Second Opinion - Should I Give to Beggars?
This week's dilemma comes from Sam; He's wondering what to do when you come across someone begging for money. Sam works in the city and often encounters people asking for money - from old scruffy guys sitting on the street corner holding a sign explaining their desperate situation; To young people on the train station simply coming up and asking for $2 or $5, supposedly to help them buy their train ticket.
Sam's a pretty compassionate guy and whenever he sees someone in need he wants to help out; but he's torn every time - because also really concerned about where the money's going . If it's just going to help the person buy their next bottle of alcohol or their next hit of drugs, obviously that's not going to help them at all. But he feels terrible if he just walks on by and ignores the situation.
DISCUSSION POINTS
• What do you do when you come across someone begging?
• There's a few options here:
- Give to them
- Give to a charity instead
- Give only to people who seem to be doing something honest and productive - eg homeless people selling the Big Issue.
- Don't give money - only give practical things. Eg take them to lunch or buy them a drink.
• I'd love to hear from you if you've ever found yourself in such a desperate situation that you had to beg or at least thought about it.
• How did you feel, and if you did beg for money, what did you use it for?
• Is there anything helpful we can do for people who are begging, or is the most helpful thing to leave it to the experts - charities doing street work?
EXPERT OPINION - Hilton Harmer, Retired Salvation Army Major who works with the homeless in Sydney.
* Get to know a person who's begging - forge a connection
* Understand that homeless people, even if they choose that life, are marginalised and need support.
* I choose never to give cash but give things people will need instead - eg food, blanket, accommodation, buy their transport ticket. If they have a need, try to meet it.
* Respect that people have a choice as to whether they accept your offer or not.
* Be concerned and always have a charitable attitude towards the homeless.
