Giving Money to the Homeless: Thoughts on Whether "Sidewalk Charity" Actually Helps or Harms the Needy

A disheveled stranger on the street corner comes up to you and asks if you can "spare some change". Well, of course you could, but should you?

There are several different schools of thought when it comes to person-to-person charitable activities. Here are the major philosophies, and my take on each:

Enabler loop theory - Enabler loop theory is a term used to describe, essentially, the argument that giving homeless people money will only lead to them using that money on more drugs, alcohol, or-potentially just as worse-preventing them from seeking legitimate work. I personally think it isn't "up to us" to decide what a person will use the funds on: we should always see the best in others and give others the benefit of the doubt. Also, if he does spend your money on a beer and dinner, that isn't so bad. Homeless life is notoriously difficult-the occasional beer or late-night spirits is to be expected. Of course, if you have reason to believe the homeless person is caught up in serious drug addiction, perhaps you should think twice before contributing money to his or her vice.

Get a job theory - These are the people who tell the homeless to "get a job" and keep walking. In actuality, many homeless people are not able to work-many have intense psychological problems, trauma, and even physical or mental disabilities that may preclude any legitimate paying career. Also, some lack the education or professional training necessary to hold down a job. Whenever I give money, I don't do it based on whether the individual seems "able to work" or not. It is hard to assess such things in a few moments on the sidewalk. Instead, I give to the needy because it is the right thing to do-because it makes me feel better about my own financial situation, and because I believe it brings "good karma" into your life.

Annoyance avoidance theory - Some simply give because it is the easier option. If a homeless person is particularly persistent, or has you "cornered" on the subway or in an ATM kiosk, it may simply be easier to give them some cash and send them on their way. Personally, I never give to people who employ (no pun intended) such tactics. If someone is trying to scare you or force you into giving them a donation, they need to rethink the direction their life is taking. They are using sleazy tactics and should learn from homeless people who realize that giving is optional-not a requirement or something that can be coerced. If a homeless person is disrupting the flow of traffic or engaging in activities designed to upset others, I never give them my money. Instead, I hope that they will learn over time to experiment with more effective ways of communicating their need.