Pan Handling at Church

[Elizium23]

Shelter is nice, but not strictly necessary when you’re living on the streets. As I mentioned, there are zero homeless shelters in the town where I live and lived on the streets. The shelters that were available in the next major metropolis next door were dreary and downright scary. The night I moved into one of those shelters, they were moving a body out of the bathroom, a victim of a heroin overdose. I was super-paranoid about having my stuff stolen there, and I was frequently offered drugs for sale in the environs. As a result, I felt safer and more secure living literally out on the streets. I found an elevator where I would take refuge if it was cold or wet (not often in this desert climate.) I slept on a park bench most other nights. I didn’t get arrested for “urban camping” because the park bench wasn’t actually in a park.

I can commiserate with those who live in inhospitable climates where emergency shelter is necessary so you don’t freeze to death. It seems a little inhumane to be charging money for that type of shelter, no matter how little money. But if someone really needs to get shelter, can’t you just walk/drive him to the front door and pay his admission fee there, instead of handing it to him?

 

[pnewton]

I too always give to beggars, remembering that as we do to the least of these, we do unto Christ.

For this to apply, they mus be the least. They must be those in need. Are they? Our policy is that they are not to show up on Sunday begging. If they do, they are asked to leave or made to leave. They can come back on Monday, which is the priests day off, and be given clothing or food, and they will also be given money at the rate of ten dollars an hour if they need some money. Also, if there is a greater need, that too can be addressed.

The needs of the poor and the least are met this way and those who are liars at the house of God never show back up. Those that panhandle professionally are a scourge. They discourage good people from helping those truly in need and take money from the poor for their own vices.

 

[kear28]

Agree with the masses, trust your priest! This isn’t his first rodeo.

yup.