Feed homeless on street

[Zaccheus]

There is at least one organization here in my city that brings hot meals to homeless camps. They also offer support in the way of camping equipment,

I am a little reluctant, thinking they are making it too comfortable for them to stay on the street. I just have mixed feelings. I know we have to meet the basic needs to keep people safe. But isn’t there a danger in making it too easy to stay outside instead of coming to where they can get some of the services they need?

I am still new to this so just looking for some feedback.

I think you assume they can just come in off the street.
The services you speak of may not be available, or may be so overloaded there isn’t room, or may come with conditions that not all homeless can meet.

Also I do not think it is ever easy to live on the street.

 

[MaryT777]

The homeless shelter in my city is only open at nights for homeless persons, they are NOT open during the day, they must all leave in the AM at some particular time, even in the dead of winter.

Thus, they are on buses trying to find places where they can “hang out” until the shelter opens again. I have NO CLUE what the answer is to the “do something about” the homeless on the streets.

 

[Rozellelily]

I am just wanting to add that giving food is one way of feeding the homeless but another way of feeding the homeless is by giving a hug and love.
In first world/developed countries such as Australia (and I’m presuming this may be the case for USA too?) in regional areas there are often regular services that provide the homeless with food but what may be missing is love and companionship.
A lot of homeless people have severe mental illnesses or otherwise feel overlooked by society or disdained by them so sometimes a simple kind act of communication,friendship or a hug can make more of a difference to them than food.

 

[DarkLight]

I mentioned that upthread as well - homeless doesn’t necessarily mean jobless. People who have jobs that aren’t 9-5 may have a hard time with shelter hours.