Whether you give money to someone experiencing homelessness is a personal choice, with valid reasons for both giving (honoring humanity, immediate need) and not giving (concerns about substance use, wanting to support long-term solutions). Many suggest giving cash can be empowering and often goes to food, while others prefer donating to charities or giving items like food, socks, or gift cards to ensure needs are met, though some studies show direct cash helps people get housed.
Toiletries, socks, combs, writing implements and notebooks, insect repellent, drink mix packets (this list is based on my experience as a formerly homeless person). And a conversation would definitely be satisfying for many.
A Biblical Call to Care for the Poor
Scripture is clear about God's concern for the poor and His expectation that we share that concern. Jesus said, “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42).
So, now when asked “should I give to a homeless beggar?” my answer is: “if you want to give, give, but give with an open heart and not with a mind that judges or wants to control.”
It's not easy sometimes but we're all people with stories, you wouldn't believe the appreciation you get for taking the time to really understand their needs. I would recommend giving £20 to 5 homeless people, £100 to the wrong person could lead to a bad situation for anyone with an addiction.
While giving money can't provide a solution to rough sleeping and it won't address the root causes of homelessness, it can help to provide immediate relief. Your spare change could become something to eat, clean clothes, shelter, a mobile phone top up or a bus ticket to an important appointment.
The short answer to the question “Should I give money to people on the street?” is: if you'd like to, you can! Giving people what they are asking for can be a way of honouring their humanity. It can support someone saving up for a safe night of sleep or their next meal.
Giving poor people money gives them tools to invest in their job prospects, their future, and a more industry and service-oriented local economy. policymakers throughout the world struggle to boost employment.
We encourage you to not give money to panhandlers.
Why? Because giving money to panhandlers encourages more panhandling. Donations of cash will not help solve the underlying reasons why someone panhandles.
When a beggar asks you for money, you can politely refuse, give them change, or offer to help them some other way. Whichever choice you make, look the beggar in the eye and give a polite smile to acknowledge them.
Isaiah 58:7 urges, “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” This call to provide shelter underscores the importance of treating a poor man with respect and compassion.
Is it rude to only give $1 to a homeless person? It is one dollar more than they would have gotten otherwise. While it is nice to give less fortunate people a gift of food or money, you are a benefactor to that person. On the other hand, consider what the person receiving the gift has done for another's benefit.
A typical Care Kit consists of a watertight gallon-size zipper lock plastic bag filled with items like:
What do people experiencing homelessness need?
Providing help and support, in whatever way you can, can make a huge difference.
Small conversational gestures can make a big impact for people experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, people experiencing homelessness may become targets for theft or exploitation if they are seen receiving money. In summary, there is no straightforward answer to the question: should I give money to someone sleeping rough? If you choose to do so, it is essential to do so with empathy and consideration.
Homeless People Need Money for Basic Needs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol and 26% abuse other drugs. More often than not, a person experiencing homelessness will use the money to meet their basic needs like food and shelter.
Jesus' words in Matthew 5:42: “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” Those who advocate giving to street beggars might argue that it's not our responsibility how they spend the money. Our job is to be compassionate and generous. The rest is between God and that person.
So, if you're ever wondering, which day we should not give money to others, Tuesday is a strong contender. Friday: Ruled by Venus, the goddess of wealth and luxury, Friday is a day to attract prosperity, not to give it away. It is believed that lending money on a Friday is like sending Goddess Lakshmi out of your home.
The following are just a few examples of events that, in most cases, would absolutely result in a significant financial reversal or complete financial ruin.
No one has ever become poor by giving. Give away at least some of your money, whether through a tithe, charitable contribution, or gift to a friend in need. Not only does it generate good, but it generates contentment. Giving liberates the soul of the giver.
Disguise Your Money Gift
Handing someone a wad of cash, while thrilling, isn't super cute. Instead, gift those dollar bills in (pretty) decoy packaging. Fold bills and put them in a chocolate box, tea tin, or even their favorite snack packaging.
At a glance:
Any gifts exceeding $17,000 in a year must be reported and contribute to your lifetime exclusion amount. You can gift up to $12.92 million over your lifetime without paying a gift tax on it (as of 2023). The IRS adjusts the annual exclusion and lifetime exclusion amounts every so often.
A person doing such is called a beggar or panhandler. Beggars may operate in public places such as transport routes, urban parks, and markets. Besides money, they may also ask for food, drink, cigarettes or other small items.