Nowhere to Go62

cool. didn't know of those organizations, so thanks alot

Good points there

I think sometimes we can only help their immediate needs...is that doing any good? At the time, but unless they are given resources and opportunities for a job, then helping an immediate need is not that beneficial to them. They'll soon get hungry again or need money.

I used to be a little too daring and would give rides to people I saw in need. I never did get hurt, but I realized that as a female, a very naive female, that anything can happen.

The best thing that we can do is share the gospel and point them in the direction to help themselves. If they are wanting our help, then I think it's best to ask the problem, so we'll know how to help. Money or food isn't always the answer (or rarely is).

In our country, it is considered dangerous to give a stranger a ride. You're not even supposed to stop to help stranded motorists at night. It might just be a ploy to hijack you. I know it's crazy but with everything you see on the news, it's hard not to be cautious.

Amen. That's how I feel

Yeah, I hope things aren't like that. It sucks when you really want to help but you also don't want to be stupid.

Ha. I hate looking stupid.

Adam, as your mom, l usually try not to comment, but as a 30 year career social worker , gotta give opinion about this....I think if believers really want to make an impact, then faith based churches need to work together to give shelter , food and counsel, not money, due to issues of addiction. And their approach does not need to be food and shelter in exchage for a sermon and salvation, as that is manipulation. Meaning... the kingdom of God is not a drive through. Relationships must be established, through unconditional love, and that takes time and investment in another person's life. We have to listen first, and see their world as they see it, because folks do not listen, until listened to. Only in such stable relationships, can we ask the hard questions with respect, leaving people with their dignity, or in many cases, giving folks their dignity back. Most of all, we have to be ourselves, be genuine - knowing that could be us..or maybe was us...sharing our own story or testimony when they want to hear...because that inspires hope...and hope is the faith of the night time when you are at the bottom....

Mom, you are so wise.:) love you

So, things I'm thinking after reading all of your comments- Is there a better way to handle all of the homeless people? And, Are we supposed to ask about a persons problem, or are we just supposed to give?

very nice of u to leave the lunch. :)

good comments and great song. thanks man

I've never given a homeless person a ride, a stranger on one occasion that I remember, but never someone homeless. It's not a situation I've run into a lot. Usually I see them asking for money and usually I ignore them. I don't often carry cash so I've most times got nothing to give. I shouldn't ignore them though. That's not right somehow.

I often think of the song and it's sobering.

[youtube ot4sgVYCeas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot4sgVYCeas youtube]

I live in Philadelphia where there are SO many programs that exist for helping thehomeless, yet we have an overwhelming amount that grows every year. I pass the same 3 homeless people every day to and from work and they have even learned the names of some other passbys who have given them money, leftover food, or what have you. From time to time I have given them some food, I will not give them money as I've seen them with cans of beer or other alcoholic bottles.

There have been times when I get off the subway and seen them asleep and have heard Him say, "give them your lunch", and I'll leave my lunch next to them as they're sleeping. I have the ability to take out cash and buy something else to eat, but I know they'll have to beg for change to be able to get food from an establishment that will let them in.

some more awesome ideas

wow. awesome

Our student ministry has been going into Knoxville once a month for the past several months. We do something they don't usually see -- we grill hamburgers & hot dogs for them, add some chips and a soft drink. We don't restrict them to one plate. And we talk to them. We laugh and talk with them as if they are guests in our living room, though in reality, we're in theirs so to speak.

It didn't take long for our students (middle school through college) to recognize that some of these folks are addicts & alcoholics. Some have mental issues. Some have both. Our students take the time to listen to them and share hope with them. They pray with them. In general, they love them. This has changed our students as much as touching the people.

I've written about several of these events and the people we've met on my blog.

I agree with others who have told you that you give as Jesus told you to. You serve as He directs. You leave their decisions up to them -- just like every preacher who steps behind the pulpit on Sunday mornings.

RT @jackalopekid: Homeless http://jackalopekid.com/nowhere-to-go [Just commented]

I have given a homeless person money. Also left-overs I was going to take home from a restaurant. Never given one a ride but gave one guy money for a bus fare (this was when I was without wheels myself living in Austin, TX).

I actually worked with a homeless guy while living in Austin. He stayed at a shelter and studied and earned his A+ certification and worked with me in a tech support call center. Sometimes when I came in for 3rd shift or early for 1st shift I'd find him sleeping in one of the conference rooms.

I work with homeless people and there are many alternatives to giving them money. Food and water, clothes, books etc. are something you can give. If they don't want it, then you can see where their motives truly lie. The homeless I work with are mostly alcoholics, and the reason they are on the streets are due to their addictions/bad choices. Many of them are extremely intelligent and wonderful people, once you get to know them.....they just are dealing with issues that many people deal with, yet without a place to live or a community.

Breaks my heart.

yeah i need more compassion and actually get to know them probably

Thanks for the link.

I (we?) need more compassion and a heart for the poor because God cares for them immensely - look thru Scripture and you find God's overwhelming concern for the poor, weak and downtrodden.

I (we?) need a bigger view of the greatness of the Gospel - that Jesus Christ himself came to die for me - a weak, spiritually poor, desperately downtrodden guy who needed to be redeemed and rescued just like the homeless. God's grace in my life should be a motivating factor.

I (we?) need to understand there is a difference between relief and development. Some homeless folks need immediate relieft (i.e. money, a hot meal, warmer clothes) while others need development (i.e - life skills, job skills etc). Sometimes giving relief to someone who really needs development can cause harm. Many times it's best to bring them to a shelter or a ministry org. that specializes in helping the homeless.

good ideas.

I read a few topics. I respect your work and added blog to favorites.

I live a little outside of Charleston, SC and if I drove I would totally give a homeless person a ride, depending on where they were going (not to get liquor/drugs). I say that because I volunteer at a church that reaches out specifically to the homeless and those in poverty. I've come to find out that alot of them are just like you and me, made a few bad decisions down the road and just not sure how or if they can get themselves out of. I do know there are some that don't want to get away from the life that they have on the street . Everyone of those people that we see on the road are someone's family members, a mom, a dad, a grandpa, a grandma, a sister, a brother, a niece, a nephew, cousin, and someone's FRIEND. Whoever they are they are loved by someone on this earth and most importantly loved BY GOD and they need someone to know that. Its difficult to show that sometimes, I admit it was hard for me when I started volunteering I was scared who to trust, media mess with our heads, but we need to drop what everyone else says and do what the Lord says.

yeah, I definitely have a trust issue

Adam, I would encourage you to be Spirit-driven as far as car rides. There are times when I see people walking on the side of the road or see a homeless man that needs a ride and I honestly feel that I should pull over. I know the feeling- it's a deep conviction in my heart that the Lord is calling me to them. It's undeniable and unavoidable. And let me say- I have experienced some pretty cool situations.

Two priceless stories:

1. The Hispanic Man- My first time giving someone a ride. Drove by him, saw he was out of gas, and knew I was supposed to help him. I tried to convince myself out of it, but by the time I was a couple minutes down the road, it was so deeply on my heart that I had to turn around. I took him to the gas station and somehow God came up. I told him what I believed - we were talking about a Creator. We were half-way through the conversation when we got back to his car, and then for some reason I said goodbye and left. I was a few miles down the road and God was like, "WHAT are you doing? You didn't finish telling him about me. You left him hanging!" So I turned around again, finished the conversation, and the guy ends up giving his life to Jesus! Then his brother-in-law shows up, he finds out about the decision, and tells me he has been praying for this guy for months!

2. First Homeless Man- I was downtown Greenville, SC heading home after a night on the town and saw him with his long hair and huge coat. "Pull over and do what he says", the Holy Spirit said. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy, but we went for it. The guy asked for a ride and some food. Of course I gave it to him. I felt like there was no other option than to obey. The greatest part about it for me was to hear him talk about the homeless life. He said that he had all he needed- Jesus.

There are times when we are called to do things that everyone else would say are crazy. But a calling is a calling. And do I think everyone should give homeless men rides? NO. Especially not females like my sisters! But when you are supposed to and you do, I have found the risk is way worth it. Every single instance regarding homeless people over the years has been incredible. Most of them are incredibly humble and spending that time with them can be good for getting your heart right.

PS Glad my parents aren't reading this. They would fall over. =)

wow those r awesome stories. ur an awesome guy. and it was awesome to meet u. just awesome

I have only ever once given a ride to a stranger... an older lady walking in on a cold night. If I see someone with a sign I sometimes either give them change if I have it and a couple of times I have taken coffee or a burger or whatever. Sadly and honestly, I have also avoided them because I have nothing to give or unsure how to interact.

I think I would be more willing to give a lady a ride. I wouldnt feel like she could kill me

I have never given a homeless person a ride, however, I am not sure I've ever been around anyone that need a ride. Being a woman I am more fearful of any stranger. There is also another reason which I won't disclose here but I probably never would offer because of it. I do see people begging for money near several busy intersections near a mall. Just the other day I saw one of them get off a bus walk across the street and start emptying his back pack. He was carrying a coat and under the coat was a cane that he didn't use to cross the street but once he was all set up he leaned against while holding his sign for cars stopped at the stop light. I see him there almost every day at rush hour. Another man holds a sign across the street while sleeping sitting up at the bus stop, another man holds a sign at the off ramp from the freeway. I watch but I don't offer because of fear I suppose. I do wonder where he comes from off the bus. My son's youth group worked in a homeless shelter once, it scared my son because some of those people didn't seem quite right but he did learn to be thankful for what he had. He was just starting to beg for more stuff because his friends had more then he did. After working there he didn't ask any more and was more grateful for what he had. He felt sad for the people and wondered how they came to be there. Some told there story others didn't.

yeah i would never suggest a woman do that kind of stuff. I always fear for @jasminerachel's safety. that's cool about ur son. That would definitely make me more grateful. cool story

Adam read my experience: http://www.austinklee.com/2006/11/chooseaneed/

will do

Adam read my experience: http://www.austinklee.com/2006/11/chooseaneed/

It's a fine line between compassion and wisdom. The Bible says it's the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. But it also says not to cast your pearl at swine. I remember when I moved back to Birmingham, the first weekend I was here I was approached by someone with a sad story needing help. Gave him a few bucks, then ran into him at the nearby gas station buying a 24 pack.

thats crazy. that would make me so mad.

no car rides, but always give $/talk/compassion. Any1 can end up there. I choose to
give - how they use what's given is up 2 them- their Karma

thats awesome. i need to do more of that

rrchapman, very well said.

It's important to distinguish between doing 'something' (ie giving money) and helping. Is a money gift often good and beneficial? Sure. Is it sometimes enabling a crippling problem in the recipient. Yeah, sometimes.

When determining an on-going plan of action, the net benefit of the action are every bit as important as the generous intent behind the action.... or so I believe.

Good stuff. I like that

I assume you actually want to help people, not just to feel good that you gave something.

Some people on the streets are there as a part of a rational thought process. Some people are there because of circumstances. Some people are there as the result of an illness of some sort, including mental illness or addiction.

Common sense will tell you the response to each will be different. "Do no harm" should be your guide. What would be a help to one person could be harmful to another.

Are you equipped to make reasonable decisions in this area? Do you know a reasonable response, based on the many things that could be behind the homelessness?

The better question is what is a good strategy to do no harm.

Good advice man. Appreciate it

You are not responsible for what one decides to do with your gift; you are responsible for being obedient to the ultimate Giver of all good things. Just remember that as you ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in both wisdom and compassion. I'm preaching to the choir here. :-) Love you bro.

Good stuff sis

I have not, but I came to the realization very quickly that not all homeless people are looking for a handout (I am not saying this is what everyone here thinks; I am saying this because of what I used to think). Being here in Boston, I've run into some that are satisfied with you buying them food or just want someone to take 5 minutes out of their time and just talk to them.

That's good man. I definitely need to get to know people before I assume. I think alot of people need to do that

Do yourself a favour, and get yourself the book "Under the Overpass" by Mike Yankoski. He took 5 months off from his studies to go live as a homeless person. It really is an eye opening experience, and will have you look differently at homeless people, guaranteed.

Enjoy the new journey in life ;)

Sounds great. Will definitely pick up the book

Great Book!!! It was required reading for our mission trip to New Orleans a couple years ago. We were all reading it and discussing on the bus on the drive down. It's an eye opening book.

Cool man. Will definitely check it out

Another good read is Scratch Beginnings by Adam Shepherd, I believe. Its a simliar story about a college student who just got his degree but decides to take a yr and see if the American Dream is still alive with only $25, and the clothes on his back. He doesn't use his knowledge that he gained in college. Just basic streets smarts. Its interesting.

sounds like a very good book. I will definitely check it out

Need a helping hand?
Then try your hand at helping
Blessing in giving
http://ChristianHaiku.com - Acts 20:35 , Prov 11:25 , Luke 21:1-4...

Once I bought a new TV and drove past a guy with a "Hungry, will work for food" sign. I felt like a terrible person so I drove back and bought him a meal at Zaxbys.

@Filioque (aka Brooks Trelawney)
http://tinyurl.com/mopgt3

Awesome. I guess thats the way to do it. Bring them food

often you can weed out those people who genuinely beg money for food, or to use for something else like drugs and alcohol. If they genuinely want the food, they'll accept you going to a store and buying them some ... if they just want the cash they wont.

not in all cases obviously, but in quite a few.

my experiences of people on the street, drug and alcohol stupor filled people is wide and varied, mainly because of the personal experiences I have had myself, and seeing my brother and his life.

i would just like to encourage everyone to please continue to be and or to try and be compassionate. often these people, the genuine homeless, drunks, alcohol filled people (not talking about students who choose to sit there) have had backgrounds and past histories that some of us can only imagine ...

and some times people get grumpy, the drunks, even when people are helping them ... but jesus didnt just turn away and stop helping, did he?

thank you for your blog on this, its a really humbling one, asking to be forgiven.

Me too. Jesus would have definitely helped when I am reluctant

I added your blog to bookmarks. And i'll read your articles more often!

Adam,
Boulder's an interesting place for sure but I wouldn't assume that all those who sit and beg along Pearl St are homeless. Some are just college students - and not necessarily poor ones - who enjoy the lifestyle. It's not a bad living.

Now, that also means that a lot of people who are there are going through tough times and are drawn there by the reputation of it being a place where they can survive until they can get back on their feet.

I've given rides to homeless folks before (in Colo Spgs)....
Once I gave a guy all the change in my ash tray (maybe $20-$25) and later that month I offered him ride when I saw him walking. Despite the unique gift that I gave him (probably 15 lbs in change) and the fact I was in the same car, he had no recollection of the event. After the conversation it became obvious that he lived his life in such a alcohol-induced stupor that there was no way that he remembered most things that happened to him during the day. He got huffy when I refused to drive him by a liquor store on the way to the place he was camping so I opted not to help him further in the future.

Wow. That's eyeopening. But that's great u helped him out.