Choosing to Help Homeless Individuals: A Moral Dilemma
Encountering homeless individuals in public spaces often prompts a complex moral and ethical response. Whether to offer money, food, or clothing reflects the nuanced nature of assistance that these individuals may need and often desire. In this article, we explore the motivations and experiences of people who engage in ethical giving, weighing the pros and cons of various forms of assistance.
Motivations for Ethical Giving
Many people who choose to assist homeless individuals, whether through donations or direct offers of food, are motivated by a deep-seated belief in the value of human life and the importance of compassion. As stated by one individual, ‘I’ll offer food but never money. My boyfriend panhandles in front of a grocery store and lately self-medicates with crack with the money he gets from untreated mental illness, which breaks my heart.’
For some, such as the person who volunteers to give food, the act of providing sustenance is seen as a moral imperative, especially if the recipient has no other means to obtain it. The belief that ‘they are a child of God’ underscores the idea that no one should be denied food, which is essential for survival. Similarly, another individual shares, ‘I would never walk by someone in need, even if I don’t have enough to give. I always give something, no matter how small.
Challenges in Ethical Giving
However, the decision to give also comes with its own set of challenges. Concerns about the authenticity of the recipient's need and the potential misuse of funds are common among those who choose to offer help. As one person explains, ‘Many times, I feel the call to give to others, especially when I don’t want to. It’s like my conscience is telling me to never walk by someone in need, even when I don’t have enough to give.’
The fear of assisting individuals who might be using the money for harmful or trivial purposes, like alcohol, can be a significant deterrent. This was a recurring sentiment among the individuals interviewed. As one person mentions, ‘He isn’t homeless but has been voluntarily living on the streets for almost a month. He gets welfare but supplements it by panhandling for money to buy beer to self-medicate his anxiety and food during his more emotionally manageable periods.’
Further complicating the issue are situations where the recipient rejects the offered assistance, whether in the form of money, food, or clothing. This unwillingness to accept help can lead to feelings of guilt and a sense of having done the wrong thing. In such cases, the decision to offer help is accompanied by doubt and a desire to do more. As another person notes, ‘But you have to be careful those that roam around parking lots who say they are homeless because a lot of them are playing games. Sometimes they are approachable and you can talk to them. Most are afraid of soup kitchens.’
Proactive and Protective Measures
To ensure that help is given to those who truly need it, many individuals engage in proactive and protective measures. This includes observing the behavior of the potential recipient, attempting to engage in conversation to understand their situation better, and seeking guidance from others when uncertain. As one interviewee describes, ‘People in DC I have seen walk past those in need. You never know what their reason is. Sometimes they are approachable, and you can talk to them. Most are afraid of soup kitchens, so we went inside and bought them food and gave it to them, and they in return threw it in the trash. So I have learned to be careful and ask for guidance before giving.’
Ultimately, ethical giving is a deeply personal choice that is influenced by a wide range of factors, from one’s ethical beliefs to the practical challenges of ensuring that help is used appropriately. While the act of helping can be both rewarding and challenging, it remains a crucial aspect of supporting the homeless and vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, the decision to help homeless individuals is a complex one that requires careful consideration of the recipient's needs and the potential impact of the assistance offered. Whether through food, money, or clothing, the act of giving itself is an expression of compassion and a reflection of one’s values.