How do you give alms to the poor?

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stirlingk

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greetings all!

Do you think that giving money to charities fufills is what is meant in the bible about giving alms to the poor? or does this mean give the money directly to them. Do I go out and search for poor people in our city?
They aren’t too visible since our city does not allow them to beg on the streets.
I admit that I haven’t been a good Catholic (so selfish! ) but I am now ready show my devotion by my actions not just words.
Any thoughts?

Ready to show,
Kay
 
I am not sure on this subject but when I read your thread I remembered what somebody told me once.

If you see a homeless person, don’t just give them money.

Take them to a close cafe and give them a meal.

I have been told that most of the homeless would be more grateful for a meal with company than some change in their pocket.

Love Kellie
 
Instead of just giving money you could always get involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. (or some similar organization) It would give you the opportunity to be generous with both your time and money and allow you to meet the poor face to face and get to know them a little.

God Bless,
Stuart
 
stirlingk,
Thanks for bring up this topic. I, too, have been selfish and know I am in need of improving in this area. I think that giving money directly to the homeless is a mistake unless you know what that person is going to do with the money. Unfortunately, too many homeless have addictions of some kind and will likely use the money for that instead of for food, clothing, shelter, etc.

I like the suggestion above to purchase a meal and I think giveing money and TIME to St. Vincent de Paul Society or another homeless organization is the best approach. I’m going to look up info on my area tonight…thanks for the prompt!
 
If you see a homeless person, give them what you can… if you have money, give them that. If you have food, give them that. If you can take them to someplace warm, do that. The saddest time was when I was getting out of my car and I had just spent the last of my cash. A homeless person approached. I dug through my change, since that’s all I had, searching for the silver coins, when he said “I’ll take the pennies too.” Believe me, they will take what you will give. Sometimes we forget that it’s more important to give than to do it exactly right. I’d rather give to ten people who are cons or drunks than risk not giving to the one person who really needed it.

As for the others… definitely!! Give to charities as well. They help multitudes and you know it’s helping those who need it. St. Vincent dePaul is the best out there as far as I am concerned. Get involved, they always need help, and they can use all the time, talent, and financial support you can provide.
 
I spent the last semester studying in Rome and there were hundreds of homeless people wandering the streets. I couldn’t give to all of them and everyone one warns about them being frauds, so I went and worked at the local soup kitchen on most Fridays with the Sant Engidio group. Which turned out to be a great way of giving.
 
I have done research over the years and finally decided giving alms can be done by supporting certain charities that I believe in. It’s tricky, though, to really choose the best ones.

For example I will NOT donate to “Catholic Charities” which has hijacked the “Catholic” name but supports all sorts of causes that I personally believe are wrong. Any organization can slap on the name Catholic and not necessarily be completely in compliance with doctrine or morality.

On the other hand, I give money to the Search Dog Foundation. This is a completely non-religious organization, but their work is good, saves lives, and they do nothing that conflicts with the church. It’s a simple group of folks who rescue dogs and train them to find disaster victims (like we saw on 9/11 at the WTC).

I’m very careful not to give to United Way or March of Dimes or other huge organizations where my money will end up paying for abortions or a program to sponsor illegal immigrants.

Also, be careful of these sponsor-a-child programs. If you want to do that, choose a truly Catholic one, or support a real Catholic missionary effort, where children will be given food, healthcare and taught Christianity. The commercials on TV (or the one in that Jack Nicholson movie where his wife dies) make it look like your money is going to help these poor children, but these are secular organizations. Yes, they build roads and schools, but they also PROMOTE rather than discourage the the religion of the region, which in many of these areas is Muslim. If we are going to give to a charity, why not choose one that has a spiritual background, not one that may inadvertantly be breeding further terrorists?
 
How about taking your no-longer-worn clothing to a church closet (or the like), donating furniture/appliances/tools/etc to those who need it (with a big caution concerning the Salvation Army, which I recently read is the third largest ‘church’ in the US, or any place that takes your donations and ‘resells’ them)?

These are many other ways to give than by giving cash (which sometimes goes only to buy the next bottle of hooch or ‘hit’). I give away ALL my children’s clothing, as they grow, to “Mary’s Closet”, run by my church and totally free to anyone who has a need. The majority of us have TOO MUCH STUFF. I believe that it is an obligation to share what we have with the poor.
(For it’s worth!)

Blessings, Cricket (who has a whole trunkload to take in today!) 👍
 
**I wonder, why many say “…give to the church charity”
Don’t we have to love ALL? Disregarding which society, Church, nonchurch or whatever they belong to?

My wife usually buys big sacks of spagetti (pasta or other durables) and brings it to an Organisation called “the table” where people get free dinner. **
 
some people give to the poor others go out of their way and change the atmospher to a positive way here is one suggestion - Like the little old lady who returned your wallet yesterday.
Like the taxi driver who told you that your eyes light up the world, when you smile.
Like the small child who showed you the wonder in simple things.
Like the poor man who offered to share his lunch with you.
Like the rich man who showed you that it really is all possible, if only you believe.
Like the stranger who just happened to come along, when you had lost your way.
Like the friend who touched your heart, when you didn’t think you had one.
Angels come in all sizes and shapes, all ages and skin types.
Some with freckles, some with dimples, some with wrinkles, some without.
They come disguised as friends, enemies teachers, students, lovers and fools.
They don’t take life too seriously, they travel light.
They leave no forwarding address, they ask nothing in return.
They are hard to find when your eyes are closed, but when you choose to see, they are everywhere you look.
So, open you eyes and count all your Angels – for you are truly blessed!
 
****I wonder, why many say “…give to the church charity” ****
Don’t we have to love ALL? Disregarding which society, Church, nonchurch or whatever they belong to?
Click to expand...
"Church Charities" DO give to all - not just those of faith. In our city, there are numerous Catholic sponsored Shelters and Soup Kitchens. All are welcomed there.

I no longer give to those on the street. I have been convinced through research and experience that this does absolutely nothing to “help” them nor does it properly express “charity”. The charitable thing to do, IMO, is help them GET OFF THE STREET. Every time they are given money, food, sleeping bags, etc., they are given yet another excuse to stay on the street rather than seek shelter or long term assistance. And I think we all know by now that the majority of those currently termed “homeless” are also in dire need of psychiatric intervention. A Big Mac is not the solution.

I give to my Church. They know exactly what to do with the money.
 
Regular monthly donation to Caritas through my bank…each Sunday to the St. Vinnies collection and also to people who may come to my door, though dependant on a few factors. I also like to give to charities doing street collections - I have heaps of admiration for street collectors for charities.
 
Not necessarily. You can give to them directly. Just because they aren’t begging in your city doesn’t mean you won’t be aware of them from time to time. God will give everyone a chance to to encounter them so he can evaluate the givers. Open your eyes and you will see them.

Just because they aren’t begging doesn’t mean you won’t find them digging for garbage or sleeping under trees. You will also hear many of their stories on television.

Don’t forget also, the old and the sick. Many of them are also in the equally needy category. If you don’t cash, help of any sort would certainly be rewarded one day.
stirlingk said:
greetings all!

Do you think that giving money to charities fufills is what is meant in the bible about giving alms to the poor? or does this mean give the money directly to them. Do I go out and search for poor people in our city?
They aren’t too visible since our city does not allow them to beg on the streets.
I admit that I haven’t been a good Catholic (so selfish! ) but I am now ready show my devotion by my actions not just words.
Any thoughts?

Ready to show,
Kay
Click to expand...
 
Food/clothing drives, through our parish (MUST Ministries) and also American Veteran’s (clothing, etc.). Our parish even sponsored a “clean water” program for a village in Africa, recently. And various programs for our “sister” parish, in Honduras.

You can contact your parish office to see what’s available. God bless you! 🙂
 
stirlingk said:
greetings all!

Do you think that giving money to charities fufills is what is meant in the bible about giving alms to the poor? or does this mean give the money directly to them. Do I go out and search for poor people in our city?
They aren’t too visible since our city does not allow them to beg on the streets.
I admit that I haven’t been a good Catholic (so selfish! ) but I am now ready show my devotion by my actions not just words.
Any thoughts?

Ready to show,
Kay
Click to expand...
I have it easy. I donate anywhere from $20 - $40 a week to Alcoholics Anonymous. Yes, this is a way to treat the poor. Many are poor due to alcohol and drugs. Many of those in recovery are enabled to become productive, tax-paying members of society again.
 
mposey said:
stirlingk,
Thanks for bring up this topic. I, too, have been selfish and know I am in need of improving in this area. I think that giving money directly to the homeless is a mistake unless you know what that person is going to do with the money. Unfortunately, too many homeless have addictions of some kind and will likely use the money for that instead of for food, clothing, shelter, etc.

I like the suggestion above to purchase a meal and I think giveing money and TIME to St. Vincent de Paul Society or another homeless organization is the best approach. I’m going to look up info on my area tonight…thanks for the prompt!
Click to expand...
I don’t agree with the idea that you should not give money directly to the homeless because you don’t know what they will do with it. This cynical approach is not in line with Christianity in my opinion. It says, others will abuse your kindness, they will lie to you and they will hurt you therefore you should avoid them. It is completely irrelevant what they do with the money. What matters is that you show them charity and kindness. As Paul says, Love is all trusting[1Cor.11]. Simply trust that they will use it as they say they will. We are to be as children in our faith. We are supposed to be simple and love our neighbor. And if they lie or abuse our kindness then so be it.

Further Christ also says not to refuse those who beg of us. If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go with him two. If he takes your coat give him your cloak as well[Matt.5]. The principle and foundation of the whole law is the love of God and neighbor[Matt.22? maybe 21].

It is good though to give time and money to organizations like St. Vincent de Paul.
 
You can give many ways:
  1. Your time. Do community service
  2. Your money. Donate to your church.
    3.Your love. People are poor in more way than weath. Give Love
 
one rule of thumb i always apply if you give the shirt off of your back and walk and wander why it is colled you have no one to blame but yourself

give what you can afford
 
jimmy said:
I don’t agree with the idea that you should not give money directly to the homeless because you don’t know what they will do with it. This cynical approach is not in line with Christianity in my opinion. It says, others will abuse your kindness, they will lie to you and they will hurt you therefore you should avoid them. It is completely irrelevant what they do with the money. What matters is that you show them charity and kindness. As Paul says, Love is all trusting[1Cor.11]. Simply trust that they will use it as they say they will. We are to be as children in our faith. We are supposed to be simple and love our neighbor. And if they lie or abuse our kindness then so be it.

Further Christ also says not to refuse those who beg of us. If a man asks you to go one mile with him, go with him two. If he takes your coat give him your cloak as well[Matt.5]. The principle and foundation of the whole law is the love of God and neighbor[Matt.22? maybe 21].

It is good though to give time and money to organizations like St. Vincent de Paul.
Click to expand...
Actually, I would have to agree with this. If you enjoy the occasional beer, or Big Mac, as I do, then isn’t it an act of charity to allow someone the opportunity to enjoy the same? I am fully aware that many will purchase booze even if I ask them not to, and so I try and focus more on providing directly to established Catholic charities, but once in a while, if a guy crosses my path, I feel like God meant us to cross paths (i.e., there are no coincidences). Each panhandler is a chance for us to show God that we are trying to live the command “love your neighbor”…
 
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