Is giving money to homeless people a waste?

Question

I gave money (a dollar or less once) to this crackhead that would always come around asking for money. The very next 10min. she came asking me for money and I said, I just gave you some money. Another time a lady was outside this restaurant asking for money to buy food, so instead of giving her money, I went into the restaurant and bought her a beef patty and gave it to her. Do you know what she said? She said I don't like beef. WHAT!?! I just walked away.

Answer 1

Something like that happened to me once, and i learned from it.  I just donate to a charity now.

Answer 2

Sometimes yes and sometimes no...it's hard to say depending on the situation.

Answer 3

What some people don't understand that some homeless people don't want to be helped by way of getting them off the streets. Those just begging for dollors want a drink or some way of getting high, while the homeless that really want your help won't be standing on the corner or walking up to strangers. They will be in shelters with their children, needing a helping hand. Now, if you noticed, I did not say all homeless people, don't want help, just some homeless people don't want help.

Answer 4

yes its a waste. once this man told me this really sad story about how he needed to get to fresno and his car ran out of gas and blah blah blah... i scraped what change i could find from my car (i was only 18 and had a part time fast food job) and gave it to him. 1 week later to the day, he started telling me the exact same story. i was pissed. atleast people who wash windows and pick up cans try! people who beg are pathetic!

Answer 5

I have had that happen before, so I just don't give to them anymore.  It is funny because I tried to give a homeless man a pack of candy, and he refused it...and that caused me not to give to any others.

Answer 6

Sorry I have to agree with this observation.   It is a waste to give money to panhandlers.  You had the right idea by giving food to the lady outside of the restaurant.  Beggars can't be choosers.

Answer 7

No, use descretion......buy a meal, buy clothes, buy toilettries, or give gift-cards that cannot be redeemed for cash. Don't worry, it will go to good use. Be Blessed and be a Blessing to others.

Answer 8

yes it is if they are going to treat you like that after what you have done for them

Answer 9

Many homeless people are drug/alcohol addicts, and mentally ill.

The money generally goes to feed their habit, not their stomachs - as you found out with the sandwich.  I've had them get furious that I tried to buy them a meal, in lieu of giving them cash.

It's very sad that our society doesn't really know how to help these people.

Is it a waste?  It depends on your perspective, I guess.

Answer 10

That's been my experience also.

The homeless in my area seem to have a job - Begging is their job.

One fellow was befriended by a church group, given a job, an apartment and the use of a car. Within two weeks he was back at his old spot waving a "need money for food" sign. Alcoholism and drug abuse are only reinforced by giving to the homeless.

Better to give cash donations to homeless agencies so they can help those who want help.