What do you think of this idea to give panhandlers cards with directions to social service agencies?

Question

as opposed to giving them money? i think its arrogant and naive, they already know of those places , you not telling them anything they already know ,in fact social services give you a reason to NOT care.

Answer 1

1. Some times having a job don't always meet all your needs.  

2. Some people have jobs are force to take hugh pay cuts, or are not expected to get a raise anytime soon, have limited perks, no room for advancement, jobs being down sized, closed or shipped overseas.

3. Some people have bills to pay right away and don't have time to wait 4-12weeks before paperwork goes thought to determine whether they are approved or not.  

4. Some people worked and lived by society laws all their lives until one day they were injured and couldn't work any more.  Insurance stop covering the medical bills, spouse couldn't work 2-3 jobs and take care of them or maybe they not marry, have no help and no known family members has the means to take care of them. etc.....

5. Some people worked for 20-30yrs but dropped out of school in the 5th or 6th grade to accept a job that one day went under or maybe did a force buy out and now they find themselves with good skills but not enought education because the jobs now adays requires BA, BS, MS or PHD for the same jobs they were during perior with little or no education.

All I'm saying is STOP judging a book by its cover.  EVERYONE is one bad decision from being out on the street whether its due to their fault or to no fault of themselves. (Maybe their job closed and they were living pay check to pay check, which most American are).

Some people need money and food not paperwork!

If you can help and is willing to do so, then by all means do so. If you can't then don't.  

Some people don't know where certain places are that will help them.  If you were put out tomorrow do you know what church actually have funds to help their community, where to go get food, what park is safe to sleep, where your local shelter is, do you have enough money to get on a bus or take a cab to get to that shelter (maybe its you and your children or spouse that has to make this decision or a family pet that is just as your family as it will be the animal shelter).  Do you know??

Yes some people take advantage but believe me not all.  I just pray that you are always in a position to take care of yourself and family, Plus your children is always in a position and their children and even their children children will be able to take care of themselve.  But even if you find you or a love one falls down I pray that somebody somewhere will have a heart to say, "I will help you where I can".  whether its giving them knowledge on where to get help, giving them a few dollars to eat and drink for a day or so, so taking them in.  

The world is not a friendly places and its some real people out here that is in need of REAL help not your judgement!

Answer 2

Why not tell them to get a job and then show them your full wallet and some pictures of your kids?

Noone is forced to help the homeless or give ol Stinky Steve a cup of coffee.....they do it because they want to.

If you dont want to (trust me, you dont)....then dont do it.

Ill tell you what, if it comes between me going to a soup kitchen or me going to your pantry.....Im going for your pantry.  I think Ill have seconds and pick up something yummy for my daughter.

I will then leave a card that tells you how to install alarms on your windows and where you can send more cash to the government for law enforcement to try and stop me next time.

I like this....now we are brainstorming!

What was the question again?