Helping the Homeless?

My town and some other places I've been to in the UK have signs telling people not to give money to people who beg.

I personally have not given money to homeless people, but I have bought food for them before, and water during really hot days, including people like this selling the Big Issue. (The guy in the picture I used to see near college, he (his cat!) has a book deal now randomly.)

For those who don't know, the Big Issue is a magazine produced specifically for the homeless to sell; a way of earning money rather than begging for it. It's not like sellers suddenly have money, I've heard more than one complain of hunger while out on the street, but it's a start.

What are your opinions? Good/bad giving homeless people money or food? What if a fiver got one of those people a bed for the night? When does charity become a crutch?

Circumstantial. Get to know them. The answer will become apparent.

What if you don't have time to get to know them? If you have five minutes and an opportunity, do you take it?

In reference to the UK I would say generally it is best not to give money unless you are buying the Big Issue. Many beggars are drug addicts and giving them money only supports their addiction. It would be better to donate to a homeless charity like http://www.shelter.org.uk/. I would be willing to buy food or drink for someone if they asked for it and I would offer that instead of money. However, if you see someone regularly begging you could try getting to know them and then you would have a better idea about their needs and whether giving them money would really help them.

My wife and I have given food on multiple occasions to people standing on the street because it's typically what they need. I can say that my wife has the bigger heart because, on one occasion, after we had just bought our food from a fast food joint, we saw this couple with all their stuff in backpacks holding a sign saying 'We need food. We're starving. Please help.' So, what does my wife do? Tells me to pull over and give them our food. I didn't protest because I thought, "What if that were us?" I prefer, if I'm going to give, to give food instead of money. But, like you said, what if the spare change you give to them helps them get a somewhat decent place to sleep? There are people out there who beg but don't need the money. I don't know who does or doesn't do that, but I'd rather give a free meal to someone than to be stingy about it. Honestly, I'd love to do something along the lines of what Bon Jovi did, opening a restaurant that takes donations for food. If someone can't pay for their meal, they can do volunteer work in exchange.

http://www.jbjsoulkitchen.org/en

I have been homeless and slept on the streets and have to say that a drink and /or sandwich from someone has made a big difference to how my day has gone. If your wary about giving money then just buy them something, even a bag of chips can make a difference.
You know most homeless people are just normal people down on there luck, they are not mainly drug addicts or alcoholics
although a lot turn to drink and drugs to make live bearable. If you want to donate money then I would say get involved in your local night shelter or food bank as then you can be sure the money is going to help those in your local area. Plus these places always need volunteers, if you have time.
Most UK towns near me put up these signs because they don't want the problem by their businesses, plus they are now putting spikes in shop doorways to deter people from sleeping in them. All it's doing is moving the problem on to other areas and not solving anything.
I know there are gangs that go out to beg and they do this as a living while having homes.. So give food or drink or even if you know it the address of the local shelter, those that appreciate your gift tend to be genuine.

It is easier to understand the Homeless if you`ve been Homeless but if not then you have to take a moment in your mind and place yourself in those very shoes..., would I want someone to walk away in my hour of need ?

I have helped the Homeless. I generally talk with them and show some concern and compassion. That goes a long way as well. I have gone through a fast food restaurant and given them food, or given water on hot days. Escorted/given them a ride to a shelter to get long term assistance.

In New Orleans, homeless is big business. I have watched "homeless" people leave their "spot" and walk to their BMW and drive home after "work".

This is why I like to talk with them a little before just tossing money.

In the exact scenario of a maximum of 5 minutes I say if you have some spare change or a few dollars give it to them. One can't possibly make a good judgement call and one isn't always walking around with a spare sandwich. It is not my place as a Jedi to cast judgement but to offer compassion. We might have all sorts of theories about why the Homeless are homeless, but I can assure you, every case is different.

I don't think it's right or wrong to give money/food to a homeless person.

I would rather give them food or water before money though.