Donating to the beggar on the street

[totallylost]

What is your stand on donating to the beggar on the street?

6 years ago, I was a man who is always standing outside the church after mass.

one day he approached me, asking for donation, claiming he was hungry. I asked how much he need, he asked for quite large amount of money which is enough for him to have almost 3 meals. (that’s one day). I wanted to give him enough money just for one meal but he said it’s not enough. He showed his rosary, do the sign of cross as to thank God, but he said he needs money for taxi because his feet is painful as he did not wear anything on his feet.

Refused to give him that large amount of money, i give him what I think is enough for 2 meals because I was just a college student that time.

The next week, I don’t think he remembered me. He was asking for money again. foot pain again. At this point, I realized he is cheating by using sign of cross and rosary. He asked for money every week using the same reason.

fast forward to early this year, I encountered a man who was asking for money to Monorail Transit fair. It was fairly cheap for me but as I agreed, he ask more and more. At this point I realised he’s lying. He wanted to borrow money for a large amount, something you can live on with one week. Luckily I didn’t have enough money in my wallet, but this man even dare to ask me to withdraw money from ATM machine! I reasoned that it’s too far, but he followed me. In the end I shooed him off by suggesting he gets help from the Church (Since he claimed that he’s a Catholic)

And another incident recently, I met a couple while waiting for bus. The bus in our country that’s 1-2 hours once (I waited for 1.5 hour for the bus) but this couple does not have enough change. They asked me for change but I also do not have enough, but I do have money that can afford their bus fair. (it was quite cheap for me too). The bus driver getting unhappy for waiting, so I just handed out the amount of money to them, but they refused. Without thinking, I just keep the money after they refused once. After that, I feel bad because it’s so cheap but they have to wait for maybe 1-2 hours for the bus. And everyone in my country knows waiting for bus isn’t an pleasant experience because 1-2 hours waste and everyone will complain the inefficiency of bus in my country. I felt terrible for not be able to help them although they are not beggars.

But when I think back, I feel bad for them just because they have to wait for 1-2 hours. But when it comes to beggars on the street, I never donate to them thinking “they are just being lazy”. I even met beggars waiting outside church right after Mass. I just think they are lazy and taking advantages of kind people to beg for money.

But I can just assume they are lazy, I don’t know if they are genuinely lazy or seriously having difficulties. So I thought donating to Catholic Charity, I can be certain that my money is used for real charity purpose and not just bunch of lazy people begging for money. I do not want to spoil them and encouraging them to be lazier.

But I would like to know Catholic Church’s stand on donating to the beggar on the street.
Thanks.

 

[yesukristus]

Now this is my stand, not the Church’s stand, but here goes…

Go with your heart. Inform your conscience, decide on your principle on giving alms to beggars, decide how you are going to act if you think a beggar is conning you, and stick with your decisions. And don’t forget to offer it up to the Lord in prayer and ask him to guide your decisions.

 

[vz71]

What is your stand on donating to the beggar on the street?

If approached, I have offered to provide food, or clothes, or some other item.

I never give out money.

 

[cargau]

What is your stand on donating to the beggar on the street?

6 years ago, I was a man who is always standing outside the church after mass.

one day he approached me, asking for donation, claiming he was hungry. I asked how much he need, he asked for quite large amount of money which is enough for him to have almost 3 meals. (that’s one day). I wanted to give him enough money just for one meal but he said it’s not enough. He showed his rosary, do the sign of cross as to thank God, but he said he needs money for taxi because his feet is painful as he did not wear anything on his feet.

Refused to give him that large amount of money, i give him what I think is enough for 2 meals because I was just a college student that time.

The next week, I don’t think he remembered me. He was asking for money again. foot pain again. At this point, I realized he is cheating by using sign of cross and rosary. He asked for money every week using the same reason.

fast forward to early this year, I encountered a man who was asking for money to Monorail Transit fair. It was fairly cheap for me but as I agreed, he ask more and more. At this point I realised he’s lying. He wanted to borrow money for a large amount, something you can live on with one week. Luckily I didn’t have enough money in my wallet, but this man even dare to ask me to withdraw money from ATM machine! I reasoned that it’s too far, but he followed me. In the end I shooed him off by suggesting he gets help from the Church (Since he claimed that he’s a Catholic)

And another incident recently, I met a couple while waiting for bus. The bus in our country that’s 1-2 hours once (I waited for 1.5 hour for the bus) but this couple does not have enough change. They asked me for change but I also do not have enough, but I do have money that can afford their bus fair. (it was quite cheap for me too). The bus driver getting unhappy for waiting, so I just handed out the amount of money to them, but they refused. Without thinking, I just keep the money after they refused once. After that, I feel bad because it’s so cheap but they have to wait for maybe 1-2 hours for the bus. And everyone in my country knows waiting for bus isn’t an pleasant experience because 1-2 hours waste and everyone will complain the inefficiency of bus in my country. I felt terrible for not be able to help them although they are not beggars.

But when I think back, I feel bad for them just because they have to wait for 1-2 hours. But when it comes to beggars on the street, I never donate to them thinking “they are just being lazy”. I even met beggars waiting outside church right after Mass. I just think they are lazy and taking advantages of kind people to beg for money.

But I can just assume they are lazy, I don’t know if they are genuinely lazy or seriously having difficulties. So I thought donating to Catholic Charity, I can be certain that my money is used for real charity purpose and not just bunch of lazy people begging for money. I do not want to spoil them and encouraging them to be lazier.

But I would like to know Catholic Church’s stand on donating to the beggar on the street.
Thanks.

I really have no problem assisting the destitute. But, I think you are being duped here a bit.

Many of these folks are alcoholics or on drugs. They use the money to feed the addiction(s). Next time they tell you they want money for food, say, “Fine, let’s go to McDonalds and I’ll pay!” If he gives you a hard time, you know that you will be helping him to support his vices. If he doesn’t give you a hard time, you will have performed a real act of charity.

 

[Cracker_Mom]

If approached, I have offered to provide food, or clothes, or some other item.

I never give out money.

My son carries “Nabs”-packaged cheese & cracker snacks- with him when he goes into the part of town where the panhandlers are.So far none of them have accepted his offer even though they say they’re hungry & are asking for cash to buy food with.
We offered to buy doughnuts for one who frequents Krispy Kreme & he said he preferred Arby’s & needed the cash to go there instead… My daughter gave him the money anyway, which is her right, but I’m guessing it went towards substance abuse.

 

[epower]

I used to volunteer in a Soup Kitchen. One of the priests used to tell us to never give money to a beggar. It was ok to give them food, but not money. If you want to give money give it to a soup kitchen instead. He explained that the beggars were con artists. Many of them make huge sums of money but claim to be destitute. I was in Grand Central Station and there was a woman begging at the bottom of the stairs with a sign saying that she was hungry and had nothing to eat. People would throw coins and bills into her box. Her hand would come out so quick and disappear into her pocket. All of her pockets were bulging to the point of breaking. I took out my stopwatch to try to figure out what her hourly wage was. It came out to hundreds of dollars an hour. Of course the police came and dragged her off after 10-15 minutes.

 

[fish90]

If approached, I have offered to provide food, or clothes, or some other item.

I never give out money.

This is probably the best advice. Many of those beggars are not in it for the help. Many are alcoholics and addicted to drugs, so it is probably the best to avoid giving out money, because you may be helping these bad habits. I have heard someone say they were talking to a beggar (after a “come on tell the truth” moment). I guess some beggars rotate their territories so people do not catch on.

I have never been like this until I was in the city and a beggar came up to me. I remember hearing that a lot of these people do not want help but money. I offered a free trip to McDonald’s and the person gave me a look. Be careful out there:thumbsup:.

 

[Teelynn]

My H and I have dummied up a bit…we now have (and carry) McDonald’s gift certificates with us wherever we go…for $5 they can get enough for a meal, especially since they have specials all the time. at times we will even give 2 certificats at a time depending, but never money anymore…only McDonald gift certificates. If they turn them down, they didn’t really need to eat.

I was told by several authorities that they all know where to go for food in their area anyway.

 

[totallylost]

Thanks guys!
The advise here really helps.

 

[vz71]

My H and I have dummied up a bit…we now have (and carry) McDonald’s gift certificates with us wherever we go…for $5 they can get enough for a meal, especially since they have specials all the time. at times we will even give 2 certificats at a time depending, but never money anymore…only McDonald gift certificates. If they turn them down, they didn’t really need to eat.

I was told by several authorities that they all know where to go for food in their area anyway.

Brilliant idea there.

I think I will get a few gift certificates for the odd occasion.

 

[mapleoak]

We are obligated to provide for the immediate necessities of those in need. It is our duty to extend help or aid in some manner. We cannot use refusal to help as a means of teaching the needy a lesson. If someone needs a blanket and you hand him a blanket, you have performed a corporal work of mercy. If that person takes that blanket and exchanges it in support of an immoral lifestyle and then freezes to death, he will be judged on use of the help that he was given. However, refusing to give him a blanket when he is in need because you think he is going squander it makes one directly responsible for the misfortune that befalls him.
God’s grace works in the same way. He graciously extends sufficient grace to us each day to provide for our salvation, already knowing whether or not we are going to accept and make good use of it, or if we are going to squander it. We will be judged on the use the WE made of that grace. We will not be able to say, “but You didn’t help me when I needed help”, instead “You gave me help and I refused.”

 

[Cracker_Mom]

We are obligated to provide for the immediate necessities of those in need. It is our duty to extend help or aid in some manner. We cannot use refusal to help as a means of teaching the needy a lesson. If someone needs a blanket and you hand him a blanket, you have performed a corporal work of mercy. If that person takes that blanket and exchanges it in support of an immoral lifestyle and then freezes to death, he will be judged on use of the help that he was given. However, refusing to give him a blanket when he is in need because you think he is going squander it makes one directly responsible for the misfortune that befalls him.
God’s grace works in the same way. He graciously extends sufficient grace to us each day to provide for our salvation, already knowing whether or not we are going to accept and make good use of it, or if we are going to squander it. We will be judged on the use the WE made of that grace. We will not be able to say, “but You didn’t help me when I needed help”, instead “You gave me help and I refused.”

Where would you sell a used blanket to buy liquor or drugs?
Don’t give money- give food, clothing, or blankets.
Those poor folk are so substance dependent that they are not making clear enough decisions to be judged by.Don’t enable them.We who are not clouded by substance abuse should be making responsible decisions once we understand the situation.

 

[mapleoak]

Where would you sell a used blanket to buy liquor or drugs?

You would be surprised.

Don’t give money- give food, clothing, or blankets.

Any of these are acceptable, it is a judgment call, but the more judgments someone makes about the person, the greater the potential to mis-characterize that person. Rather the immediate and genuine needs of that individual should be what is addressed.

Those poor folk are so substance dependent that they are not making clear enough decisions to be judged by.

We should not make the mistake of generalizing about them though. There are many poor who are not substance abusers and are highly intelligent.

Don’t enable them.We who are not clouded by substance abuse should be making responsible decisions once we understand the situation.

You are correct to a degree. Ultimately there is a point at which it is silly to allow yourself to become taken advantage of when you know for certain that is what is happening. The old adage “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…”
I don’t think it is wise to refuse someone help based on an assumption about their character though.

 

[Cracker_Mom]

You would be surprised.

Any of these are acceptable, it is a judgment call, but the more judgments someone makes about the person, the greater the potential to mis-characterize that person. Rather the immediate and genuine needs of that individual should be what is addressed.

We should not make the mistake of generalizing about them though. There are many poor who are not substance abusers and are highly intelligent.

You are correct to a degree. Ultimately there is a point at which it is silly to allow yourself to become taken advantage of when you know for certain that is what is happening. The old adage “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…”
I don’t think it is wise to refuse someone help based on an assumption about their character though.

I wouldn’t refuse help, just refuse to give money.You can have poor character & still be hungry & deserve to be fed.Just give them the food or directions to the soup kitchen.(Generally they already know it’s location.)

 

[Michael1985]

I’d like to add one point. Whether we offer support or not I think it’s very important we treat everyone as through it was Christ. A lot of homless people sit there for hours and hours just being ignored. Ignoring someone really takes away their dignity, by ignoring someone you are saying, I don’t love you are not worthy of my time. If we can’t/ don’t want to offer a means of support the very least we can do is look at them and say sorry not today or something.
No one deserves to be ignored. I hope this doesn’t sound harsh, I’m not trying to be. I’m very sorry if it’s taken that way, it was not my intention.

 

[Writer]

My H and I have dummied up a bit…we now have (and carry) McDonald’s gift certificates with us wherever we go…for $5 they can get enough for a meal, especially since they have specials all the time. at times we will even give 2 certificats at a time depending, but never money anymore…only McDonald gift certificates. If they turn them down, they didn’t really need to eat.

I was told by several authorities that they all know where to go for food in their area anyway.

I have to say that this seems one of the best ideas. I try to avoid giving cash unless I feel led to do so. We also used gift certificates for this purpose for a while, and it did seem like the safest approach.

 

[Spiritoftruth]

…let me put it this way. What you have in your pocket is only there by the grace of God anyway. I would recommend you share what you can, for a few reasons, one of which a simple health issue, a tragedy, loss of a job, could put you in their shoes.

…Or better yet, if you helped when given the chance and the beggar was really someone who could do better but chooses not too, well shame on him. But if you walked by a poor person or let’s call that person the “least of these”, then I would say shame on you…

IMHO of course… Peace

 

[Cracker_Mom]

I’d like to add one point. Whether we offer support or not I think it’s very important we treat everyone as through it was Christ. A lot of homless people sit there for hours and hours just being ignored. Ignoring someone really takes away their dignity, by ignoring someone you are saying, I don’t love you are not worthy of my time. If we can’t/ don’t want to offer a means of support the very least we can do is look at them and say sorry not today or something.
No one deserves to be ignored. I hope this doesn’t sound harsh, I’m not trying to be. I’m very sorry if it’s taken that way, it was not my intention.

Amen.It’s about helping, not judging. But in helping, we have to do our best to not enable someone to self destruct.

 

[HopeSE]

As a person of God you have to do everything you can to help. Take them into your home if they need shelter. Give them food if they need eat. If you don’t, then you are no better than the faithless masses.

Do not give them money though. Money is something people use to corrupt, the person may be on drugs, or sex or even something else. You do not know and you should not contribute to this kind of sinful behaviour. You should however refrain from being greedy and give what you can in all other ways. Shelter, food, clothing, these are all things that we can all do to help.

Teach a man to fish, and…you know the rest.

 

[Tomb54]

I used to volunteer in a Soup Kitchen. One of the priests used to tell us to never give money to a beggar. It was ok to give them food, but not money. If you want to give money give it to a soup kitchen instead. He explained that the beggars were con artists. Many of them make huge sums of money but claim to be destitute. I was in Grand Central Station and there was a woman begging at the bottom of the stairs with a sign saying that she was hungry and had nothing to eat. People would throw coins and bills into her box. Her hand would come out so quick and disappear into her pocket. All of her pockets were bulging to the point of breaking. I took out my stopwatch to try to figure out what her hourly wage was. It came out to hundreds of dollars an hour. Of course the police came and dragged her off after 10-15 minutes.

A reporter did some invistgation in the town I lived by years ago (80s I think). He checked on some panhandlers. One he found made 6 figures with his begging. I had one guy outside church try to talk me into money for his family and while I did give a dollar he said that is not enough to feed his family and I told him why not it is enough to feed mine. If I ever had this problem again I think I would just have a jar of Peanut butter in my truck and offer that. If he was really hunger he would take it and be happy. If it made him happy I might try to see how else I could help but still would not give money. If not then I would not give him another glance.