Any sociologist / anthropologist or social sciences teacher/ students here?

Question

I accidently read heading of an article which said something like YOUR CHARITY IS HURTING ME (me=homeless). The other day we were discussing in the class about homeless and poverty. We came across the term "compassion fatigue". Even though I do kind of get that its better to make someone learn how to make a living instead of feeding him eveyday, I still wonder is our charity really hurting? I mean what about the little kids who dont have basic nessesities and irresponsible parents? Arent we suppose to do something about them?

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

Answer 1

This is why homeless programs that work on long-term solutions should be implemented. We should not just "starve" people, because they need to figure it out themselves, but at the same time, continuously giving them everything they need will also not empower them to move forward. I personally believe that in a perfect world, homelessness could best be fought by programs that help people in the short term - food, a bed, etc. - but work on the future: getting job training, teaching financial responsibility, etc.

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

I've never heard a story from someone who is homeless that does not include extenuating circumstances beyond just not having a job.  Usually there are confounding factors such as mental illness, addiction, disability, abuse, illiteracy, etc.  

While we should certainly be helping people meet the immediate needs of getting appropriate food and shelter, we should also be providing services that address and offer support with these other issues.  Mental health services, substance abuse treatment, education, counseling, job training, etc.  Those are the services that will help in the long term.  

Take those children you were referring to:  Yes, we should get them a good meal and place to stay, but we should also help mom and/or dad get the services they need to help the family get off the streets.  That's solving the problem instead of just putting a band-aid on it.