Do you think it's right to give money to homeless people?

[Imsmurter1]

I live in the Bay Area and sometimes people ask me for money on the street. I know according to the Bible I should be helping out the "least of these" Matthew 25:40.

But 99% of the time I don't want to give money to these people. I don't know them and don't want to give my money to them. I'm ok with giving my money to a like a legit charity. But some random people on the street? But I don't know if I can do this in good conscience given my Christian beliefs and such.

So anyway just wondering what the rest of you all think

I never give money to homeless

I usually don't give money to homeless

I sometimes give money to homeless

You're shirking your Christian duties

The "least of these" doesn't necessarily mean just random people

Other opinion

Updates

+1 y

Do you think me not giving money runs counter to my Christian beliefs? I don’t want to give money but I feel like the Bible says I should? Unless I interpret it in a roundabout way?

[crossdressingrihno]

Here's why I don't think that not giving homeless people money doesn't necessarily go against the Christian belief



So first let's ask ourselves what are the very key components to Christianity above everything else what are they

I believe that a love of God is the number one most important thing in Christianity followed then by compassion then followed by helping others and finally selflessness not pure selflessness mind you don't have to show pure selflessness but more just be mindful of what you do and it's consequences and to be willing to sacrifice things that you love in the name of God or in the name of righteousness of being a good person and of aiding your family those who you are sworn to protect

Does giving money to homeless people fit into any of these?

Let's start with does it help you believe in God more? Probably not

Does it show your compassion? Yes it can but let's just wait for the next question before we come up with a conclusion.

Does it help the homeless people? Well food banks give them food so they probably are getting fed if they're willing to put the effort to get food then they will probably get it if you live in a city and and you starve to death most likely you either did so deliberately or just didn't think straight and in this case that is negligence and you have very little control over that so instead this money is probably going into drugs or alcohol which is just going to make their issues worse so no giving them money is not helping them it is feeding into their addiction most likely

Is giving homeless people money selfless? Well if you're giving them small amounts of change then it's not really affecting you that much you're not truly being selfless your giving off spare change it's not selfless it's just meh there's not much more to it.



Final verdict is that if you are living in a large city and the homeless people are asking for money unless you're planning on feeding their addictions probably not the best idea if you still want to help them out though I guess give them some McDonald's or something because then you at least know they're getting food and not crack it also means that no it does not go against your religion if anything it's more supported by your religious texts because you're not feeding into their addictions

Another way you can help is by helping them find a rehab center

[Imsmurter1]

Thanks alrighty then.

[Effably]

If the purpose of you giving money is to reach the same people the most efficient thing you can do really is to give it to them yourself.

To simplify most charities likely spend about 15$ or so to get each 100$. They then have other added costs for another 25$, leaving 60$ to the intended purpose. Of course false reporting and evaluations are and always have been rampant in charity organisations. The red cross has historically been under fire for their only 9% reaching end-goal statistic. While that is likely as false as their own claim that 93% does, reality is we have no clue.

As for giving to homeless. Usually not, it happens.
Where I live there are two major reasons playing into my choice:

1. Actual welfare. They can get living accomodations, food, internet and transport covered for free within a day of seeking help. This isn't some distant possibility but a human right. It also really is not a pretty living situation. Coupled with free healthcare and alike begging really is very rarely a must.

2. Playing into the former reason to some extent. Most beggars here are essentially part of the criminal side of society. That is most, absolutely not all. However a majority still are. And so giving them money here tends to ultimately mean you're paying their 'pimp'.

Pairing those two reasons I rarely give money directly. I still strongly prefer to give money as direct as possible when I do. For example a previous teacher of mine travels once a year to donate things himself to various places. Covering all costs himself and donating 100% of anything he gets. Still comes with some trust issues of course, but I feel better donating to groups I can also hold accountable.

[muscularbumblebee]

I’ll personally never give them money, where I live and work anyway a lot of the homeless are drug addicts, alcoholics or have serious issues. If they’re really hungry maybe get them something to eat but actual money no way. There’s charities, churches etc for that. If they refuse to go there because of their ‘issues’ that’s their problem


I’m not being unsympathetic at all. At my workplace making coffee for customers we would get violent and abusive homeless come in either steal, shout, or throw tables, sometimes do drugs in the bathrooms almost daily or multiple times a day. It’s not even a bad area and have to call the police all the time. Personal experience I’ve learned being nice doesn’t work. Maybe if I knew them personally but they we aren’t a charity..

[Goforit1010]

I NEVER give $$ to homeless people. Just because I don't do that doesn't mean I don't help them at all. I'm more than willing to buy them a meal for food.

Far too many homeless people use the $$ for drugs and alcohol. I KNOW they ALL don't do that either.

My wife and I have done this many times, sometimes at the disdain of local business owners. To be truthful, it's not like we do this on a regular basis.

[jshm2]

Why don't you want to give money to your betters?

Those homeless are following Jesus better than you, they are less worldly, is all.

[notwoke]

if they are really handicapped yes, otherwise: Everyone is hiring right now. Get a job

[WhiteBoyChill]

Unless it’s a veteran or a sweet old man or something, I’m only willing to give them food

[007kingifrit]

no it's wrong. it just makes more homeleess