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Started By
Message
re: gift cards for homeless
Posted on 5/28/15 at 11:09 pm to Johnny4lsu
Posted on 5/28/15 at 11:09 pm to Johnny4lsu
quote:
I'm the executive director of a Homeless mission.
Some of the stuff that's said about the homeless population on here is disgusting.
I get opportunities to experience relationships with fathers, sons, etc. These are people.
My residents come to my house weekly for prayer, fellowship, etc.
My guys spoil my kids (1 and 4 years old) like he is their own child.
Yes, many of them have made poor life choices. Yes, some of the stereotypes are true.
But, loving on those that have been beaten down and left out is game-changing. I get to see that transformation. I get to see the hope. It's special
What is this a fricking poem?
0
Posted on 5/28/15 at 11:18 pm to prplhze2000
We have a gambling addict in our family and will only give her grocery store gift cards in lieu of cash.
But food stamps are regularly sold for a fraction of their value. I don't know how pointing out that truth is unfair or rude.
But it definitely was a nice gesture op.
But food stamps are regularly sold for a fraction of their value. I don't know how pointing out that truth is unfair or rude.
But it definitely was a nice gesture op.
Posted on 5/28/15 at 11:47 pm to TheWalrus
When I saw him going through garbage and trying to find food in a CFA box, I figured he was actually hungry.
Posted on 5/29/15 at 12:05 am to Johnny4lsu
quote:
Some of the stuff that's said about the homeless population on here is disgusting.
And some of it is very true
Don't let the good or even great experiences with the homeless you have encountered, dilute your mind that there are sometimes corrupt or helpless homeless. It's like saying all priest, cops and teachers are outstanding people.
However I appreciate you giving them a chance
This post was edited on 5/29/15 at 12:13 am
Posted on 5/29/15 at 12:12 am to prplhze2000
This stuff can go a myriad of ways. If someone asks for change, and I have it, I give it to them. If someone asks for "3 dollars to get home" I know they are lying. My lady has had sandwiches thrown at her because she bought them food when they wanted money.
All in all....treat it case by case.
All in all....treat it case by case.
Posted on 5/29/15 at 12:50 am to prplhze2000
quote:
Now is there a way he can screw that up or do others do that?
He could trade the card for crack for all you know.
A resourceful street person can make much better use of the money you spent on the subway card deciding themselves what to purchase - if you had given him cash, you could have given him slightly less cash than you paid for the card and bestowed the same benefit upon him.
Personally, I no longer put the burden of whether the money will be spent responsibly on myself. That's their problem. They asked for $1, I gave it - if they use it to make their lives worse, there's nothing I can do about it, and certainly no homeless guy ever thought to himself "I better clean up, that last guy didn't give me a $1 because he thinks I'm on drugs"
The evidence now shows that homelessness itself causes drug and alcohol dependency In "housing first" programs where homeless people are given a place to live without the requirement they first get clean are finding that after they become housed - they are much more likely to become clean.
But the truth is - if you really want your money to do the most for homeless folks, it is best spent donated to a charity that deals specifically with homelessness.
This post was edited on 5/29/15 at 12:53 am
Posted on 5/29/15 at 12:54 am to WaltTeevens
quote:
My lady has had sandwiches thrown at her because she bought them food when they wanted money.
I offered to take a homeless guy to Louie's once and he explained he could get food just as good at the soup kitchen and could I just give him the money instead.
Aint no soup kitchen can match a big cheesy lou!
Posted on 5/29/15 at 5:05 am to prplhze2000
There are now some pawn shops that pay cash for gift cards. Seriously. Probably 1/3 of face value.
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