Panhandlers, beggars, homeless in a big city

[tbcrawford]

exactly.you are right…god bless; yet…?

people are saying,give money to a scam…what scam, a person starving to death scaming people to stay alive? if you want scammers go to corporations. people have a lot to learn if they have not been there*…/ yes, there are some scammers,that means you don t give?*

jamesguy;8621942:

most arent scam. you ve got to be kidding,if someone is severly depressed,or scitsofrenic,has ragged clothes, no teeth, starving to death…pulling a scam?
scam for what? living for that week.
any christain who does not give to street people, do not know anything about jesus christ. nothing.

I agree with you, Jamesguy!
And if I don’t have any money at that moment when someone on the street is asking, I look them in the eyes and smile and say “I can’t today…but how are you? Have a good day…” and they are usually happy for that connection.
That connection is food, too. And often worth more than a dollar.
I have a brother who lives in another country who cannot work because of an illness…and he often sings with his guitar on the street or does card tricks for a bit of money. I can’t always get to him to give him what he needs because I’m so far away.
So I feel…when I give a dollar to someone on my city streets, or even just a smile…that gives me hope that someone in his city is doing the same for him.
When I help a “stranger” I hope and imagine that loving energy zips over his way and some stranger is helping him, too.
Because we are all siblings, right? We are all connected?

One of Mother Teresa’s critics gave her the line about “tech them to fish and they eat for a lifetime.”

She said, “They can’t stand up. I’ll get them on their feet, you teach them to fish.”

That information is from pre-recession. Jesus didn’t tell us to do a thing but give when asked to give. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

The op is about encountering people on the street asking for money. Generally, he was also talking about someone seeking companionship.

So, here you are on the street and here is someone with his hand out. What is your response?

If you live in an urban area and encounter these folks on a regular basis, you can carry certificates for local fast food places, but it doesn’t give them access to the bus. Do you intend to stop and interview them about their lives and then… do what?

“Throwing” money would be rude. Handing them money, IMO, is pretty useful and respectful. You do what makes sense to you, of course.

Every time we help a homeless person we are helping Jesus Himself
Every time we do not help a homeless person or other in need it is Jesus Himself we are ignoring.

Matthew 25:31-46

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I think verse 40 sums it up perfectly

 

[Newbie2]

Thread started over.
Troll gone.
Proceed,

Well, I think that the whole “scam” thing is highly overrated.

Do you guys really think that someone comes in from the 'burbs, parks their car at Colonial Parking on K street, puts on their stinky clothing and 4 coats and spends a ‘shift’ asking for money? I hope you don’t think that.

There was a guy in Chicago, about 20 years ago, who lived out in the suburbs, changed his clothes into “homeless attire” and panhandled in Downtown Chicago. He was profiled on the news one night, and estimated that he took in about $70,000 a year. I don’t recall him saying how many years he did this, but do recall he didn’t take any shame in doing so. $70K a year tax-free was very good coin back then.

Not saying it’s common, but it makes one think think…

 

[Newbie2]

We were downtown in Detroit a couple days ago and encountered three apparently homeless men:

1. The first was very articulate; he explained that he was a veteran, showed us where his injured wrist was all scarred up from a war injury, explained that he wasn’t hungry, didn’t need clothing, but needed $8 more to buy a bus ticket so that he could see his family out of state.

We gave him a five without thinking about it much.

1. The second man that approached us was more “shabby” appearing, didn’t speak well, and we weren’t sure what he was asking for. We sort of walked by and mumbled something about “Sorry” and didn’t give him anything.
2. The third we were passing by; two security guards were semi-successfully trying to get him to stand up and move along. He appeared to be “not with it”, and we were not sure if he was drugged out or if he was seriously ill. It appeared that he was in the process of getting some assistance, but we didn’t go back and see how it turned out.

I’ve been thinking a lot as to how we could have interacted with the second guy, who I believe is the “typical” street person that one is likely to encounter. Not having a lot of direct contact or experience with the homeless, I felt uncomfortable interacting with him. I have some unanswered questions of conscience that I intend to try to resolve:

This occured in an area where there are resources available to feed the homeless. Do I give the next person I meet money? Walk him to the nearest fast-food place and buy him lunch? I didn’t know where to recommend to him that he go for assistance; he was asking US for assistance.

What about when visiting other cities? I go once a year to Columbus, and occasionally run across a homeless person there. In those places, I am uninformed as to the services available and the location of where I could recommend assistance.

And how to respond to such people? I know that by engaging them in conversation, they are going to ask for something, which I am happy to provide ($). But, in a walk downtown, I can encounter anywhere from 3 to 20 or so people asking me for assistance. If I give to one, I sort of feel obligated to give to another. Yet, I am not an ATM machine. I don’t want to attract attention to the fact that I am giving out money on the street. Virtually all of the homeless people to whom I’ve given money are thankful, but I don’t want to be taking out my wallet in the sight of some bad guys who want all that I have.

It seems to me to be a matter of preparation; being prepared that, when one is going to an area where there are likely to be homeless people asking for help, to be ready to help. Carrying a few singles in your pocket (so you don’t have to take out your wallet), perhaps carrying a few gift cards or certificates to local fast-food places (it doesn’t do any good to give a McDonalds gift card to someone who lives 20 miles away from the nearest McDonalds!).

I guess I struggle with how to interact with someone who I want to help, but don’t know how; I don’t know their circumstances (besides assuming that they live in the street). One homeless guy I met during the course of working with Br. Al’s street ministry in Detroit (www.brotheral.org) told me he spends all he money he receives that day for fear he will lose it all getting robbed that night. Which gives me pause to when thinking about giving $20 instead of maybe a buck or two to someone a who looks like they really need the money.

So I struggle with this; when to help and how to help. I guess I’m naive, as well, and assume that all I come across in this world are honest and really need the help and are not trying to scam me into drug money or are going to rob me…but at the same time I’m aware that this happens. The last thing I want to do is enable someone’s habit rather than help them, and I sure don’t want to get robbed. It’s not the money, that’s insignificant, but I’m usually downtown with my family and would rather not have any of us harmed.

I think it’s a good struggle, though. I see God in these people, and am really trying to get out of my suburban comfort zone and help as many as I can in the way that I can. Maybe there’s not pat answer for every situation. I just keep seeing this guy we bypassed the other day and wonder how the Almighty thinks of how we avoided him.

 

[Catholic90]

Son was home for Thanksgiving, and we talked about his experiences of living in the big city. He encounters many street people, people begging for money. He was advised by his college staff to never give money. Those who do are often robbed of their other belongings - phones, laptops, iPads, etc. While the students are focused on digging out dollars, the beggars or cons grab whatever else they can and run. Many on the street know these are naive young college kids out living on their own and most have valuable possessions, so they take advantage of that.

 

[Castello]

Hate to break it to you, but, chances are the articulate vet who needed $8 for a bus ticket was likely a con artist. When someone asks for a specific amount for a bus ticket to go see family (dying mother, sick cousin, dying father…) I always offer to buy them the ticket if I can make a few phone calls, let’s call the hospital and see if they are still admitted? No, you forgot, they went home yesterday.

I ONLY buy bus tickets if I can take them to greyhound and purchase a non-refundable ticket to the destination.

99.999999999% walk away. They just wanted $8 for a pack of smokes and a 40 oz.

 

[jmcrae]

My response is to give generously to the agencies that help, and then direct beggars to the agencies that I support. They always have some excuse as to why they “can’t” make use of free clothing, free housing, and free stuff, but there are enough people making use of the agencies that I support that I know that my dollars are going to where they are really needed.

 

[juno24]

I was born and raised in the Baltimore area, and worked downtown for several years. You will always come across people like you described. Many of them are actually homeless, others are scammers. It is hard to differentiate among them. If you feel moved to offer money or a meal to them, and you are in a position to do it, then go ahead and do it. Your intent is to be charitable, even if the intent of the other person is to scam you. You will never be faulted for doing something kind for someone else. Just don’t feel bad if you follow your instincts and choose not to give money to anyone in particular.
When I was working downtown, there was a woman whose panhandling area included my regular Metro stop. Almost every morning, she would be there begging for “a nickel, dime or 5 dollars”. LOL! A coworker of mine would give her spare change on occasion, until one day she saw the woman take her change and throw it into a trashcan, cursing because she got the nickel and dime, but not the 5 dollars.
You will come across all kinds, just use prudence in deciding to whom to give, and what to give.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

It’s odd that the street corners that always seem to have more panhandlers…are the ones very near a liquor store…

Or maybe not so odd…

 

[jmcrae]

It’s odd that the street corners that always seem to have more panhandlers…are the ones very near a liquor store…

Or maybe not so odd…

I’ve noticed that, too.

Has anyone besides me also noticed that although there is a different pan-handler on the corner every week, they all carry exactly the same hand-scrawled cardboard sign?

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I’ve noticed that, too.

Has anyone besides me also noticed that although there is a different pan-handler on the corner every week, they all carry exactly the same hand-scrawled cardboard sign?

They do shift work.

 

[tbcrawford]

I pray God does not judge you according to your works.I pray God does not judge you as you have judged others.

If poor people take advantage in some way of people’s kindness then so be it.

For whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me.

Far better to give and leave the judgement to God

 

[Catholic90]

I pray God does not judge you according to your works.I pray God does not judge you as you have judged others.

If poor people take advantage in some way of people’s kindness then so be it.

For whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers you do to me.

Far better to give and leave the judgement to God

'Tis better to give to the agencies and direct the needy to the agencies who are far better equipped to help! This is still helping the needy, AND remaining safe AND not aiding and abetting an alcoholic or drug addict.

 

[Monte_RCMS]

My inner city priest friend said that they used to give money to panhandlers, but when one of the ministers ran out of bills, one of the panhandlers whipped out a knife and stabbed the minister to death.

No more money.

 

[horselvr]

Oh Dear Lord how terrible.

At the beginning of the year I was working with my Priest trying to help the needy and the homeless. He cautioned me to never give them money and most important no matter how much your heart bleeds for them (my words not his) I was never to let them know where I lived. He also cautioned me on discernment. To be a good listener when speaking with those in need because he told me there are those that make a living out of living off the churches in the area and that I will come to know them in time.

He wasn’t judging—only speaking the truth and wanted to caution me. He said that type takes away from those that are truly in need in an immediate and desperate situation. We are a small parish and don’t have a lot of money to just give out and so we need to be cautious and careful in spending the money the people give to help the needy.

I think sometimes the judgemental card is pulled when some are wrestling with confusion and getting to the truth of a matter.

The truth is that there are scammers out there and you need to be aware of that. Not everyone with their hand out really needs the help and they take away from those in a desperate need and there are plenty out there that really do need to feed their kids before the food stamps kick in for them. They have zero in the fridge and need immediate help. Or no heat or water in the house. How very sad for the kids to see such desperation in their parents eyes.

There is also the “homeless by choice movement” that have made a real racket out of playing off your sympathy. They know every social service to live off of the government and the kindness of and sympathy of well meaning strangers. They are theives that rob from the desperate, the maimed, the mentally ill, the children and the elderly that do need the helping hand.

I was so very worried about my 45 yr old nephew and wanted to help him anyway I could. I was naive, trusting and believed him when he said he wanted to straighten out his life. He is not an alcoholic, nor does he do drugs. He is just lazy and wants you to support him. He finds no merit in working a 9–5 job and laughs at those that do.

You may already have given him a handout through your kindness and sympathy. Maybe it was your last dollar and so you didn’t have enough to give to the really poor person in desperate need just a few blocks down. That’s exactly what he counts on. Scamming money off of you IS HIS JOB and he is good at it. He scammed me for several months, day and night, and when I finally realized it, there was no remorse from him. Only a smirk and a chuckle. Did he really need the help? No. Did he really want the help? No.

So, please don’t feel that I am judging. I have been there. I gave him more than a handful of change or a sandwich from McDonalds and a cup of coffee.

I really do wonder how many truly desperate there were that I could have taken in, fed, clothed, kept warm, given friendship to and a helping hand to but instead put my efforts into a scammer, my own nephew.

 

[Castello]

When you have worked in the trenches for awhile, you realize that most of the time the truly needy will not ask for help, you have to seek them out and almost force them to accept help. They are so thankful and a little embarrassed.

Those who sqawk “you are judging me” “what kind of church is this” when you ask a question, that is a great clue they are in the less-than-honest group.

 

[theswan]

As an alcoholic, please do not use the excuse of aiding or abbeting him. There are times where a drink may save a life. Another drink is not going to hurt an alcoholic maybe a lack of could send him into DT’s which can be deadly.

I am in my 25th year of recovery and have a few times bought booze for fellow sufferers if they agreed to going to the ER after or a detox.

The only “enabling” you can do is helping them hit bottom.

As far as beggars, I use my common sense, if I really feel the person is needy, I help as i can. What is the worse? i lose a buck?

Glen

 

[markomalley]

As far as beggars, I use my common sense, if I really feel the person is needy, I help as i can. What is the worse? i lose a buck?

Glen

That’s actually a very good point you make there. Now I don’t give to every person who panhandles and, as I’ve said earlier in this thread, I will often prefer to donate goods to them rather than money (breakfast, a cup of coffee, clothes, etc.).

But when I give money (spare change, a buck or two, or whatever), I don’t sweat too much what he/she does with that money. I consider that I am giving the money to God (through this guy/gal). What the guy/gal does with it is then between him/her and God.

 

[Catholic90]

As an alcoholic, please do not use the excuse of aiding or abbeting him. There are times where a drink may save a life. Another drink is not going to hurt an alcoholic maybe a lack of could send him into DT’s which can be deadly.

I am in my 25th year of recovery and have a few times bought booze for fellow sufferers if they agreed to going to the ER after or a detox.

The only “enabling” you can do is helping them hit bottom.

Sorry, but I lived with an alcoholic. I watched alcohol steal my husband and my children’s father. I will not provide alcohol to another drunk guy on the street. Alcohol killed my husband. So I will stand by my statement - I will not aid and abet any alcoholic or drug addict by providing funds to support their addiction.

I won’t give to anyone on the street - only agencies equipped to deal with the needy.

 

[tbcrawford]

That’s actually a very good point you make there. Now I don’t give to every person who panhandles and, as I’ve said earlier in this thread, I will often prefer to donate goods to them rather than money (breakfast, a cup of coffee, clothes, etc.).

But when I give money (spare change, a buck or two, or whatever), I don’t sweat too much what he/she does with that money. I consider that I am giving the money to God (through this guy/gal). What the guy/gal does with it is then between him/her and God.

 

[ringil]

freemoneyfinance.com/2006/06/the_bible_work_.html

Excerpt … read the comments …

One thing I love about the Bible is that it takes a hard stand on people who try to just “get by” and feed off others without doing a lick of work themselves. Here’s my favorite verse on this topic:

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Yep, don’t work, don’t eat. I think that says it all.

*Notice that it doesn’t say that those who CAN NOT work should not eat. No, we should have compassion on and help out those people. *But if someone can work, yet WILL NOT work, then he’s left to the consequences of his actions (or inactions in this case).

Here are a couple other verses on this same line of thinking:

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4

How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:9-11

I take it that you ascribe to the Protestant Work Ethic which grew out of puritan Protestantism and has been widely embraced by the American Right.

This system of thought, application of charity, and theory of wealth based on piety is not consistent with Catholic Social Teaching, indeed it is a rupture from it.