Giving Money to Homeless People
- Debbie Shepard
- Oct 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2023
Have you ever passed an undomiciled person who is asking for money, holding out a cup soliciting donations, or has a sign of some kind asking for money and not been sure what to do? Maybe you thought to yourself that if you give the person money, there’s a chance they might use it for alcohol or drugs. But at the same time, it can be hard to see someone in a dire situation and not want to help in some way. So, what’s the best thing to do? The short answer is that there is no definite right or wrong answer. It is really up to you. Yes, the person is clearly in need of money. And yes, you don’t know or have control over how the money will be spent or if it will go to drugs and alcohol. Certainly not everyone living on the streets uses drugs or alcohol but clearly some do. But just like when you give a server in a restaurant a tip or give your nephew $20 for his birthday, you don’t know or control how they will spend it. So, if you decide to give the person money, it’s best to let go of any need or desire to control how it’s spent. And if you decide not to give money, that’s your choice as well.
As the Homeless Hub points out, many homeless people who panhandle are routinely sworn at, shouted at or even physically assaulted. People often walk by them and ignore them like they do not even exists. So, it can make a big difference if you look the person in the eye and respond to their greeting, even if you decline their request for money. Treating them like you would any other person who might greet you in the street can go a long way in affirming the person’s dignity.
You can also give a person on the street actual food or a coffee. But this can be tricky. Some people will appreciate getting food and others may not. The person may have food allergies, dietary requirements related to their health or dislike certain foods. And if the person is trying to get money for drugs or alcohol, getting food may just annoy them. So, you may or may not always get a positive response. So only give food if you are OK with whatever response you might get. Be sure to ask if the person wants to food or beverage and explain what it is before handing it over. Also be sure to provide plastic utensils and a napkin.
Some cities like Chicago have a program where you can purchase vouchers which can be used at local restaurants to give out to homeless individuals. While this is a great idea, the vouchers are not widely accepted and many people don’t know about the program. So, you could give it to a homeless person who doesn’t get what it is or who tried to use it at an establishment which don’t accept them.
The issue of homelessness is a complicated one and the decision of whether to give money to people who panhandle is also complex.
