Community Health Question

this is a heated issue between my husband and me.

i always give $ to the homeless, begging and have even let one guy use my basement to sleep in when it was storming outside....although he stole my twin stroller but i'll remain on topic.

my husband's perspective is they're just going to spend it on booze, drugs and cigarettes. and moreover, he's convinced that half of these people have more money than him and i put together....

granted, i am not 'street-wise' and dh definitely is. but i've always been involved in public health.

I buy 'the Big Issue' from the same homeless man every week. I dont give money.. maybe I should but I hate the thought of it going on cigs/alcohol. My dad buys a little old lady breakfast each day- she begs outside his station. he worries about her when hes on holiday! Its difficult- especially when you have the situation we have- beggers from eastern european countries on tube with hordes of children standing in front of you holding out a hand! I know they get support from the goverment so dont give to them but lots of tourists do.. I know a woman with a baby is heart rendering but they do get money!

ok getting off soap box.........

Karen

Usually I give money to people standing at intersections and clothes to the homeless, unless I see them getting into a Mercedes down the street. I usually do not give anything to those standing at intersections smoking a cigarette as I hate the things and figure that if they would quit then they would not be as hungry. Then, I slapped myself as I should not be concerned with what they spend their money on as smoking may be the only pleasure they have in life. Anyone else feel the same?

I know what you mean Randy but look at it this way...."When you do it for the least of my brethren, you do it for me." If I have it when I'm hit for money, I will give them some money for a sandwitch and if they use it on booze, cigarettes or drugs that's their problem.

I know it's easier to just hand them a dollar, but how about pulling into the Burger King drive-thru and handing them a burger instead? Then no worries about them buying alcohol/cigarettes.

...Jennifer...