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QaR
September 2009 
Helping the Homeless
Posted on Aug 21st, 2007
by 
Ferrari
Ferrari
Hi All,
Have you ever driven, biked, walked by a homeless person standing or sitting on the corner and NOT given them anything? I sure have, too many times, and I always felt so guilty. I rationalize, telling myself I don't want to give them money so they can buy alcohol. Telling myself that if they can't survive in begging mode maybe they'll figure out they want more in life and seek help. Telling myself I'm in a hurry and can't give this time. But it's been a cop-out. I can always give a loving look, a compassionate smile, a kind word.
But this post is about a material and practical aid we can give as well, and perhaps feel better about it than money, which could be put to destructive ends. I know every soul has free will and choice, but I just don't want to empower self-destructive behaviors, even though I acknowledge everyone's right to do so and learn from it. So.....
I recently decided to always have something simple, inexpensive, and useful in my car to hand out when appropriate. Sometimes it's a bag of apples or oranges, or granola bars, to hand out at the stop light. In the heat of the summer, I buy bottled water and keep it in an iced cooler to hand out. I know it's small and simple. But I don't have to try and feed all the homeless in my town, I just keep an eye out for those on my normal route. I'm even getting to know them by name now, and my hope and prayer is that as they continue to receive love and caring from me and others that, eventually, they might even consider giving love and caring to themselves. But first, they have to know it exists......
Be the Light,
Mike
Have you ever driven, biked, walked by a homeless person standing or sitting on the corner and NOT given them anything? I sure have, too many times, and I always felt so guilty. I rationalize, telling myself I don't want to give them money so they can buy alcohol. Telling myself that if they can't survive in begging mode maybe they'll figure out they want more in life and seek help. Telling myself I'm in a hurry and can't give this time. But it's been a cop-out. I can always give a loving look, a compassionate smile, a kind word.
But this post is about a material and practical aid we can give as well, and perhaps feel better about it than money, which could be put to destructive ends. I know every soul has free will and choice, but I just don't want to empower self-destructive behaviors, even though I acknowledge everyone's right to do so and learn from it. So.....
I recently decided to always have something simple, inexpensive, and useful in my car to hand out when appropriate. Sometimes it's a bag of apples or oranges, or granola bars, to hand out at the stop light. In the heat of the summer, I buy bottled water and keep it in an iced cooler to hand out. I know it's small and simple. But I don't have to try and feed all the homeless in my town, I just keep an eye out for those on my normal route. I'm even getting to know them by name now, and my hope and prayer is that as they continue to receive love and caring from me and others that, eventually, they might even consider giving love and caring to themselves. But first, they have to know it exists......
Be the Light,
Mike
Access: Public
The homeless need more of our affection than the material give away. I often sat down and chat with them and that what they told me. They need our acknowledgement and compassion. Your simple act does mean a whole lot to them. Keep that good deed up Mike, one day you will be able to got choked with tears when you see them, that when you know your heart is flowering.
I like this Mike. If i see a hitchhiker at the exit of my home off the interstate,
I go home, make a sandwich, pack some cold water & soda and bring it back
to them. They are always more then appreciative and it makes me feel good too.
the cooler in the car is a really good idea.