When people homeless beg for money on the street corner, how often do you give them money?

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I have no right to see anyone but Christ when I see those less fortunate, for the Grace of God, there go I. I have no right to judge their circumstances by way of assuming to know their circumstances. There was an interesting story on this site years ago. An attorney would drive through areas of gutted homes and destitution and was moved to donate large sums of money to charitable causes as well as give to the beggars in the location during Holidays, most especially Christmas. He said it was the beggar who “moved his heart” to charity…This may seem insignificant and place all focus on the wealthy attorney, but if one looks closer they see it was the poor man whom by todays standards is considered ‘dirty’ and/or ‘insignificant’ that moved a heart to be charitable proving ALL men have worth and can contribute to the Kingdom of God…Even if that contribution to society was to move hearts to charity. Haha…who knows how many souls the beggar has saved, charity/love will cover a multitude of sins…
 
Reuben_J said:
Nobody would want to beg if they can help it, so it is a dilemma whether by giving we encourage their present lifestyle or that they really just cannot help themselves.
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Please go to youtube and search for fake homeless people exposed.
 
I give EVERY TIME . Usually about 3-5 bucks. I am not around the homeless too much…so it is not a big deal to me, but the kids are watching me and have been extremely influenced by how I treat these people. It is not my job to decide how they will use the money.
 
Every time I have cash I share it, and I try to make sure I always have cash. I also try to keep bottled water in my car to share as well.
 
EXdrinker said:
Please go to youtube and search for fake homeless people exposed.
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I knew a man who felt so bad for a beggar he saw every day on his way to work. He offered him a job in his restaurant at $10 an hour. The beggar seemed offended and said, “I make $16 an hour here!”

It’s a true story. The man was a beggar by choice and making more than some hard working people.
 
Blessedwithfive said:
It is not my job to decide how they will use the money.
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That’s true. I used to give to everyone, but I don’t want to be responsible for someone’s drug overdose or drunken stupor. Now, the money I would have given to those who beg on the streets, I give to legitimate charities.
 
It’s kind of interesting this weeks gospel from John is about the fish and loaves. Our Priest noted within the homily that they were there because they had known of his “signs”…but we need to see beyond the signs…he further made us ponder that we see this side of heaven into the one to come. Everyone eats and has their fill, there are even left overs. I am guilty of knowing all too well that in my giving I have seen thrice fold come to me in many forms. Give without judgment has never failed me, the extra we have belongs to the poor anyways and most of the saints claimed when Christ came to them in mysterious ways He was usually clothed as the beggar.
 
It’s a tricky situation. You want to help the poor but you also don’t want to enable someone who might well have a drug problem. Don’t beat yourself up for not handling it perfectly in the moment.
 
With $5 for a homeless, I can supply meals for a dozen of them.

Quick meals are bread with peanut butter, jellied sauce or honey, steamed garden vegetables. Most like fried rice with scrambled eggs and vegetables.
Swiss chards and yam leaves grow wild in my little garden.
I started high calorie milk chocolate last week.

Holy Spirit taught me another day, just say God love them. Then go on other crowd.
 
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On holy days, I decorate the cross sign on dinner rolls. Very easy and fast. They will remember the Lord forever.

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I think you handled it okay. Is there a food pantry you could have directed him to?

I cannot remember the last time I carried any actual money. I won’t give them money. I’ll buy them a meal, but I won’t give them money.

I would never buy anyone a Coke. It’s junk. No nutrition. A Carnation Breakfast drink or a can of Boost or Ensure is better. At least it gets some nutrition in them.
 
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The other thing I have heard with fake homeless people is that they can become very abusive when you try to give food instead of money.
 
ConfusedLucy said:
The other thing I have heard with fake homeless people is that they can become very abusive when you try to give food instead of money.
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I’ve experienced that, too.

Not long ago a man was standing outside McDonald’s asking for money for food.

One of the other patrons offered to buy food for him and the man was fumbling all over trying to come up with lame excuses why he wanted the money instead of food.
 
Some times I will give a small amount of money. Other times I will buy food for those in need. Always taken with gratitude.
 
Always, my fifth pocket has money only for that purpose. Either that or my shirt pocket. I got into the habit of doing it because I always felt guilty for not giving it. Now I always do it.
 
I try and abide by this:

http://www.catholicnews.com/service...-always-give-homeless-a-handout-pope-says.cfm
One thing people may tell themselves to feel better about not giving anything, the pope said, is “I give money and then he spends it on drinking a glass of wine.”
But, the pope said, if “a glass of wine is the only happiness he has in life, that’s OK. Instead, ask yourself what do you do on the sly? What ‘happiness’ do you seek in secret?”
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If I have change on me, then why not? I try not to think about where the money goes in that form of charitable giving. However, when it comes to charities themselves I do like looking at their ratings—how much per dollar is actually spent on their causes.

Sites like https://www.charitynavigator.org/ can help with that.

But for the individual, what’s a dollar or two and a kind word? Much more, than me having my head filled with judgemental nonsense.

🌷
 
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toddy said:
If I find a homeless on the street, then I feel being blessed. I have a good chance to save his or her soul.
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I feel blessed too…They have a chance to save my wretched soul, Christ in Person, I’ve hit the jackpot for the day!~ yuh, hoooo!~ An opportunity to cover a multitude of sins…‘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.’
 
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