Man Asking for Money in Vestibule

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Rainaldo said:
Isn’t it a sign of spiritual pridefulness when someone goes into lengthy detail over what he or she does when he or she encounters a beggar?
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You’re right. I will keep silent in the future
 
akasseb said:
I attend a church in the downtown area of a major city. Every week before and after Mass there is a homeless man (assumed) asking for money in the vestibule of the church. How do we, as Catholics, approach a situation like this? Does one give this man money, politely decline his requests, ignore him, or approach someone from the church about it? I am really unsure how I feel about this, as he is fairly aggressive. Thank you for your feedback.
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Where I’m from, the then-State Homeless Coordinator advised that it’s actually better if you do not give them handouts. No food, no money, nothing. Why? Because it prevents them from going into shelters, where they would have better means to improve their lives and where it’s safer. If you give them handouts, then they’ll stay in the streets and the problem would never improve.

The former State Homeless Coordinator by the way is a former priest who attended the Gregorian University, so one would think he has credebility in the Christian way to deal with the homeless.

It’s hard for a Christian to say no but we’re relieved of the duty if we believe his advice is best. Funny how something as seemingly simple as almsgiving can get so complicated.
 
PazzoGrande said:
The former State Homeless Coordinator by the way is a former priest who attended the Gregorian University, so one would think he has credebility in the Christian way to deal with the homeless.
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But he has never been homeless. Am I right?
 
You should talk to the ushers at the time, and/or the priest. People should not be panhandling within the church, the next thing might be for thieves to be in the sanctuary stealing purses. The man should be helped by the social services office of the parish if you have one, or given directions to the nearest social services agency. Maybe the K of C can be of help. Maybe he is harmless, or maybe not. We just can’t tell these days. And giving money means you are feeding his addictions and not his need.
 
hannajomar said:
Since it’s in the church, I would personally introduce him to the priest. He would have resources if he needs a shelter or something like that. I doubt the priest would want anyone being aggressive.

I used to know someone who worked closely with homeless people. She said that if you feel comfortable, instead of giving him money, you can ask him what he needs. If he says he needs food, offer to buy him a meal (of course staying in a public and traveled place). If he says he needs shoes, you can meet him at a store and buy him shoes, etc. If they’re actually hungry or need shoes, they will take you up on your offer.
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priest or church officials. Church Wardens have the power to remove if the person is being violent or aggressive. But ideally someone who is able to sit down and be with him and listen. Anger is there but because he is frustrated. Remember how Jesus re-enterred the temples and were angry at how they were being used? I think he would have more time for the guy who is angry and upset than for the people who walked past him. Okay some in fear. He will have time for those later. But his priority will be with this guy who needs him now.
Introduce a priest to him and they will listen if you find it hard to listen
 
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