What do you do when someone is begging for money?  We see them on the side of the road holding signs, or in front of grocery or shopping malls, or maybe even people we know.  Do you help when they ask for money?  There are some who live off the kindness and generosity of others, always begging money, some are even able-bodied to work but prefer the handout.  Should we be enabling them?  What is our moral obligation and duty?

What do you do when someone is begging for money?  We see them on the side of the road holding signs, or in front of grocery or shopping malls, or maybe even people we know.  Do you help when they ask for money?  There are some who live off the kindness and generosity of others, always begging money, some are even able-bodied to work but prefer the handout.  Should we be enabling them?  What is our moral obligation and duty?

I'd be careful about some of the conclusions you make about people like that.  The overwhelming super majority of homeless people in america are white men.  Typically, most people think white male = guy who is super-employable and has  lots of "advantages" or "privileges."  Not true.  

Quote from: Guest

Quote from: Guest

What do you do when someone is begging for money?  We see them on the side of the road holding signs, or in front of grocery or shopping malls, or maybe even people we know.  Do you help when they ask for money?  There are some who live off the kindness and generosity of others, always begging money, some are even able-bodied to work but prefer the handout.  Should we be enabling them?  What is our moral obligation and duty?

I'd be careful about some of the conclusions you make about people like that.  The overwhelming super majority of homeless people in america are white men.  Typically, most people think white male = guy who is super-employable and has  lots of "advantages" or "privileges."  Not true.  

I should have been more clear.  When I mentioned some who are able to work but instead take charity from others, I was referring to some whom I know do this.  They themselves say they can work but in order to make ends meet would have to take 2 jobs or take a job that requires Sunday work schedule, or some other undesirable aspect, to the point they refuse employment because it does not meet perfect expectations.  If they can receive money simply by begging it off friends or relatives, should the friends or relatives keep doling out the cash?  

OTOH, the strangers we see begging, you're right we can't so easily judge their particular situation.  I have always been of the mind to give the benefit of doubt.  God knows if their need is truly genuine.  If I give money to them and they didn't need it, it doesn't take away from any merit and grace I might receive.  We are supposed to practise the Corporal Works of Mercy, insofar as we are able.   My question pertains more to the ones we know can work and don't but keep asking for money.  Are we morally obligated?

I don't  know, sounds like a wife and kids to me.

Many homeless are hidden, for example children sleeping on a relative's couch, families in shelters and situations like that.

For someone on the corner one thing to do is keep food in your car that does not need to be prepared like granola bars, tuna in a pouch, canned sausage, cookies. If it's a hot climate keep water bottles or juice boxes. You can buy  coffee or meal for a person outside of fast food or a gas station and then give the person the receipt for it. Some things depend on the climate. Up north in big cities buy blankets from the thrift store or emergency wool blend type of blankets to give out. Thrift stores have amazing deals when they close out the season. Look out for large jackets, sweatshirts, wool sweaters and wool scarves.

In the US Most of the homeless in shelters who have children will be able to receive some  SNAP (food stamp) benefits. Personal items are always needed as they cannot be bought with food stamps. Feminine products, diapers (especially in larger sizes), dental care items, shampoo, underwear in adult and children sizes, socks, pajamas for children and adults, are always needed. When you pick up this stuff for yourself consider buying 1 more and bring it to a local shelter.  Gift certificates for hair cuts and common fast food (McDonalds, pizza) are useful too.  


Even if you don't sew, you could organize an "ugly quilt" session at your church on a Saturday. You could talk to local quilt group leaders and pick a date.


-Tiffany

Quote from: Guest

Quote from: Guest

What do you do when someone is begging for money?  We see them on the side of the road holding signs, or in front of grocery or shopping malls, or maybe even people we know.  Do you help when they ask for money?  There are some who live off the kindness and generosity of others, always begging money, some are even able-bodied to work but prefer the handout.  Should we be enabling them?  What is our moral obligation and duty?

I'd be careful about some of the conclusions you make about people like that.  The overwhelming super majority of homeless people in america are white men.  Typically, most people think white male = guy who is super-employable and has  lots of "advantages" or "privileges."  Not true.  

I should have been more clear.  When I mentioned some who are able to work but instead take charity from others, I was referring to some whom I know do this.  They themselves say they can work but in order to make ends meet would have to take 2 jobs or take a job that requires Sunday work schedule, or some other undesirable aspect, to the point they refuse employment because it does not meet perfect expectations.  If they can receive money simply by begging it off friends or relatives, should the friends or relatives keep doling out the cash?  

OTOH, the strangers we see begging, you're right we can't so easily judge their particular situation.  I have always been of the mind to give the benefit of doubt.  God knows if their need is truly genuine.  If I give money to them and they didn't need it, it doesn't take away from any merit and grace I might receive.  We are supposed to practise the Corporal Works of Mercy, insofar as we are able.   My question pertains more to the ones we know can work and don't but keep asking for money.  Are we morally obligated?

We're morally obligated, all right -- to NOT enable them and harm them by further dependence on handouts. What happens to them when their benefactors fall on hard times, or some of them pass away?

"He who will not work, neither let him eat." said St. Paul. In fact, he was dealing with a similar situation. Some were refraining from work for mistaken reasons -- some thought the world would end real soon, etc.

But you have to give the benefit of the doubt to a person on the street, since you don't know them. But you can still be somewhat prudent -- food, blankets, clothing, personal supplies or a grocery store gift card rather than cash.  Some grocery stores sell alcohol, but none of them sell illegal drugs, at least!

And remember -- charity begins at home. Family members come first, then close friends, then fellow Catholics, THEN the public at large. The more direct and local your charity, the better. That is precisely to avoid situations like the above post, where a beggar makes $60,000 a year.

C'mon, at least play a musical instrument if you are going to beg on the roadside!

Quote from: Guest

What do you do when someone is begging for money?  We see them on the side of the road holding signs, or in front of grocery or shopping malls, or maybe even people we know.  Do you help when they ask for money?  There are some who live off the kindness and generosity of others, always begging money, some are even able-bodied to work but prefer the handout.  Should we be enabling them?  What is our moral obligation and duty?

I'd be careful about some of the conclusions you make about people like that.  The overwhelming super majority of homeless people in america are white men.  Typically, most people think white male = guy who is super-employable and has  lots of "advantages" or "privileges."  Not true.  

a lot of increasing tent cities, food stamps,etc and despite the typical Limbaugh/conservative take which is highly calvinist, mayn are not lazy.....biggest reason for debt and loses? medical care........odd, do not recall, when in Malta and Sicily, seeing too many homless, more so in Italy, esp asians there begging......and they have an eeeevil :tv-disturbed: :scared2: (que scary music) govt health system......

in a sense, though most try to put out a donate button and throw in sometimes a gift or a moderate priced for sale item....or mailers.......mailers often have a begging quality that eliminates the dangerous side walk.....