Fix the problem, not the symptom.
Giving money does not help. Providing a means by which a person can support themselves may not even help. Providing a person with the medical treatment and training they need to feel good about themselves and to provide for themselves is by far a more useful gift.
I understand that certain people are handicapped and they find it difficult to provide for themselves. Most of the handicapped do provide a significant portion for themselves with some assistance from the State. Those whom are mentally handicapped may need assistance that is somewhat forced upon them. There are many diabetic homeless whose minds are delusional and irrational because of their disease. These people do NOT need money, they need social intervention.
I understand that people whom are drug addicts choose to spend their money on drugs instead of food and shelter. No one can help these people, and no one should, unless they are removed from an environment where they have access to drugs. These people do NOT need money, they need social intervention.
I understand the struggling businessman/professional that throws their hands up and reverts to living simply. For them it is a choice, and no one need assist them because they are fully able to provide for themselves. If their condition is a result of a mental breakdown, then they are handicapped and should be treated as such. These people do NOT need money, they need social intervention.
I understand the emotionally scarred and their lack of self-esteem which prevents them from taking risks. Helping them begins with them seeking psychiatric counseling. They are largely capable of providing for themselves, they do not desire to do so for fear of failure. Without psychiatric help, these people should not be given handouts because it contributes to their lack of self esteem. If you care, get them the psychiatric treatment that they need. These people do NOT need money, they need social intervention.
For people who have lost their jobs and have children, there are social programs to help them. These people do NOT need money, there are social programs to help them.
For everyone "else" that is homeless, I understand that taking advantage of other people provides a sense of power. That there are people who thrive emotionally by taking advantage of other people. These are con artists that our society supports. These people do NOT need money, they need social intervention.
My father new a woman that worked for an attorney. She begged on weekends to provide enough money to support her lifestyle. She had a very nice recent model car and lived in a large bricked home. She made as much begging as she made working for the attorney. I have no respect for these people.
So as you can see, beggers and the homeless do NOT need money. They need social intervention. Money might make you feel a little better about yourself, but it doesn't help the person to whom you gave the money.
