31–40 of 86 posts
I live in Boston (and occasionally NYC) and I rarely give money. My grandfather taught me to rarely/never give money, but always buy any person a meal that asks for it. And I've done so on several occasions; taken someone to a Subway or whatever is nearby and bought them food; or to a 7/11 where they could purchase whatever food/toiletries they needed. Especially in the winter around here, being outside like that all…
Here is what I do: I ALWAYS give, and I NEVER judge.
I was really ashamed after I read your answer. I'm still not 100% sure that's the spirit I'm willing to adopt, but there is something to it that feels right. I will think about it.
Giving money enforces and condones the behaviour of begging. I'm sure people's intentions are good, but by giving money directly you're keeping them on the streets.
http://www.thamesreach.org.uk/news-and-views/campaigns/givin...
As someone who used to work in this sector, I no longer give money to beggars. Support the charities instead.
Succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.
Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—
But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.
For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?
Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4: 16-19
I stopped giving money to "beggars" long ago. I usually help them by buying them what they need. I go with them to whichever close market or restaurant and buy them what they really need, I don't usually put a money limit but rarely goes over 20 bucks with a nice food basket. Part of these process is also listening to their stories, sometimes you can even hire them for some tasks and I usually tell them to help other…
I have heard a lot of people say that they do this, but I have never seen someone actually do it, nor have I heard a second-hand report of someone doing it. I'm not saying that you're not telling the truth, but I am saying that most people who say that they give food actually give nothing (neither money nor food), but tell their friends and random message boards that they give food, because it avoids looking miserly…
As for my answer to the question, I try to limit my charitable contributions to charities praised for efficiency and effectiveness on the various watchdog sites, but I usually end up cracking and giving in person as well.
On a related note, writing my post reminded me of an old LessWrong post [1] I saw.
[1] http://lesswrong.com/lw/6z/purchase_fuzzies_and_utilons_sepa...
Here is what I do: I ALWAYS give, and I NEVER judge.
I was really ashamed after I read your answer. I'm still not 100% sure that's the spirit I'm willing to adopt, but there is something to it that feels right. I will think about it.