Beggers

[Mike]

Here's a simple question (maybe).

If your out in a city or otherwise, and you pass someone asking people passing by for money, do you generally give them something?

If you're in a big city with many of them, is there something that compels you to give to one but not another?

Something I've done for a while; if we head into the city for something, I'll bring a handful of single-packaged granola bars. Personally, I'd rather give them food than money for reasons that are probably obvious. I've had a few thrown back at me. :gah

 

[logical bob]

I very rarely give to beggars. Instead I give regular money to a homelessness charity. I think my money is more likely to do some good that way.

 

[Caroline H]

That's a good idea to give out granola bars, never thought of that. And I agree with Logical Bob, I'd feel more comfortable giving money to an established ministry rather than just to a person on the street... unless of course the Holy Spirit so moved me to do it.

 

[PouringRain]

The granola bars is a good idea, Mike. I do not give money. We have given food before, clothing, etc. There are a lot of programs here for homeless to go to for help, and for jobs to earn money on a daily basis.

 

[Pard]

I do not have the money to give to them, nor would I give it if I had it. As Mike said, the reasons for hesitating to give money are obvious. I have helped them in other ways. Little things mostly. If I am the one taking the recycling out for the week I try to put all the cans and bottles on top so they do not have to work hard to find them.

I have given a homeless man a ride to the grocery store once so he could turn in his bottles. I felt it was the right thing to do, and so I did it. That is not something I would normally do at all. Before I let him out he prayed for me... I know full well that it was God who made me feel comfortable in taking him.

 

[Oats]

I'm different..I give money...and let them decide what to do with it...It's not my bussiness what they do but What I do....All that matters is the intentions of your heart

 

[Pard]

I'm different..I give money...and let them decide what to do with it...It's not my bussiness what they do but What I do....All that matters is the intentions of your heart

That's a good point, actually. I do not mean to argue against it at all, however I wonder if by giving them money it would be tempting them. I'd rather give the money to a food bank than to someone who may be tempted to use it for drugs or something over the food it is intended for.

 

[Oats]

I'm different..I give money...and let them decide what to do with it...It's not my bussiness what they do but What I do....All that matters is the intentions of your heart

That's a good point, actually. I do not mean to argue against it at all, however I wonder if by giving them money it would be tempting them. I'd rather give the money to a food bank than to someone who may be tempted to use it for drugs or something over the food it is intended for.

You're right as well...volunteering is good too...it brings out the service

 

[bleeverhal]

I somertimes give money...depends on the situation. My wife disagrees with this and often conjectures on the kind of life-style that may have led to the begging, to which I reply that Jesus said to give to the poor, not to judge them. However, I do not give to all who ask, as I believe we are to use some discretion, which could indeed be construed as judging. But, hey, I ain't perfect. I depend upon some discernment in such matters - sometimes I feel led to give. I have also been known to hit the nearest drive-through burger vendor and just hand over a sack.

 

[handy]

I don't give money. Money can be a dangerous thing for the homeless. They can use it for alcohol or drugs, or be at risk for being mugged.

I will buy food.

 

[l'Chante]

Beggars don’t beg because they need money. They beg because of their need to be acknowledged. It doesn’t matter if you give them a Granola bar, an apple, $1.00 or $1000.00. All that matters to them is that they are being recognised. It is a known fact that men and women from upper class neighbourhoods would dress like hobos, get in their Mercedes drive to town and beg. Why? To fill the need to be recognised as a human and not as some rich, faceless person.

I know beggars by their first names. Lionel with his Oxford English accent. Graham who used to be a captain in the police force. Shawn who used to have his own little business which burnt down and the insurance didn’t pay out. They all just want to be recognised. None of them are drunks. They know when I missed a day at work because I look them in the eyes and I ask them if they slept warm .They don’t expect anything from me like money, food or cigarettes. They get what they want from me. Acknowledgement. They matter to God, so they matter to me.

I understand that the general conception of beggars is that they are useless drunks, but be careful to generalise. These people are good people. Well, the bulk of them anyway. If you do give, do it like Oats. Other people’s sobriety is not our responsibility. What they do with the money is their choice. God look at our hearts.

 

[Mike]

IC, I really like your post. Sometimes, if I don't have anything, I'll purposefully avert my eyes, so I don't make eye contact. What you say makes sense, however I would never get to know anyone by name, 'cause I rarely run into anyone. Only when I go into the city do I see them.

I've read papers quoting the percentage of the homeless that are homeless because they are severely mentally deranged; a lot of psychosis. Therefore, I wonder if carrying on even a brief conversation would be a challenge.

Besides the granola bars, I've picked up packets of McDonald's gift certificates; tear of dollar by dollar as I pass people by. Not mentioning these things to get a pat on the back. Since I rarely go into the city (Detroit), it's not as if it's a full time job for me. So probably about 15 times a year, I'll bring about 5 dollars in granola bars or gift cards. Not much.

 

[l'Chante]

I'll bring about 5 dollars in granola bars or gift cards. Not much.

You are acknowledging their existence. You are making them feel like they matter. That is what counts. I can’t give much either, being a single parent.

I work in South Africa’s business mecca – Johannesburg. There are plenty of beggars here. Every now and then I will buy some soap or tin food if it’s on a special and I’ll give it to them. The fact of the matter is; you can give these people a brick and they’ll treasure it, but eye contact and a little small talk make their day. They actually look forward to it.

 

[Nick]

I don't give money. Money can be a dangerous thing for the homeless. They can use it for alcohol or drugs, or be at risk for being mugged.

I will buy food.

Same here, Dora. Some of these homeless folks that I see are in a pretty bad shape and I don't exaclty feel like giving them money so they can degrade themselves further. I think food or giving to charities is a better option, and it is likely to go to better use.