Should we give homeless people cash even if they might buy booze?

[Telekinetic-Potato]

A long time ago when I was new to taking the subway in the city. I asked commuters if they give money to the beggers. And the common answers I got was either no, or I'll take buy them food but not give money..

And I asked a guy what about if they buy drugs with it or booze. And he said something like "why is that bad if they get booze? Is it against your religion? Are they underage? You've never had a beer at the end of a hard day? Every day for that person is hard. Maybe a beer tricking his body into thinking it's warm is what let's him wake up when he goes to sleep in the freezing cold tonight maybe if he dies doing drugs tonight, how different is that from these hospitals putting people in hospice. Are you trying to fix his life or is it enough to give a suffering person something to be happy about."

Is the gist of this whole rant he spoke very pragmatically and sincerely. And went "I'm not telling you what to do, but you asked a question and maybe that will help you find your answer."

And I think about that day a lot. Because it changed how I treat everyone honestly.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I’m glad he helped you realize that trying to shame someone for making choices that you had zero control over anyway helped you.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I don't think I wanted shame the homeless. I was just 18 and neither choice felt right after I did it but I wasn't sure why. But ya I think that guy was just so wise and kind. I still feel lucky I met him.

[purplepoppy]

An alcoholic doesn't need money to get alcohol. If they want it they just steal it. The problem is if you're living on the streets your in a pretty shit situation so it's understandable you'd want to be rat arsed to get through the night

[Alex-Snow]

I saw a person panhandling and right across the street there were two placed that had a "Help Wanted" sign posted. I pointed this out to the guy and he said he makes more money panhandling. Go figure!

[Iron_Man]

They will buy alcohol. The best thing to do is ask them what kind of food they like. Then the next time you see them bring them food and hand it to them personally

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

Never give a lazy person money.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

Lol I feel that but what would you do if you were some smelly hobo with a limp? How do you even begin to get out of that? You probably have to start by getting very lucky.

[Shp22]

Giving food is fine but Money, NEVER! Many people make this a habit and simply don't want to work

[beenherebefore]

If I can I'd rather offer them food.

[exitseven]

We should just let the cops run them off.

[worldscolide]

No. I never give money. I give food but that's it