Nowhere to Go

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.

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.

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…

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.

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

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.

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.

Cool man. Will definitely check it out

Good advice man. Appreciate it

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

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

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.

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. =)

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.

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.

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

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.

wow. awesome

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.

good comments and great song. thanks man

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

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

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

will do

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?

Mom, you are so wise.:) love you

Amen. That's how I feel

Ha. I hate looking stupid.

Good points there

Nope, but my sister and I felt compelled to turn round and pick up a hitching woman and son- turns out they had traveled from Switzerland to the Holy Island of Iona (Scotland) to ‘Find God’ but only found religion (or religious spirit) we ended up leading her to Christ- with tears streaming down her face she found what she was looking for! Awesome.