One of the most common questions I get asked is whether people should give money to someone experiencing homelessness. Many are concerned that the person will use the money for drugs or alcohol.
Others feel that the person is lazy and refuses to get a job and would rather“beg” for money. Finally, some are just uncomfortable or feel unsafe when approached.
The good news is that people usually ask this question because they do want to help, they do care, and they want to make a difference for others. They are simply concerned about doing the “right” thing.
So, let’s look at some of the facts. What we do know, from research done in both the U.S. and Canada, is that most people on the streets use the money they receive for necessities such as food, shelter (i.e. renting a motel room for a night), medicine and other basic needs.
A recent study showed that these people get an average of two hot meals a week – often from local non-profits or churches. The rest of the time, they are on their own for food and drink.
The majority of people experiencing homelessness use any funds they receive to simply survive.
It is true that some people may sometimes buy items such as alcohol, drugs or cigarettes – often to help get some relief from a difficult life.
All of us, housed or unhoused, make choices that are sometimes not good for us – it is human nature. But withholding help because we fear that some may not do what we think is the right thing says more about us than about them. It isan act of judgment rather than an act of compassion.
As for claiming people are “lazy” and don’t want to work, imagine spending your days standing in the heat or cold, being insulted, judged, or ignored – all for no more than $20 to $30 a day (the average amount people earn).
Experiencing homelessness and asking for money to survive is exhausting, terrifying and brutal and certainly not something “lazy” people choose.
So, should you give to those who ask? Simply answered, it is up to you. If you choose to give – give and feel good about helping another human being. But once your gift is given you have no say – and probably will never know, how that person will use that money.
Kindness and charity are about the person giving – not about the person receiving. You have done an act of generosity, of compassion and that is never wrong, and never bad. Even if that person uses that money in ways, you don’t think are good, the very act of giving, of showing you care, is a gift to those who often are ignored or reviled.
Knowing that others care is life changing and often means as much, if not more, than the value of the money changing hands.
If you choose not to give, that’s OK too. Many decide not to give to the individual, but rather to agencies or non-profit organizations that help the unhoused and those living in poverty. That, too, is an act of love and generosity.
Finally, whether or not you choose to give money to those who ask, there is something you should always do – and that is acknowledge the humanity in the other person.
Say hello, look them in the eye, smile, and if not money, give compassion, kindness and love.
Giving, from the wallet or from the heart, is never wrong, is never harmful – and gives as much to those who give as to those who receive.
Anne Miskey is president and CEO of Union Station Homeless Services and host of Changing the Narrative About Homelessness Podcast. Her “A Way Home” column appears bi-weekly.
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