Are we really helping the poor people out in the streets when we give them money?

Question

Because sometimes i think we are just encouraging them to rely on other people? Or that sometimes they will just use the money to buy or do other illegal stuff.

Answer 1

In general  you're not. Many street people are either drug addicts or alcoholics and will just use any money given to them for those things. If someone is asking for money for food, offer to buy them something. If they are really hungry they'll accept your offer. If not they'll probably just get pissed and leave.

Answer 2

sure you're helping them...helping them get drunk or something likewise.

Answer 3

I always remember the tale of the individual that - upon being asked for "spare coins for a cup of coffee" by a beggar - immediately offered to take them into the local "fast food" store and buy them breakfast and coffee.  The beggar declined.

I'll happily drop coins in the hat/guitar case of a street artist or busker; but I NEVER give money to someone simply asking for handouts.

If someone wants money from me... come into my house and vacuum my floors for me and I'll happily give you $20 an hour to clean (I HATE housework).  Rattle a tin for a worthy charity, and I'll happily drop in any coins I have.  But don't sit in front of the doors at the supermarket and ask me for money.  Because I'll just walk passed you.

Ye Gods!!!  I'm developing into my mother!  LOL

Answer 4

give a man a fish you fed him for a day teach a man to fish and you fed them for life most likely the$ will not go to food by them a burger when you give it to them give them a slip of paer with local shelter and aid for homeless research the area cut paste print

Answer 5

You may have a point, but at the end of the day, I feel better knowing I may have helped them.  Everyone hopes the guy's gonna go buy some food, but even if they do use it for liquor, who cares?  If its the winter, you just helped keep them warm and happy for a couple hours.  If they use if for weed, you may have just bought them a little happiness.

All in all, they are in such a low state that they rely on the help of complete strangers - as far as I'm concerned, that's the more helpless a person can be.  No matter where they turn around and spend my money, the fact simply being that they are in such a low state that they had to ask ME, a total stranger, for money, shows me that they need it more than I do.

Answer 6

Yes sometimes they buy booze and sometimes some of them may buy drugs, but many of them probably buy things they need, mostly food.  And why should others who spend it on food and blankets, and fresh water be left out because of those who are hooked?  Would you want others to judge you buy what others do?  Why should they hire any people  when some of them spend most of their money on booze and junk food?  See my point?  You cannot judge all people by what some do.  

Answer 7

no, I think by giving most of them money they use it for illegal activity or to feed their habits (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs)

It's still nice to try though. I still do it when I can. I'd rather give them a dollar then read about them robbing an old lady for her spare change.

Shawneen<3  

Answer 8

I wouldnt say it helps them

Nobody gives them enough money to really help but i dont think it makes a difference either way

Answer 9

You may or may not be helping them survive the day, but you're definitely not helping them to end the cycle of homelessness or being poor.  Personally, I don't give them money...but if it makes you feel good then that's all that really matters.

Answer 10

i don't think so, they probably do get illegal stuff. i heard some people buy them a lunch or give canned food instead, which sounds reasonable to me.

Answer 11

Give unto the Widow, take care unto those orphaned and in need.  As you do unto them you do unto me.  Jesus Christ

  He made no mention of drug addicts, but I don't think Our Lord would want you to help in some ones demise through self deprecation.  Do you not know how to do good?  It is mercy not sacrifice that the Lord wants of the.  In helping those unfortunate, you do sometimes to angels without even knowing,  You never know when you will Be tested by the path you take.  It's all up to you pal who you wish to help.  I'm sure you can find someone in need like children to help.  That would be great.

Answer 12

most of them have mental problems or something if it helps them for the time good for them.its not like if no one gives them anything they will change their whole life for the better.

Answer 13

There's usually a reason why they are where they are.

The working homeless need the money but have too much pride to sit and beg, not the bums who don't want to work.