Why do some see giving cash to homeless people as kind or helpful?

Question

Some argue that giving money directly to homeless individuals may not always lead to positive outcomes, as there is a possibility that the money could be spent on alcohol, drugs, gambling, cigarettes, or other harmful activities. They believe that ongoing financial handouts without addressing the underlying causes of homelessness can sometimes reduce motivation to seek employment, treatment, or long-term independence.

This perspective suggests that making a difficult situation more comfortable without encouraging self-sufficiency may unintentionally contribute to dependency. Some compare this to the concept of codependency, where a person feels responsible for rescuing or supporting another individual in ways that may prevent them from developing independence. In this view, providing support should focus on helping people access housing, employment, education, healthcare, and other services that promote long-term stability rather than creating reliance on ongoing assistance.

Others, however, argue that immediate financial help can provide dignity, relief, and support during times of crisis, and that not all people experiencing homelessness misuse money or lack a desire to become self-sufficient. The debate often centres on the most effective way to help people achieve both immediate safety and long-term independence.

There are also many people who simply do not have the financial means or resources to help everyone who asks for money or support. With so many individuals in need, it is often impossible for any one person to assist every request they encounter.

Why do some see giving cash to homeless people as kind or helpful?

Just_Ken · Accepted Answer

I used to but not anymore, here's why. I used to work as a bar tender at night in pubs and clubs. Now on my way to and from my day job I used to see these guys and women begging on the street and if I had change id give them what I had. But then in my bar work I started to notice these same homeless beggers but they werent dressed in rags. One which really struck me was this one guy stepping into the club with this gorgeous blonde in a tight white dress. They werent homeless, they were professional beggers and doing very well. Used to see the same with Romanian beggers, the women& children would be in rags on the street ferried from town to town often in the cold looking destitute without hope. Then at the end of the day a brand new landrover or mercedes would pick them up.

I do help the homeless but through charity organisations and I also only donate now to Catholic organisations. there's a whole thing about that too.

darkcloud1945 · Accepted Answer

Send them all to NYC; they will take care of them. Commie Mayor Momdani will take care of them with free buses, free clothing, food, medical care, housing, money, education [if wanted], and you do not have to do a thing like work, and you can shit and piss in the streets. If you commit a crime, you are back on the streets before the cops finish their paperwork. [CASHLESS BAIL] Police being defunded, no cops hired, police class being terminated. In NYC, you need your money more than the homeless, because it is all being paid for with YOUR tax money

FreyaRed · Accepted Answer

They need money for drugs and alcohol. Giving them money is mostly deepening of their misery. We have in western world social structures which prevent people starve of freeze in winter. Social housing and food cards they can buy groceries (no alc and cigarettes) is enough to help those people to get back on the rails. Giving them money is counter productive.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I find it more merciful to help them get by for right now so they don't die while they try to improve their situation. Not all misuse it, even though I know some do. Sometimes I give them food instead. I'm not entirely consistent with it tbh

DonaldDarko · Answer

Give them drugs dripping with fentanyl instead of cash. The government should be doing this. IV hard liquor in one arm and drugs in the other. Rig body bags a hammocks. Just tie the bag between some poles and unzip it. The "homeless" can lay in the bag untill it's time to zip it up and transport them to the coroner where they will be checked for any gold fillings in their teeth.

MerakSahibi · Answer

Poverty isn't what pushes people into this—drug addiction is. Any money you hand them will likely go toward meth or heroin, I don't know which. The greatest act of kindness is to give them a job. Whether they actually want to work or are even capable of it is another question.

Jersey2 · Answer

People need some help to eat and small comforts. A guy sleeping on the cold ground in a sleeping bag outside of a gym when I just exited a nice restaurant can take a twenty from me that he didn’t even ask for. Everyone needs a little something just to feel human.

strateguy632 · Answer

cash is a risk they might buy alcohol or smoke and still be hungry. offering them bread or cold water is fair. but i saw they were not really hungry just trying to get money.

FrodoSkywalker007 · Answer

Some people are homeless due to circumstances out of their control. Many however are there due to choices, especially addiction. Supplying money to that is a serious mistake.

RavVid · Answer

It is harmful because it does go on drugs and encourages them to sleep rough.

exitseven · Answer

Why not just flush it downn the toilet? They will just buy booze and drugs with the money

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Because they are stupid. You don't give lazy people money.

msc545 · Answer

It is kind of helpful, and you would think so also if you were homeless.

Why do some see giving cash to homeless people as kind or helpful?

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