Helping Others

[Sabou]

I agree with so much of what you said upensmoke, I just find that I don't think it should be up to me how they choose to spend the money I offer. I usually try, if I have the time, to ask if there is anything they specifically need. Sometimes they say food, then i can do that, or sometimes they say toothbrush and other times they say any change I have. When it comes to giving them money, I try to think if I was in there position and some have been homeless for so long that money just might be the easiest thing for them to ask for. Whether they spend it on alcohol/cigarettes/drugs etc. is up to them, I mean I drink and have done those things before as well, so who says they cannot also do those things? I imagine they would enjoy it more, especially that it is basically below freezing every day now here, a little whiskey to warm the blood isn't such a bad idea... of course i'm not oblivious to the fallacies in my logic as well, and of course it would be great to do more for them especially if the opportunity presented itself, and maybe i am to blame for not providing that opportunity enough, but I do what I believe to be at least somewhat helpful and try to offer a smile or conversation if it seems fit. In the end, like you said.. it is up to you how you choose to feel about the situation and I just want to at least notice them and try and help them in what they think is right, whether or not it is the ultimate right thing to do. Like you suggested, maybe I will carry a few books in my bag from now on and see if they would like any of them to read, thanks for the idea

and if a homeless person ends up making 60k a year from begging, then, sweet! lol maybe they could pay their tuition for going to school for marketing or psychology lmao, I know that is very very unlikely in my town though.

much love!