Is giving money to the homeless a bad idea?

Question: Is giving money to the homeless a bad idea!?

Many of them are able bodies and could find work!. Is giving them money making them unreliable on them self and leaving them reliable on a society, not helping them in the long run!? So if we didn't give them money, it would be for the best!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

having previously been homeless in the past i would advise you

never ever give money to homeless people

many are on drink and drugs and that easy money only fuels their bad habits!. if you want to give them then make it food or a soft or warm drink and a little of your time asking them about themselves which can give them some dignity to perhaps find another way of living

some are on the game and will be made to hand any cash to other homeless people - food is less easy to abuse in this way!.

and btw for many homeless people although life is hard there are many agencies out there to help them back on their feet, feed and clothe them so don't feel bad about not giving them all money on demand

(and btw i was ill which meant that life kinda dropped me between stools which was how i became homeless but now i am happily settled in a nice home and family thank you for asking readers)Www@QuestionHome@Com

I wouldn't know how to begin to judge between them!. I do know that many homeless people have mental health problems and just cannot fit in!. Alcohol and drugs self inflicted as they are still do not lead everyone to the streets - there but fortune go you or I!.

I have compassion for all homeless no matter their story - its a hard life they will die early - near me they get beaten up regularly and take it!. There are mostly multiple causes for a particular state not just one!.

I'm not the guardian of street morality and what should be -

Krishnamurti said - it is no measure of sanity to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society - maybe there are those who just cannot cope with the way we have our society - I agree but I manage better!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Some people do it as it makes themselves feel better - (i!.e that comment on i suspect it helps you a great deal) !.!.!.

Some people do it because they empathise with the homeless person and genuinely don't like to see them suffering

Some people do it cus they have spare change and don't think any more of it than that!.

And some people do question if they should or not because not only are they kind but they are smart enough to see the bigger picture - this would be you!.

But in actual fact there is no right or wrong answer !.!. why!?

Because if you do - you will feel nice for helping, they will feel nice for receiving no harm done - as whatever they spend it on they would spend anyones money on and if it wasn't you it would be the state or another passer by!.

Because if you don't if will not take away the bigger issues of homelessness such as government aid, policy, addressing their addiction or other reasons for being their in the first place!.

So it comes down to personal choice!.
They will still be homeless and still face the issues that make them homeless whether you give them money or not!.

If you give them alot of money - that's different - that would be a whole other debate !!!!

ASLAN: Nice answerWww@QuestionHome@Com

I guess it depends!. There are lots of homeless people who are handicapped, for instance!. Where I live, there are plenty of kids who beg money!. You can find them in any busy area!. But I suppose there are those who also use it on booze and drugs, like many have already pointed out!.
Food and clothes are better options!. I have heard that a share of the money collected by the beggar kids and women gets taken by police and some other agents!.
Www@QuestionHome@Com

It depends on the situation!. I generally don't give money to people when the signs indicate that they will simply spend it on drugs or booze or something else harmful!.

But I also think we ALL rely on society in different ways!. Think about the big government bailout of all those banks and corporations - talk about relying on society instead of helping yourself! Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you can afford it then give and should you see the same person in a similar street at some time in the future ask yourself did I do any good with my money!.
I generally do not like charity, it lacks control, you are the giver but it is someone else who is deciding what to spend your cash on and where to donate its benefits, this might easily be in total contrast to your own way of thinking!.
I used to put into a charity box along with many as a youngster on a regular basis giving a set amount each week, when the box was presented to the charity is was on a friday evening, we were told to leave it and it would be counted, a receipt sent on later!.
When the receipt came it was for an amount that was far far less than the amount we knew had been donated this has really made me think about charity all my life since!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

"Many of them are able bodies and could find work!. " no, they cant!. in order to get a normal job, ie not sell big issue, you have to have AN ADDRESS, in order to get an address, ie a home you need a job, ask at any rental place if they will let you rent from them if you dont have a job they wont let you!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

Whether it helps the bum or not isn't really that important!. I suspect it helps you a great deal!.

Edit; An unpopular truth is that humans are motivated by incentive!. Trying to help another makes us feel good about ourselves and deep down that is the incentive!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It's always a good idea to be a good Samaritan!. Whatever they decide to do with their money, it's their problem!. You just have to hope that whoever you give away money to is actually gonna use it for food!.

VIVA LA RAZA!Www@QuestionHome@Com

True homelessness, where a person cannot get out of their predicament is solely a mental health issue in Canada!. Living on welfare would be a terribly austere existence, but even with this meager stipend, one can find a tiny room and hit up soup kitchens!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I say we should open a homeless rehab center that teaches the homeless how to get up on their feet and help with any drug problems if theres any!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Most homeless people are satisfied with the life they are leading!.
One percent that isn′t, will appreciate your help!.
Don′t give money, give advice how to get money!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

People don't get competent from deprivation, and some people shall never be competent as adults!. Just budget your self and give people the knowledge that there *are* human beings out there!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Dont judge every homeless person because a few might just be lazy beings!. Some people get screwed over in this society believe it or not!. By who!? The government!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i dont want to say ALL, but some homless will just buy alcohol or drugs, which is most likely some of them are homeless!.

but if u want to give them something, give them food or clothes!. maybe money!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Some humans will not fit into the generally approved pattern!. A little compassion never comes amiss!. Money is only money!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I don't think so and i think that it is good for you to give something to them!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

in general they would just spend it on drugs and boose!!. but sometimes there really are some genuine people out there!

can you answer mine please!:)Www@QuestionHome@Com

yes its a bad idea!.!.!.if you want to do charity try giving them food or hug or coffee to keep them warm!.!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

no!.!.!.because believe it or not, people do get screwed over by the government!.!.!.try asking some of them their stories, you might be surprised!.!.!.=}Www@QuestionHome@Com

noWww@QuestionHome@Com

!.!.!.no, they become dependent!.!.!.
!.!.!.make them clean up places and build things!.!.!.
!.!.!.to compensate for a free room and board!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com