I’m kind of on the fence about this because on the one hand I can be totally sympathetic to someone being in a desperate situation and I can’t possibly understand what it’s like not to have food but at the same time I am often nervous about doing this because A) when I give them the money they could easily pull a knife out on me or B) they could just go and spend the money on drugs which means by giving them money I am harming them.
No, I don't carry cash.
I'll usually give them a smoke though, The Bronx is full of homeless junkies and they all seem to love tobacco.
No. But to charities, yes.
Not anymore. Too many homeless I encountered were ungrateful and greedy. I gave a dollar to a guy and he was upset it wasn't more and didn't even say thanks. Another guy used to always ask for $3 from everyone who passed him on the street. Too rich for my blood.
shareNo. If you give them money there in their usual begging spot, all you're doing is supporting their lowly way of life. They will also do the same thing as animals in nature do when you give them food: they will pester you for more in the future instead of going and getting it themselves. They'll see you as a money source instead of a one-time kind-hearted person. They will take advantage of your kindness and become your own personal parasite.
You want to help out? Go do volunteer work at a homeless shelter or missions church. Donate money to charities that you know are legit and have genuinely helped the poor. Volunteer at organizations that help the homeless get off the street. That is a far more effective way to help them than to just hand them your spare change out on the street or on the public trains.
Fair assessment, I agree with you.
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