I am asking because I know people from both sides:

  • People who discourage it: usually talk about how the beggars might spend their money on, how they might be lying, How donating to them will encourage them to keep begging and how they should be looking for a job instead (My commentary: finding a job is impossible for them this days, matter of fact there is literally hundreds, if not thousands of articles online talking about how hard and impossible it had become).
  • People who encourage it: to be honest here, they usually talk only about religious reasons.

(Note: I know that the overview about both sides are highly unbalanced, but I preferred to keep it limited to my personal experiences rather than expanding it from myself, as I intentionally not looking for theories and objective logic, rather I am looking at people reasons and opinions as this is highly subjective matter.)

Anyone got any thoughts about this?

    • KRAW@linux.communityEnglish
      2·
      1 day ago

      OK, what do you think they can do with the $50 that they manage to accumulate that will seriously benefit them?

      • GoofSchmoofer@lemmy.world
        6·
        1 day ago

        That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because the “they” is unknowable in your question.

        But maybe they buy alcohol and drugs with it

        Maybe they buy some medication they need to survive

        Maybe they have a dog they want to buy food for

        Maybe they have a family that could use the $50

        Maybe they go to a thrift store and get newer shoes and socks for the winter

        Who knows what they do with it but really $50 can help a great deal and unless you know the person well it’s difficult to know what they need it for. This isn’t to take away from what you and your wife have done, that is admirable and needed help too

        • KRAW@linux.communityEnglish
          2·
          23 hours ago

          That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because the “they” is unknowable in your question.

          Exactly. The easiest thing to do is ask them what they want. Personally when they ask for money, I tell them I don’t hand out money and ask them if there’s something else they need. It is a good way to actually have a conversation with them and get them something they need.

          I also want to be clear, I’m not going to judge anyone for giving money to someone in need. It is better than not trying to help at all. I just personally believe it is better not to give homeless persons money.