Here in Europe, many homeless on the street have dogs.
About 2/3 of homeless are alcoholics, drug addicts and/or mentally ill.
I ask them if they have an addiction issue? Depending on the answer, I invite them to an AA meeting.
I also ask them if they have a service related disability (which gives them monthly income)?
I was listening to a doctor on an addiction segment on TV. The doctor said he interviews patients, to determine if they are indeed alcoholics/addicts? If they lie, that reinforces the diagnosis.
Drug addicts and alcoholics are great manipulators. The “homeless vet” bit is one such routine.
"Sorry to bother anyone. I don't dance. I don't play the bongos. I'm a homeless veteran. I guess that doesn't mean much anymore. But if I were to do back flips maybe I'd get your attention . . . especially at my age that'd be miracle. But I did my time. So, if you could help out I would appreciate it. No. No song or dance from me. Again, sorry to bother anyone."
I've refused to give to that guy due to his tone. He shames his audience and knocks the performers in the subway who are providing entertainment, even if it's unwanted. No need for that. He should work on his pitch and stop berating his potential benefactors. Again, sorry to bother anyone.
Tzedakah (charity) delivers from death” Mishlei 10:2 I'm proof!
Fruit bearing trees are not cut down in time of war... Deuteronomy 20:19
Give, or choose your Ebola (strain)
I knew a man once who had been through Teen Challenge for alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and he told me once to NEVER give any money to the guys begging for it.
He told me that he knew them from the Rescue mission and they have that option. He knew they were drug addicts and alcoholics and that's the only thing they'd be using their money for.
No one is turned away from the Rescue Mission. The reason those guys don't avail themselves of it is because there is accountability and they don't want it.
And he also told me to NEVER feel guilty for not giving them the money.
Hearing it from someone like that was enough for me.
I give my money to the Rescue Mission. If those *homeless* people need food and shelter, they can find it there, like many others who have gone before them. It's there if they really want and really want to try. They don't.
FWIW, this man had turned his life around out of the drugs and alcohol, had a steady, full time job and was supporting a wonderful family.
2) We have a "homeless vet" that stands near a street corner where I live. As my wife and I were waiting for the light to change, we noticed him pulling out his cell phone and texting someone.
3) A professional pan handler was pulling in $125,000 a year in New York. One day a friend of my got a call from him and he explained that the IRS was auditing the luxury condo building where he was living. They wanted him to explain how he could be out of work, never paid a dime in income tax, and be living in such a fine building. My friend told him he better move to Canada.
There are many who are in need. I would suggest giving to a reputable charity who will make sure your money is spent wisely.
That being said, there is nothing that breaks my heart more then to see some 20+ year old begging for money. And, on rare occasions, I have been known to bend my rules.