater problem that needs attention. Since it is Jesus at the door I would inquire as to what the problem ultimately is and try to find a solution that could be long lasting. Does the person need a job? Maybe the diocese or parish has an opening. Maybe it’s a credit problem (or a “payday loan” problem ) and those can linger forever because of interest and can really entrap someone. The way to solve that is with renegotiation of credit terms and with chunks of money rather than just minimum payments. Not saying that any of these are the issue but maybe a bit of investigation (if the other person is receptive) will help everyone out and end result much happier.

 

[wasmit]

I know there has been a similar thread on this subject, but it has been a while so I’m starting a new one.

We have a problem with a street person (not homeless) that is on some sort of disability showing up constantly at our door for money for this that or the other. We have been helping him off and on for years, but he goes through periods of time that he is at the door every other day! We have several times lately refused him as it seems that the more you help him, the more he is at our door. I have yet to get more McDonald’s Certificates, but am wondering if that would even help…it seems that this is a way of life for him. He has hit up all of our neighbors for several years now. He gets some money from the state, and has an apartment, but I know it’s not a lot. (probably not enough) I really start to feel like he is using us, and we are not really helping him, but on the other hand, it’s hard to say no to “Jesus” when he comes to the door. I have no idea what he REALLY does with the money we give him, but it’s usually only $5 to $10 at a time. But does it really matter what he does with it? What is the correct Christ like attitude in this kind of a situation? I mean, it comes to the point that we really cannot support the man, but maybe that’s what we are expected to do.

For us it is becoming a real quandry. He seems to have put us between a rock and a hard place. Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be greatly appreciated.

It sounds like he is using/abusing your willingness to give, similar to a stray cat/dog who keeps hanging around if you feed it once, or charity phonecallers that increase the frequency of their calls if you donate once.

 

[Teelynn]

Thanks to all for some some valuable insight and direction. I will call my Catholic Charities Office today, to see what might be done to be able to help him. I can always count on my CAF friends for some Holy Spirit inspired help.