How to help the Homeless population (Full Version)

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FindCaleb -> How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 2:37:34 PM)

Hi All,

I just wanted your thoughts on helping the homeless as a Christian. My heart used to go out to them and I would give some money. I felt like Christ would not turn his back on them.

Then for a summer I got a job with a general contractor. He had an amazing story. For about 10 years of his life he was homeless. He explained how when your are homeless, ALL money you get goes to feed your addiction. As we sat for lunch one day eating a $10 burger at a restaurant, he explained how, when your homeless you would "NEVER" eat a meal like this. Instead you would maybe, get a $1 burrito at 7eleven and then spend every other cent on drugs.

It really got me to thinking. Straight out of the horses mouth, I heard how much it doesn't help to give them money.

But I still dont feel right about refusing to help. One friend had a great idea to keep $5 giftcards to McDonalds in your wallet. Then they can atleast get a meal and not buy alcohol with it.

What do you guys think? By giving money are you not encouraging them to get a job and climb out of the place they are in? Aren't we called to do something??



fiat_lux -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 4:06:34 PM)

quote:

What do you guys think? By giving money are you not encouraging them to get a job and climb out of the place they are in? Aren't we called to do something??

I think that you're generalizing a bit too much. Homelessness doesn't equal drug addiction. If it did, and certainly there are many, many homeless people with drug problems, then probably we would best spend our time and effort helping overcome those addictions. (Plus, I know plenty of people who aren't homeless who also spend almost every spare cent they can find on drugs of one sort or another.) However, until you actually know a particular person, we really shouldn't be assuming that they're where they are because of drugs.

That said, your idea about giftcards isn't a bad one and I've done similar things myself. I've had some interesting conversations after buying homeless people lunch.

A lot of people who are homeless for a long time stay homeless because what little money they have goes to dependence on drugs. By the same token, however, a lot of people who are homeless are only homeless for a fairly short time, because something in their lives went badly wrong, and they get off the streets fairly quickly. And those people probably could use our help rather than our snap judgements that they must be on drugs.



Stronger2day -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 4:31:40 PM)

When our church gets requests, our pastor hands out meal cards from some of the fast food places. I read that approx 1/3 of homeless have delt with schizophrenia- so many need medical attention. In Arizona there are ministries that drive around during the 115+F summer days and hand out water and meals to those living under the bridges. Maybe you'd be interested ingiving to or joining such a ministry in your area? There are also plenty of homeless recovery programs throught the US. Good luck![:)]



GrahamCracker -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 4:54:49 PM)

quote:

I think that you're generalizing a bit too much. Homelessness doesn't equal drug addiction. If it did, and certainly there are many, many homeless people with drug problems, then probably we would best spend our time and effort helping overcome those addictions. (Plus, I know plenty of people who aren't homeless who also spend almost every spare cent they can find on drugs of one sort or another.) However, until you actually know a particular person, we really shouldn't be assuming that they're where they are because of drugs.


It's not always drug addiction but a collection of several addictions: gambling, alcohol, sexual addictions and so forth. And many addicts are not ready to surrender their addiction no matter how much money we spend on them.



stellaluna -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 5:03:42 PM)

I would say first get involved with a local group that works with the homeless. We have half a dozen here, both faith-based and not. That will give you a better perspective on the homeless population in your area. For example, the city I live in has a high transient population, but a low homeless population.

Some people choose to be homeless. Some homeless people work multiple jobs. There is no "typical" homeless person.



Neal2 -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 5:05:45 PM)

My sympathies go to the homeless (the 1's that aren't violent, and don't smoke or do drugs or drink alcoholic beverages).

Neal C.



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 5:16:21 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: stellaluna

I would say first get involved with a local group that works with the homeless. We have half a dozen here, both faith-based and not. That will give you a better perspective on the homeless population in your area. For example, the city I live in has a high transient population, but a low homeless population.

Some people choose to be homeless. Some homeless people work multiple jobs. There is no "typical" homeless person.


I agree. In the neighboring town, we have a huge homeless shelter and they do so much for the homeless. In my town, however, we have fewer resources. You can help by donating food, clothing, or blankets or you can call and see where else they may need help.

True, there is no "typical" homeless person. Right now, there are hundreds of homeless in Iowa and their needs are great. There are people who are homeless because they have criminal records, mental health issues, addictions, or maybe they're not mentally capable of holding a job and a home. Right now, children are the fastest growing population of homeless people.



Digrieze -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 7:45:18 PM)

I tend to go with the "don't give'em money" bit. Dad always taught me you never knew who you were dealing with, so money might be a drink to an alcoholic, not food. What you did know was the person needed help, and Christ would never have us turn our back on them.

First, support your local shelter. The Salvation Army will give you a far better return on your buck than Uncle Sam, as will your local food bank.

Next, remember, they need more than food. We do not often directly run into homeless in our part of town, but I do occasionally and will see them as I drive to work. I keep the following in the trunk for them.

Grocery Bag #1 (for someone I've seen recently):
-Food that does not require refrigeration like tuna or chicken salad and cracker packs and such.
-Wet Ones moist wipes cannister (NOT baby wipes).
-fruit & nut power bars.
-flavor powder sticks for water bottles.
-a water bottle with a "sport top"
-and I think I'll add a fast food card like "SUBWAY" that's fairly health and gives them some choice. Thanks those that mentioned that, it's a good idea!

Grocery Bag #2 (for someone I've never met or not seen recently):
-small toiletary bag with: deodorant, soap, razor, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. (you can get it inexpensively as a "travel kit"), small led flashlight, FM radio (about $1)), pocket pad, pen.

I also have some small NKJV bibles if someone wants one, but they often have bibles. In the winter I also get blankets and coats at Goodwill to give out. You'd be surprised at what you can find, even new with the tags still on really cheap.

Sounds like a lot, but if you buy bulk at a discount club like Sams or Costco it really isn't and you can get good stuff people would be happy to use. Last month I got 10 coats for $10 when Goodwill closed out the winter stuff that didn't sell to make room for summer stuff.

If you pick the right stuff it'll keep fine in the trunk and you have what you need, and they need, when you see them.

FYI, I got the idea back in the '80s from a guy in california named John Wimber. It's worked as well for me as it has for him.



SonInMe1 -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/16/2008 9:49:40 PM)

Our church supports a food bank. Part of their ministry is the homeless. They collect food and products that the homeless can use and distribute them.

The problem with gift cards, like food stamps, is that they can be sold for cash.



Dona Nobis Pacem -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/17/2008 10:54:21 PM)

quote:

My sympathies go to the homeless (the 1's that aren't violent, and don't smoke or do drugs or drink alcoholic beverages).



Wow, no sympathy for those who probably need it the most ?

I think Jesus wants us to show compassion to ALL, not just the ones we feel are "worthy".



This seems to tie in to the gospel reading from last Sunday.

quote:

Matthew 9:36-38
At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.”



Peace,
DNP



redeemedsaint -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/18/2008 11:29:27 AM)

I have talked to a few of the homeless and they are good people who have found themselves in a bad situation. Either they choose to remain that way or due to financial hardship. I would not give them money, but offer to take them out to eat instead. Our church last year handed blankets out to the homeless and if you spend time with them, you will see that they are regular people. There for the Grace of God go I.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/18/2008 10:40:29 PM)

I used to keep the plastic grocery bags in my car that Digrieze suggests, but my town has made it against the law for people to ask for anything and for people to give to those who ask.

Now, I am somewhat at a loss for how to help, but I never ever give money. Food cards, grocery cards, gas cards, and food are my limit.

What I have seen, however, is that people in need will hang around the grocery store parking lots. They don't say anything, but if I approach them and ask if they are hungry, they will say they are. I can give them groceries, then, because they did not ask.

However, I admit that I have broken the law a few times and gave to people who asked. How does one live with that law and with their conscience?

I am, to a point, thankful for the law, because it had gotten to the point at which we were not only being constantly harassed all over town and at so many corners, but we were also being threatened. And yet . . . .



fiat_lux -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/19/2008 10:08:04 AM)

quote:

However, I admit that I have broken the law a few times and gave to people who asked. How does one live with that law and with their conscience?

Personally I would ignore that law - and have ignored a similar one in a city where I used to live. I wouldn't openly flout it as some grand act of rebellion, and I'd admit to breaking it, but still, in a toss-up between charity and law, I'd have to go with the first. Normally I'd say obey the law always, but if it conflicts with your moral conscience as a Christian I'd go with what's moral.

However, offering them something yourself sidesteps the problem - it means they don't break the law by asking, and you don't break the law by answering.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/19/2008 12:29:34 PM)

Agreed.

But it occurs to me that I could also be giving more to the organizations that help, like Love, INC.



casalys -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/19/2008 4:47:29 PM)

I think it is admirable that so many of you want to help. I highly recommend those who want to go deeper read Jesus for President and also check out papafestival.org (People Against Poverty and Apathy). My brother and his wife are at that festival this weekend. They are very involved with the homeless, holding Bible Studies in the park, feeding them, fixing up bicycles so they can get around, and even taking someone in twice. They live very simply, refusing to own anything unnecessary. They live in an air-conditioned shed in my backyard and ride bikes everywhere. Her parents are a little freaked out, but mine think it's great, since we were raised that way (they became missionaries in Costa Rica in their 40's with 4 young children still at home). I also volunteer full-time with a Christian residential ministry for families, most of whom are homeless when they come. I just had my 8 year anniversary here!

God calls each one of us to live a set apart life as ambassadors from Heaven serving all those around us, especially the poor, widows (single mothers), prostitutes, tax collectors (thieves), and other normally despised people. There is so much we can do and so many organizations that need help if you just search. God will place you exactly where He wants to use you. It's scary, but exciting to step out and live on the edge.

"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." --James 1:27

God Bless You!



humbleinspirit -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/21/2008 3:36:27 AM)

This is a very tough subject for me. I have known people who have been homeless and gotten back on their feet, and others who are still on the street after seeing them around Boston for the past 20 years as well.
I have to agree that not all homelessness is a persons fault, however a vast majority is either because of drugs and alchohol, mental illness, or other poor choices as well.

One thing though is that a real lot of pan-handlers are not homeless at all, but make a good living by begging on the street under the table instead! As a result As a big general rule, I hardly ever give to money to pan handlers.


Anyway, there is one other group that you have to at least consider when whether to give or not, and I have been guilty of not doing this. That is people who are elderly or seniors who are homeless. It may be because they could no longer afford the rent, or their spouse had died too, etc.


With that said, I do have a burden for people who are truly homeless. I feel as if God has put this in my heart even as my flesh detests beggers, etc.



humbleinspirit -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/21/2008 3:53:39 AM)

I just wanted to add that mental Illness is a whole another thing when it comes to being homeless. I do not know what or how to deal with such situations. There is no easy answers.



Covaan_Meshuga -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/21/2008 9:45:32 PM)

Giving to these is, indeed, a tough issues. Some believe that we should just give and leave it in the hands of our L-rd. I think we need to be wise about our giving. The more we give to the ones who just use us, the less we have to give to the truly-needy.



Stronger2day -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 9:37:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FindCaleb

Hi All,

I just wanted your thoughts on helping the homeless as a Christian. My heart used to go out to them and I would give some money. I felt like Christ would not turn his back on them.

Then for a summer I got a job with a general contractor. He had an amazing story. For about 10 years of his life he was homeless. He explained how when your are homeless, ALL money you get goes to feed your addiction. As we sat for lunch one day eating a $10 burger at a restaurant, he explained how, when your homeless you would "NEVER" eat a meal like this. Instead you would maybe, get a $1 burrito at 7eleven and then spend every other cent on drugs.

It really got me to thinking. Straight out of the horses mouth, I heard how much it doesn't help to give them money.

But I still dont feel right about refusing to help. One friend had a great idea to keep $5 giftcards to McDonalds in your wallet. Then they can atleast get a meal and not buy alcohol with it.

What do you guys think? By giving money are you not encouraging them to get a job and climb out of the place they are in? Aren't we called to do something??


Hi FindCaleb. Just wanted to check in and see if any of the advice from the folks here was helpful and if you've been able to use it since you last posted? [sm=angel.gif]



solo_soprano22 -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 10:01:14 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: humbleinspirit

I just wanted to add that mental Illness is a whole another thing when it comes to being homeless. I do not know what or how to deal with such situations. There is no easy answers.


True. I know in neuroscience we were told that a lot of the mentally ill live under bridges, etc., but a lot of them also didn't seem to want help. I guess mabye they thought they were going to be attacked (many of them were schizophrenics) or that someone was generally going to do something bad to them. It seems like it's a real problem, but I imagine it's hard to try to "solve." I have known some mentally ill people who will willingly go to a group home, but someone has to fund that.



humbleinspirit -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 10:05:39 PM)

Part of the problem too is that they do not believe that they are ill at all either, and the rest of the world is out of whack too. And to extent that may be true, because we are all part of a fallen creation, there tends to be an over exertion on certain problems all the while all but completely ignoring others. While the problems mentioned might be very legit, there is an obsessive amount focuses on that problem all the while not balancing out the other issues or completely ignoring them instead.



stellaluna -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 10:38:32 PM)

Case in point...we have a woman in my city named Mary who is mentally ill and has lived on our downtown streets for more than 20 years. She is as much a part of our city as any other landmark; I have lived in her neighborhood for a decade and I know her routine as well as my own. [:)] She has repeatedly been offered help and repeatedly declined it. I was probably one of a thousand people feeding her, watching out for her, waving to her, stopping to talk to her. (That's an interesting experience, let me tell you... [8|])

Then several months ago a car hit her as she crossed a street, breaking both her legs. She was taken to a hospital and then put into a nursing home. That's all anyone would say because of privacy laws, even though everyone was anxious for news of her and hoping she was okay. Last week, she suddenly appeared on the bus bench that is her midday sitting place. She's clean now, and she has new clothes and a haircut; her shopping cart is "in a safe place," but she's still Mary. And she's now living on the street again. It is widely assumed that she received medication and other counseling when she was in state custody, but she obviously found a way to leave the nursing home and "go home." She's crazy as a loon, but she's where she wants to be and now we'll all start looking out for her again.

Saying you want to help homeless people is kind of like saying you want to help...people. There's all kinds.

Edited to add an exerpt from an article about Mary that appeared in our paper the day she returned to the streets:
quote:


So, Mary, how are you?

She briefly indicated she was fine. The introductory question prompted a nonstop filibuster that included radiation, Ava Gardner, the book of Ninevah, a bad can of ham from Minnesota, Louisa May Alcott and "Little Women," the Cuban and Brazilian flags, Great Britain, Prince Rainier and unleavened bread and its link to 9/11, among others.

Well, that's Mary, all right. And might I say, it's good to have her back.

We love Mary. [:)]



humbleinspirit -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 10:45:53 PM)

There is one guy who I know that has been on the streets for over 20 years now. I know his name although he may not remember mine. I seen him recently but didn't really talk to him (I was about 10-15 feet away from him at a busy intersection. He always appears to be clean and doesn't smell at all. He wasn't looking too good the this past time that I seen him either.

There was this woman who I used to see a lot, and she was surely mentally ill. At one point she told me that she was getting help from someone at the State, however one of the conditions for that help was not to pan-handle at all. She was doing so anyway at the risk of being caught.

I just throw my hands up, I am presently ill equipped to deal with such situations right now.[:o]



solo_soprano22 -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 11:38:57 PM)

Everytime I pass a homeless person I wonder if they mind if they're homeless. I know some people are there because of good reasons (domestic violence, no money, etc) but then I know some people are mentally ill and don't mind being on the streets... and some want to. I think I naturally feel sorry for homeless people, but then I know some WANT to be there, and some people I hear appear to be homeless so they can get money from people at intersections. My mom said she saw some show and everyday people were collecting money.... then ended up making more money than normal working folk.



humbleinspirit -> RE: How to help the Homeless population (6/27/2008 11:40:48 PM)

Well from the homeless point of view they do not have to worry about obeying a boss, having a house or rent to pay and all the other responsibillities that come from being part of the system so to speak.



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