Giving to panhandlers on the street makes me feel better. That’s probably why I do it. I mean, it’s instant cash in their hands, and instant gratification for me. I stop feeling bad seeing someone living on the street because I have just handed him or her a couple of dollars. (Debt Hater’s post made me think about this issue).
But really, that dollar wouldn’t do much. In the long run, better infrastructure, more education, etc (in other words, insitutional change) can help the mentally-ill or the homeless more than a dollar here or there will.
So, does this mean that I should give to non-profit organizations, and not to the homeless on the street? I should give because it helps someone, not because it makes me feel better… right?
I never give to panhandlers. I never have, and I hope I never will. I give to organizations that help the homeless, I volunteer my time, but I don’t see that the dollar that I give to the mentally ill man who always stands in front of my building probably won’t do him a lot of good if they can’t keep him in a psychiatric facility, on his meds and off his drugs.
For the record, I don’t think I’m being judgemental… homelessness is almost never just about being down on your luck; it’s usually about schizophrenia and/or drug abuse (with exceptions).
You should still feel good about yourself if you donate to non-profits as opposed to an individual, and, besides, tax write-off
Added benefit!
Our local artsy strip actually has signs up everywhere asking people NOT to give the several homeless people money, I guess on the theory that if they can’t buy whatever they’re on, they’ll end up going to a shelter or something?
A friend of mine who did a lot of work with the homeless says that the biggest factor really is not having any family.. So many people are a paycheck away from disaster, that if you get laid off suddenly or have a medical emergency, and have no one who will help you out and take you in, you end up on the streets pretty quickly. And from there, it’s nearly impossible to get back out. How do you apply for jobs without an address, phone number, anyplace to take a shower, or print off your resume?
I give a set amount on a regular basis in accordance with my giving plan, but I try to give panhandlers money when I have singles or change—giving at the macro level is all well and good, but there are actual, physical people standing there with immediate needs, you know?
I think it’s only human to want to help, and similarly, only human to feel good about helping. I don’t think giving to individual panhandlers is a good substitute for more institutionalized giving, but I don’t think you should stop doing it, or feel bad about doing it.
It’s on a case by case basis, I believe. I’ve come to the sad conclusion that it’s generally not a good idea. Never give at night, it’s dangerous and an invitation for harassment. You are also perpetuating their stay on the street. I might give, if the person looks earnest, hopeless, and humble. I live in Asia where there is no begging anywhere. Nobody gives to beggars. Seems to help the overall problem. Save your handouts for bigger better projects. Helping people on the streets won’t come from spare change. The real change they need is from within themselves.
Don’t feel bad! Whether you’ve helped large-scale or small, you should feel great bc you’ve helped someone!
Usually, I’d rather give a sandwich & a coke to someone than a few dollars…maybe it’s the pessimist in me, but either way, I’ve never had anyone turn down a sandwich. Also, there’s a part-time panhandler on my exit off the highway…I call him “part-time” because he’s only there asking for $ on the coldest, bleakest days of winter or the wettest NYC monsoon…definitely suspicious!
As for institutional giving, I always check how much of the org’s donations actually make it to “the cause” instead of to “administrative costs”…check out the “checklist” at the Federal Trade Commission for other tips: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm
Don’t give up giving! =)
I used to occasionally give to panhandlers – until I saw enough of the same people buying cheap liquor in the Wine & Spirits shop, or drinking 40’s on stoops at 12:30 in the afternoon. That being said, I also learned better through my psychology classes and work in the mental health field. A large majority of the people on the street are there because they have serious mental health problems (including a large portion of drug and alcohol addictions). For the addicts, giving them money just enables them – and that is definitely not helping them. For the rest, the dollar or change they get doesn’t help them get the treatment they need. So, now I donate to organizations that I know will assist people in getting the help they need to get back on their feet. For those of you who truly feel the need to help the person on the street directly – offer to take them somewhere close by (usually the convenience store they’re standing in front of) and buy them a food item or a meal – or buy it and hand it to them on your way out. That way, you know you’re helping them in a way that doesn’t just enable them.