Its a bit harsh for those of us who are not homeless to pass judgment on those who are. If you’re going to give money, to anyone including your friends, family, or a homeless person, do so without your judgment or expectation of how that money is going to be spent.
Has anyone ever talked to homeless people? You will be enlightened by what some of these people face day to day, including getting help. A lot of them go from minimum wage job to layoff to homeless and the cycle repeats again. What does a shelter or food bank do for them long term? Very little other than get them a warm bed and a meal.
If you have a problem giving out cash, give food or clothing DIRECTLY to the homeless people you see. Goodwill and Salvation Army resell the goods you donate.
Have you ever brought a bag of groceries with real food (not cookies, junk food) to a homeless person and seen their extreme gratitude? But also how generous they are with sharing with others who are homeless?
Most of us, including myself, don’t give enough. Those of us who have financial stability, a nice home and nice things should give more, whether it be your time, your money, or your knowledge. Its the humane thing to do. I’m disturbed that we live in a society where people are for the most part incredibly self involved.
