Homeless. Another day you and me in paradise.

[biabia]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

 

[jaybird88]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

i think we should always give to those in need. and never talk about what you give. i always read about big companies making big donations to charities. these donations never seem to exceed what they are allotted for tax deductions lol. i dont think thats charity at all. and arranging a news story just shows they are seeking glory for themselves.
the stand by kits sound like a good idea. maybe you could add a toy or kids book for the single moms. where i live you can buy toys and kids books really cheap at yard sales and flea markets.
you sound like you have a good heart.

 

[Mitspa]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

I do sometimes give randomly on the street, but I like to work through local (Christian) drug recovery programs, and a local jail ministry I have. I kinda like to see some evidence that folks are wanting to seek a better life before I would go beyond giving food or trying to help with some shelter.

 

[Eva1218]

If your church has a ministry that helps the homeless or community you may find joy in joining, if it does not find a church that does and attend when they do outreach. It is wise to be with other Christians. As far as just speaking to someone in need ask GOD in silence what to do and to show you their heart. I do under the bridge ministry and if you decide to have some items you would like to pass out here are some things they are in need of: Love, Gospel, friendship, Bibles, notebooks, pen/pencils, baby wipes, toilet paper, blanket, socks, underwear, bras, deoderant, feminine products, tooth brush/paste, bottled water, soap, plasticware, clothing, comb, brush, list of churches, shelters, food pantries, pillows, hand towels, food, beverages, snacks and to be heard not judged.

I Thank GOD for placing it upon your heart to even consider.

Blessings!!!!!!!

 

[jogoldie]

All incrediable ideas before me........the local grocery store....(large chainstore)...gives our family bags and boxes
full of day old breads..... pies and other goodies....and we hand it out to the inner city neighborhood....
we have made friends with the neighbors and share Gods Word....the children come for the cupcakes...
I really think we get more out of it then the people we try to help........peace...jo

 

[atwhatcost]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

I live in Philadelphia, PA, so I've had to learn how to help the best I can. (We're not rich. We're not even middle-class.)

Usually when they ask, they get specific. ("Can you spare some change for a meal?" "My wife/son/daughter needs a prescription." "I came across country to see my mom. She lives in Atlantic City, and I only had enough to Philly." "Can I wash your windows for $10?" Um, that's people ringing my door bell, not people trying to wash my car windows. Car windows seem to cost "anything you can give.") So, if they go specific, offer the actual thing they want, instead of the money.

Take the person to a sandwich shop/doughnut shop/grocery store, if they want something to eat. Amazing things happen at that moment. First, it separates the scammers from the real people. (If it's a scammer looking for alcohol, suddenly they get annoyed. After all, lots of people have been giving them a little change and they're half way to a bottle, so taking them to get food just slows them down to get that bottle. Second, the ones truly wanting food aren't asking the world. They need something, and they've been dreaming of it for so long, it doesn't take them long to order, and it's usually such a small desire it doesn't cost too much money to give it to them. The young woman wanted a hoagie. (Ack, hoagie is a local term, and you're not even in the US, so I know you don't know it. If Subway sandwich shops have hit your country, it's one of those long roll sandwiches, lots of deli meat with lettuce, tomatoes, and raw onions on it. I was kind of surprise she didn't go for our local specialty -- the Philly cheesesteak, but hoagie is slightly healthier than a cheesesteak -- not really healthy at all, but at least it has vegetables, so she got fiber. lol) She also wanted a small bag of potato chips and a medium size soda. Didn't cost me more than $5.

The woman who wanted to go to the grocery store, was honest enough to tell us she wasn't really homeless. She's like us -- disabled -- but she never had good jobs before she was, so she gets the minimum from the government and is stuck with a sister who hates that she had to move in, because she doesn't contribute enough income. So, she wanted to get all the stuff either her sister wouldn't get for her or the stuff her sister would love to have too. (I forget which now.) She bought milk, cheese, bread, eggs and mayonnaise. We had to get a little pushy to convince her some meat for dinner was a good idea too. We let her get whatever she wanted, and it didn't cost more than $40 more. Truly amazing how well they know how to spend money and what they want.

And it does them good, because they usually say that most folks pass them by as if they weren't even there.

The guy who had to get a prescription, obviously didn't, because I asked to get the name of the pharmacy to find so I could charge it on my debit card. He was a bit dumbfounded, couldn't even come up with an alternate ending for his story, so grumbled and walked away.

The couple who cleaned our windows had hit a rough spot in life. They were living in their van, but darn if they didn't have a ladder to reach our windows. They did so well, I gave them $15. They liked us enough they came back a few times. I looked forward to them coming, not only because I can't do my own windows, but because every time they came they shared their lives. Ends up they found a more giving neighborhood, started painting trim on windows, (the neighborhood has brick houses, so no one needs their brick painted), rented a small apartment, grew their company, and now they have other people doing the work for them. Got incorporated and everything, so they're taxpayers now. Oh, and they make enough to go down the shore with their kids for vacation. lol

And the guy going to Atlantic City? I don't know if I got ripped off or not. I took $20 in case of emergencies when I was going for a Center City doctor's appointment, and the emergency hit! I was starving. lol (Not literally, but I hate when my stomach gurgles during a doctor's appointment.) So I bought a pastry and diet soda before going to the appointment. The pastry was too big to eat, so I figured I'd eat the rest on the way home, but ran into that guy instead. He said it cost $20 to go to Atlantic City, but I didn't have it to give. He also said he had been stuck in Philly for 2 days and no one would talk to him. So, I gave him the other half of the pastry and all the money I had left (except for $1, since that's what the bus cost to get home), and really made sure he understood the directions to my church six blocks away. It's a big church, so someone is always there, plus it has a homeless ministry run by an old friend of mine, and I knew my old friend would be able to tell if this was a con job or real, and if it was real, would get him to the bus station for the rest of his trip home that day.

Even if that was a con job, he was obviously grumpy about how many folks ignored him that day, so he got one friendly face and half a large pastry out of the deal, and a little money. Seems good to me. If it wasn't a con job, he'd also learn a little bit about God from an old friend of mine.

Just some tips on how to help those who need it, and, on an occasion, not waste money helping people wasting their lives.

 

[pwrnJC]

I manage a homeless shelter..but before that..I always had this inward 'pull' to turn around after passing a homeless person..or even a child's lemonade stand and give them what monies I had in my pocket. I am not bragging..it's just something that my inward spirit had to do. You have the passion, biabia...now..take it one step further...become involved as GOD leads you. THis has become my passion also and it has been the best job of my life!

 

[MikkoAinasoja]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

I think that you have a pretty good idea already what to give them, basic things what they need, and small money.

Someone suggested that give toys, and stuff like that, but that is not a good idea to lead the people's in to this western, toy and fairy tale culture.

I is more like a disease of our time.

But charity organisation it is also a one way share extra money to world, in basic thinks like food, medicines and clothing's. But it may be first good compare to those organisations and chose the most light costs, and otherwise proper.

And in true contact you should make with those, who seek the will of God, in honest heart.

 

[jaybird88]

I think that you have a pretty good idea already what to give them, basic things what they need, and small money.

Someone suggested that give toys, and stuff like that, but that is not a good idea to lead the people's in to this western, toy and fairy tale culture.

I is more like a disease of our time.

But charity organisation it is also a one way share extra money to world, in basic thinks like food, medicines and clothing's. But it may be first good compare to those organisations and chose the most light costs, and otherwise proper.

And in true contact you should make with those, who seek the will of God, in honest heart.

your probably right, when an innocent child is starving to death the last thing they need is a toy to take their mind off the hardship.

 

[bowharp]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

So practically, it sounds like you encounter these people whilst you are walking. Some suggestions (some obvious, some not so obvious):

Firstly, pray about it and give thanks to God.

Be safe. Be wise. Observe first, how they are and whether there people around you in case of danger.

I like your stand-by kit I recommend the following:

- Keep it compact. Maybe use the container to house the items and that it can be use for drinking/food container.

- Non-perishable food is a good idea. Obviously, give them something healthy and low G.I. Something that can last them. Also, don't provide them something high in salt (they become thirsty) or sugar. Try to think it as a survival kit. You want to make it last, non-perishable and nutritious as possible. Obviously, you won't give yourself junk unhealthy food, why give them also. Keep it healthy!

- I like the verse idea but it's best to laminate to something like something they use and won't throw out or go missing.

- It goes without saying, everything you buy or put in this kit, should have a purpose and reason. Don't make it fancy, a lot of homeless people actually fight over, bully and steal each other personal belongings. Sad, but true.

- I probably won't give them a contact number, as mentioned. Since, they probably won't be able to call/ring. Maybe a map and tell them the locations of things.

- Good to keep it personal and sincere. Write them a small letter, bible verse and encouraging letter for them.

- Sometimes, all they want to feel is be human, to acknowledge their existence, not treating like out-cast. So simply taking your time to talk, especially if they cross your path daily. Just spend 5 mins or so, this is probably the best give any body can give them. Giving your own time.

So an example of things you can put together:

- A non-flashy plastic, durable, light-weight container that is easy to carry. This can house all the things you can give to them in. This container can also provide a verse laminated or marked on it.

- A compact, industrial bag. One they can use to shelter themselves. I believe there's also those thermal blankets.

- Food that can be broken into pieces and ration. Something low GI, like peanut bar, not salty, sugary or junky food type.

- Fresh water bottle.

- A map to label all churches, charity/shelter organizations.

- Something to encouragement, bible verse/ words of Godly wisdom.

- Pray for them, then and there.

- You can provide them clothes but I guessing you are walking. So it has to be compact. You can always do a standby kit for your car or home.. I guess. Pray about it.

- Sometimes if you are going for lunch. You can bring them along.

With everything you do, pray, be wise, be street-wise and do it so only God can see it. Hope this helps somehow.

 

[MikkoAinasoja]

your probably right, when an innocent child is starving to death the last thing they need is a toy to take their mind off the hardship.

What the man need is the Messiah Joshia, and all kind of fairy tales are just for against the word of truth, like we may see today, when whole world has fall in the incontinence.

Very few can see this.

 

[bowharp]

What the man need is the Messiah Joshia, and all kind of fairy tales are just for against the word of truth, like we may see today, when whole world has fall in the incontinence.

Very few can see this.

Toys aren't just "fairy tales" for kids. There is scientific research to prove that kids learn by playing. That's how kids develop their cognitive ability through playing games, no matter how simple or complex the game. It improves their learning, language, fine motor skills and social skills.

However, I do understand where you are coming from. Toys in third world country can be 'considered' luxury, but they are also learning props for kids. Kids need to be kids, adults need to be adults. There are time for everything.

 

[Yet]

We give away free copies of a film titled Maddy. About the homeless. [email protected]

I Say God bless anyone who has a burden for the homeless. Feeding the street people coffee and rolls has its own blessing. You don't need to preach so much, just show that demonstration of caring love and God will anoint the situation in a beautiful way.
I learned not to hand out cash. Ask them if they're hungry then buy a burger and a coke for them. Many times they'll say 'never mind'.

That tells you they wanted the money for booze or drugs.

Train your ear to hear His leading on this. Then go out and into the highways and byways. Don't get discouraged if you hit a few brick walls. Like no one cares what you're doing. Stick to it and God will bless your efforts to touch the street folks.

You may have to go it alone. Church to busy with the 'cares of this world'. They're missing out.

Again, God bless you for having a caring heart, a burden for the lost and lonely.

 

[jaybird88]

What the man need is the Messiah Joshia, and all kind of fairy tales are just for against the word of truth, like we may see today, when whole world has fall in the incontinence.

Very few can see this.

sorry for sounding like a smarty pants in the other msg. i agree partly with what you said.giving kids more than what the want or need is no good, it teaches them to be self centered, greedy and in compassionate. but i have also seen kids that had nothing and kids whos toybox was the size of a shoebox yet they were happy to have those few toys. i see no harm in giving to the ones that truly have nothing.

 

[Yet]

sorry for sounding like a smarty pants in the other msg. i agree partly with what you said.giving kids more than what the want or need is no good, it teaches them to be self centered, greedy and in compassionate. but i have also seen kids that had nothing and kids whos toybox was the size of a shoebox yet they were happy to have those few toys. i see no harm in giving to the ones that truly have nothing.

I love the 'Little House on the Prairie' pilot movie. Laura and Marry got a tin cup and a bright new shiny penny for Christmas.
She said it was the best Christmas she ever had.(not arguing the paganism of Christmas here).

So if you give a little girl a doll and her joy is off the chart, would a hundred dolls increase her joy a hundred fold? Not so much. Overwhelming stress and selfishness would take root.

 

[mwc68]

I think that you have a pretty good idea already what to give them, basic things what they need, and small money.

Someone suggested that give toys, and stuff like that, but that is not a good idea to lead the people's in to this western, toy and fairy tale culture.

I is more like a disease of our time.

But charity organisation it is also a one way share extra money to world, in basic thinks like food, medicines and clothing's. But it may be first good compare to those organisations and chose the most light costs, and otherwise proper.

And in true contact you should make with those, who seek the will of God, in honest heart.

Toys are a disease? That's a new one

 

[mwc68]

What the man need is the Messiah Joshia, and all kind of fairy tales are just for against the word of truth, like we may see today, when whole world has fall in the incontinence.

Very few can see this.

Who is Joshia?

 

[seed_time_harvest]

I've been guilty sometimes of just walking away.

Some other days, I stop and wrestle with my heart and mind, and pray to God... and what already was taken me 5-10 mins walk away from the person, to then just come back and give them money/food..

I know some people will argue, that money wouldn't be the best because they might buy drugs but honestly, who are we to judge? How certain are we that they are not going to buy food? A bread or something to give them that energy to keep going.

Personally, I'm a shy person but recently I try and come out my shell for the person and just talk.

some days, i wish I was philanthropists and re-build their lives.

I know as a Christian we meant to provide more than the "basics in life" like food, shelter and clothes..and even social human contacts.. I know we are meant to provide the manna, God's word that never goes hungry or thirsty again.

As christians how to we become the salt and light of this world? How practically do this? Practically, how do we do this?

Any thoughts or practical ways? I was thinking of having a stand-by kits, one that has non-perishable food, small money, helpful contact numbers and a small bible and laminated verses... Does anybody have any other good suggestions or advices?

you seem like a very nice person but please don't Nash your teeth at me if I tell you that you can feed or give money to those in need which is something you should have compassion to do for them but it's the truth of the WORD of GOD that people need I don't mean in a preachy way because people can tell when you really care but everyone responds to love.

 

[atwhatcost]

you seem like a very nice person but please don't Nash your teeth at me if I tell you that you can feed or give money to those in need which is something you should have compassion to do for them but it's the truth of the WORD of GOD that people need I don't mean in a preachy way because people can tell when you really care but everyone responds to love.

God saved hubby in 1970 me in 1972.

In 2002-early 2004, we were flat broke headed toward losing our home. God we had. What we never got was help from Christians for the basics. Don't underestimate basic needs. We are the ones who are supposed to be providing them -- even long term. It's a sad state of affairs that the government does it now, because Christians don't.

 

[Willie-T]

Our church is heavily involved with this.... Family Promise of Pinellas County

It is a LOT of work, and requires the commitment of great amounts of time... but it is vitally necessary.