Discernment in helping a homeless drug addicted man

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spangler1982

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I’ve known a homeless man who stays around my place of employment for about a year now. He’s often very cheerful and up-beat, but I’ve often seen him very sad also. He never asks me for any money, but he accepts spare change when I offer it to him and food if I give it to him, and he’s very grateful for it. He’s pretty young (late 30s), and last night I bought him a hamburger and finally got to hear his story while we were eating. It turns out he’s a heroin addict, and can’t kick his habit. He’s tried NA, but is convinced a “cold turkey” approach would kill him. We talked a long time, and I learned a lot of things about the physical abuse he suffered from his step-dad in childhood, etc. Pretty sad story!
I asked him if he had any family out here, and he said they’re all back in Green Bay, including his mother (I’m in So. Cal). I asked him if he were to get a bus ticket if he would go back there, and he said “absolutely!” The price of the ticket costs $220. If I knew this was the right thing God wants me to do, I’d raise funds to get it for him. But at the same time, I’m afraid of enabling him. Please pray that I make the right decision! I’ve spent enough years in al-anon to know that persons with addictions are manipulators, whether they consciously realize it or not. No, I would never give him the money, I’d buy him a non-refundable ticket, like Fr. Corapi’s mom did.

Anyways, I’m offering up many prayers for him in the mean time! That is one part of this that I’m sure is God’s will for me right now. . .
 
First, how wonderful of you to care so much for a stranger! :clapping: That’s great that you have befriended him and want to help him.

As you said, people with addictions are manipulators, so I think your idea of a non-refundable ticket is a great one! Perhaps you can pray a novena to your favorite sake asking for help in finding a way to pay for it, or maybe you can ask some compassionate friends of yours to help too.

I will pray for this man and for you. I’m sure both of you will be greatly blessed by your kindness and generosity. :crossrc: :hug1:
 
I am praying that the Lord lead you in doing the right thing for this man. I am so pleased you are helping him. That is so wonderful. If we all did this, there would be much fewer people out there in distress.

Amie
 
I shall pray for you to make the correct choice in this situation. I often give money to the homeless near my office in Washington, DC – in the shadow of our nation’s capitol – and am certain that some of them are bums and manipulators, and some of the money goes to feed their addictions. But, if even one among them is Lazarus, I will have done what God asks of me. Maybe even if none among them is Lazarus.

A Jewish friend once told me it was a blessing to have an opportunity to give to the poor. A blessing for us to have a chance to give, not our giving being a blessing to the impoverished.
 
May God grant you the ability to make the right decision.
My prayers are with you.
 
Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide you. God bless you for your kindness!
 
J†M†J
I hope you make the right decision. Praying for your intentions:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

God Bless
In Jesus through Mary
Steve
 
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