Giving Selflessly

Giving

In a world where many in our communities are struggling people often turn to help from those around them. When we give without expecting anything we create a better sense of ourselves and a better future for those around us. 

But what if someone asks us for things that is not quite a truthful person? What if the person that is asking for help really doesn't need the help?

First, I would like to remind people that sometimes you can't always tell if they will use the gifts of charity in a bad way. That isn't our place. Once the money or items are out of our possession it is up to the receiver to do the right thing. Good karma will still come to those with the best intentions. 

In the past few years on the news stories have been ran about seemingly homeless people who beg receiving upwards of 40k a year. And they aren't homeless. But... again, what do you do? How do you still help?

Give small change and dollar bills. Those who really need the help still appreciate the help, and use change the same way any of us would or at fast food places for warm meals.

Give food. You can sort of tell at this point how much help or where the intentions of the receiver are. If a person is hungry they will typically thank you for the food. Some others are all about about getting money and may give you a hard time. A friend of mine gave some breakfast bars and the homeless man complained. She simply said, "I do not have money to give, but if you are in need of food, you will accept these." 

Some homeless people haven't been homeless long.  The economy has struck them hard, sometimes leaving their family to find work elsewhere and live amongst the other homeless on the street. They didn't take anything with them as they have no where to stay except maybe their vehicle and what little money they have to just eat on. Sometimes-especially when it's colder out- dropping off a coat or blanket to those we notice may be "new" to an area to beg will bring some sort of comfort. If we weren't using it or about to give to a thrift shop anyway then no loss to ourselves will there be if this person has enough. 

Donate time at a soup kitchen. Soup kitchens are in areas where some people may not get a hot meal everyday. Some are ran by churches. People sometimes donate around holidays, but there are many that need a few hours weekly. These areas don't discriminate on who is homeless or not. They realize sometimes times are rough on everybody. Donating time and labor is very appreciated by both the organization and those receiving the meal.

Donate items to a church. This is often the best way to know your items will go to someone. Yes, some people do abuse the system (Oh a recent story I have!) BUT most items will go to someone who needs help. Families who lost it all to fire or other disaster, families who are in a hard situation that need clothing, even people who are just on a bad time. Churches who have programs like this take anything from money to furniture. Some programs are even geared toward mothers who are in situations, so old baby clothes, new packs of diapers, and all sorts of baby needs can be donated for those who really need the help.

Some other realizations of those who need help 

Some homeless enjoy the lifestyle. They may have a small home temporarily or live in a camp with other homeless. They fend for themselves when it comes to food and items. They sometimes have "helping" jobs that pay off the books, usually stuff like small labor work for friends or helping others while they preform a job. Money earned helps them get food, travel to get money and other things they need.

Many homeless cannot actually get a job for a few reasons. Work places typically need to know that you have a place of residence. Without this they cannot apply.

Others literally are not allowed to work. How, you ask? I know a guy who is a homeless vet in my area. He was part of special operations during Vietnam. So special that him and everyone part of it now does not exist- they took social security numbers from them, they are not allowed in or near places ran by government (i.e. post offices) and they certainly cannot get a job which gives in checks and a 1040 at the end of the year. He tries to make it like everyone else does. And there are so many like him! He also has been homeless for so long he has denied opportunities to live in a mansion in California because it wouldn't be work to him. It's not who he is. As I said, many are out in the country like him who had their lives changed drastically because of the job and skills they had with our military. It wasn't something he had done- it was the way the government wanted to deal with the project.

The homeless even in camps still need help. They still require money, food and clothing to live. This past Christmas the guy I know was running dangerously low on food and arthritis was making it impossible for him to travel to ask for money by the roadside. Me and my fiance simply went to Family Dollar and bought a plastic tote filled with easy make meals and canned foods. I even bought a pretty purple bow. Man, was he ever grateful and happy! He even actually enjoyed the bow! While it's not always "safe" to just wander into a camp like this, you could always ask to meet the person nearby if a large gift of food and items are what you would like to give.

Always be aware. While many are harmless people who are trying to live there are still a few that are out to do harm. Even the guy I know avoids others because of this. Don't give more then you want/can, don't give rides to people you just met, and don't let anyone into your home. The good ones never ever go ask for handouts at a residence so never fall for it. And always dial your police if you are scared or suspicious if the situation gets heated or weird.

Not just homeless, but anyone who needs help usually do not ask for a lot. Sometimes they need help with other things that you are willing to give up. Speak up, ask if they need help with this or that if you are speaking directly with anyone you are helping. People who need help normally are the ones who don't ask for it, so sometimes initiative is best to make sure someone is alright. 

Remember, giving comes in all sorts of ways to make the community brighter. Money, clothing, food, furniture, time: anything that helps another that you can GIVE.