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Day 17, Supported two homeless persons
Today two homeless persons asked me for money and both times I gave it to them. But I'm always in doubt about this, am I really helping this person by giving him money? Or am I actually sustaining his current life? Should I not give him money or do something else? I did sometimes offer food instead, but they weren't always happy with that. Any ideas/opinions about this?
Comments
I do it too sometimes...and I also have my doubts about it. Sometimes I wonder if I could talk with this person about his "problems". I mean, in my opinion everybody who REALLY WANTS help in this world WILL GET help. Maybe this people stopped really wanting to be helped?
And then is the question- why?
Yeah, I also felt like knowing more about why and how this person lives. I was actually thinking to help out at the Pauluskerk for a day. It's a place where homeless people come to eat and sleep...
Maybe you could just ask, the moment you are giving them money: "and is there something else I can do for you?" By giving them money, you show them that you are willing to make contact and want to respond in a positive way. You will probably surprise them with your question, but worst case scenario, they will ask you for something that you are not willing to do/ give. If you truly consider their request and remain sincere, this should not really be a problem, right?
Thanks Verena, I think this could be a nice way of dealing with it. It will be surprising for them for sure!