MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should you give cash to the drunk homeless man?

N9eav

I walked past some homeless beggars in Plymouth a while back. I don't give them anything as in my opinion they have arms and legs and there is no reason why they cannot work, like I do for my hard earned money.

Then I thought WWJD (What would Jesus do)? Would he have just walked past and done nothing? I guess he healed many a beggar, but they appeared to have an ailment that meant they were totally helpless and could do nothing to help themselves. (lame. blind, leprous etc)

But Alcoholism is also an ailment for some as well as drug addiction. So I still did not answer my question...?

I am still thinking on it, so maybe someone else can answer it?

englishmac

My first instinct was to say no, if I was giving I would give it to a charity for the homeless, preferrably local. But I think the idea of providing a source of help like a meal at a nearby cafe is much better. Charity resources are limited and there is no guarantee that Pete would benefit from my donations. In the absence of previous sightings of him drunk, it may well be a one off. Worrying, but it could be something like drinking to mark an occasion that would normally be marked by a family party or a night out. Not many people would raise an eyebrow at that. It is tempting to say beggars should go out and get themselves a job just like the rest of us and to an extent I agree but it is often the case that people are on the streets because of a lack of support and loving environment. Not so easy for them. 'Professional beggars' are another matter - also known as conmen/women.

PaulX

Hey, if the guy's got two six packs he has some to share. Strike up a conversation and with any luck he'll bust one open for you. There's no better way to start the day.

I'd still spring him some cash and advice on where to buy the cheapest booze. Don't want him wasting my money do I?

Live and let live.

Paul.

Peppermint_Monkey

The last few times I've given beggars money (£1 or £2), they've just moaned that I wasn't giving enough. One even asked me why I couldn't give him £5. It's really put me off giving any money now, except to charities like the Salvation Army.

Killer-smile

"Should he be free to do as he pleases with your money......"

If you choose to give a homeless person money then it becomes 'their' money not yours and they should be free to spend it as they wish. When you receive a gift of money from someone you don't expect them to tell you what you can and cannot spend it on.

If you are worried that they are going to spend it on something you don't approve of then give them something more practical instead such as food or a blanket.

tryingtoretire

He may not have bought the beer. What if some kind soul had given it to him. Should he be penalised for accepting it. Sometime we jump to the wrong conclusions in life.

JayD

I rarely give peeps money. I did give someone selling big issues £2 to go get a hot cup of chocolate once - it was bitter cold - but he hadn't asked for it.
If I am moved to help a homeless person, I usually give them food, rather than money. I figure they need that most. So Pete would get a mini packed lunch or some fruit and an energy drink from me - not mney. If possible I'd get him a hot drink but it is important to make sure you are not giving something he might be allergic to or cannot tolerate.

missthang

I agree with most of the other comments made. I don't really give money to beggers on the street, but if i'm going into a shop near them (supermarket) i will ask if the would like a ham or cheese sandwich instead & they seem very grateful for that. If i gave them £2 & they wanted to buy alcohol but are also hungary which one do you think they are gonna buy???? Yes alcohol!

Flower_of_Scotland_3

I would not give to Pete. The term ‘homeless’ is very misleading because it assumes that if you provide Pete with a home then all his problems will be solved. In most cases the problem is alcoholism or drug addiction. Many drug addicts/alcoholics who are begging in the street do have a home and they also receive state benefits. I believe they receive £140 per week plus an extra £40 for being classed as disabled. Then on top of that whatever they can earn while begging. So I feel I am already contributing by paying my taxes. Perhaps it’s time to stop using the term ‘homeless’ call them drug addicts or alcoholics and find ways to cure their addictions. My money would go towards finding a cure and getting them back into work and off the streets.

Ebenezer_Screwj

I wouldn't help out any able-bodied person capable of work, in any shape or form, I already pay more than enough tax into a too all-embracing welfare state.